Reviews from:

Dark Wave radio / zine http://www.dark-wave.org
The definitive voice of underground metal

DARKSKY : Beyond Life (Self released, 28'46', 4 tracks, heavy-metal) : This
young band from Italy was born under the Deliverance banner but they changed the
band's name for another few times ago in 1998 for the actual name. After a first
demo released 3 years ago, the band unleashes a new act but this time it is a
mini CD. Recorded in Milano, the songs are influenced by the Italian scene such
Symphony X or Rhapsody with some progressive elements near of Dream Theater and
with Stratovarius touches giving more speed-metal ways. This CD is available
since few days and it seems it got many good reviews and I confirm this. The
band is looking for a deal so with this potential, they are on the good way...
(6,5/10) ; e-mail : darksky@darksky.it

ERYTROSY : Delight (Metal Age Productions, 26'35', 8 tracks, brutal death-metal)
: Cult band in their home country Slovakia, Erytrosy released a good debut CD
few times ago, I listened it and I was really by their technical / brutal
death-metal. Finally, the new material is unleashed and confirms the musical way
started in the past. Always brutal and technical death-metal influenced by the
old school scene and I think to Krabathor, Dementor with a more aggressive way
but also Morbid Angel and Incantation but the whole of the music stays true
death-metal. The Slovakian scene is one of the best in Eastern Europe and with
bands like Erytrosy, there are really good bands. True, brutal and technical
death-metal ! (7,5/10)

HYPOCRISY : 10 Years Of Chaos And Confusion (Nuclear Blast, double CD,
death-metal, release date : 30/07/2001) : For the anniversary (10 years) of the
cult Swedish band, Nuclear Blast releases this double CD, a compilation with the
best song of the band. All the tracks are taken from the CDs of the entire
discography with for the older a new sound and re-recorded this year. The best
thing is the second CD containing the original demos of the band released in
1991 and in 1992 and an unreleased song. A best of for the first CD but a
masterpiece about the second CD with cult and rare stuffs. (7/10)

JAG PANZER : Mechanized Warfare (Century Media, 54'20', 10 tracks, heavy-metal,
release date : 23/07/2001) : One year after their last full CD, Jag Panzer
decided to return to the Morrisound Records to record 10 brand new songs. The
result is this new CD and we can listen a little evolution that is to say first
of all, the compositions are more aggressive, more brutal and less melodic than
the songs of the previous release but secondly, it seems the band comes back in
its old roots due to a more powerful album, more aggressive as I said. A good
new CD for the American band, a come back in their old roots. (7/10)

KRISIUN : Ageless Venomous (Century Media, 42'56', 10 tracks, brutal
death-metal) : With their 3 previous CDs, Krisiun established their name in
Brazil and it is sure, they became the most important death-metal band from this
country. Century Media is proud to present the new materials from the band and
once again what album ! More brutal, more aggressive, more technical but always
Krisiun music ! This time, the band decided to record this new effort in Brazil
but the production is really killer and maybe they did this choice to stay in
their own roots. A great new CD, no evolution even if we feel more aggressive
and more brutal songs but the whole of the CD stays in the own Krisiun way. A
great new CD ! (8,5/10)

LOST IN TWILIGHT : Planeteer (Sound Riot Productions, 24'32', 4 tracks, gothic
metal) : This band from Finland is born 7 years ago but with Sound Riot, they
find their first real deal. In 1998 and 1999, they released a self financed CD
and a demo and this time a new mini CD is unleashed and I think it is the
beginning of their acclaimed music. I discover Lost In Twilight with this mini
CD but I am really surprise by the quality of the songs. The musical way is
between Moonspell (“Irreligious”), orchestral metal and melodic gothic with some
Amorphis touches. The whole of the music is influenced by Moonspell and we feel
the same tempo but it is also more symphonic and less black-metal if I can say.
A great mini CD, don't hesitate one second to discover Lost In Twilight. (9/10)

VEHEMENCE : The Thoughts From Which I Hide (Self released, 49'31', 8 tracks,
death-metal) : Vehemence is a well known band in their country USA and Metal
Blade is working with them for their new full CD. I got the CD by the members a
couple of days ago but it is released few times ago, since 2000 and it is a
pleasure to discover this young band. Death-metal from USA is the rules for them
and we feel influences of bands such Suffocation, Incantation, Cannibal Corpse
or Immolation. As you can imagine, the music is really influenced by the
American death-metal scene but we feel something in more giving originality to
the compositions. For the fans of the death-metal from USA, you could listen all
bands in one. (7/10) ; e-mail : dethofme@hotmail.com

DARKSKY : Shadows (Self released, 27'07', 4 tracks, heavy-metal) : Before to
release their last mini CD reviewed in this page, Darksky released a first demo
under the mini CD format in 1998. The 4 tracks composing this mini CD are really
more melodic than the new materials. We feel also the same influences that is to
say influences of Stratovarius, Symphony X but we feel also more Dream Theater
touches in the whole of the compositions. A good debut mini CD that was
acclaimed by the worldwide press. (6/10) ; e-mail : darksky@darksky.it

DEICIDE : In Torment In Hell (Roadrunner, 31'02', 8 tracks, brutal death-metal)
: Deicide didn't know a great success with their previous album but I consider
this album was a good release, a come back in their old roots with less
aggressive and more technical songs. I was really satisfied by it. Finally, the
American band presents its new materials, true Deicide death-metal compositions.
The sound is less old in comparison with the last album (always recorded at the
Morrisound Studios) and the compositions are also more brutal, aggressive and
more technical with really killer guitars riffs. The whole of the CD is once
again a pure music from Deicide but they continue their musical way and aren't
back in their old roots. A great new CD once again and as always, they release
the perfect death-metal album. (9/10)

MORGAIN : Sad Memories Of Fairies (Metal Age Productions, 60'23', 13 tracks,
gothic / doom) : I don't know or more precisely, I didn't know Morgain and I
discover the band with this new release, their fourth full album. Music from
Slovakia is often extreme death-metal but this time, we have another musical
view, the doom / gothic from Slovakia. The influences of the band are mainly
Lacrimosa 'cause we feel the same tempo but the vocals are really different.
Morgain uses also some female vocals giving more symphonies, more atmospheres to
the compositions. It is a good new CD but I find the sound is too artificial but
for the rest it is a good band and a new direction for Slovakia. (6/10)

MYSTICA : Blinded By My Blood (Painkiller Records, 35'04', 8 tracks, black /
death-metal) : Ancient Rites and Enthroned founded the black-metal scene from
Belgium and with bands as Mystica, we can wait really interesting acts. Mystica
is born in 1999 by ex-members of underground bands from Belgium and after a
first demo released in 2000, Painkiller decides to release the first full CD.
The musical way is between death and black-metal and we can notice influences of
bands such Immortal with more heavy-metal and thrash influences. An excellent
production and sound done by Xavier Clarion (Channel Zero) and mastered by Attie
Bauw (Halford, Gorefest...) give to their CD a good impression. It is a great
debut CD, they must continue like this and they could obtain the same success
than Ancient Rites and Enthroned, no doubt. (8,5/10)

OCCULT : Violence And Hatred (Painkiller Records, 08'10', 2 tracks, death-metal)
: It was a surprise when I learnt the end of the deal for the Dutch band with
Massacre Records and it was also another surprise to see the arrival of Occult
in the Painkiller ranks. I think it is a good thing even if Painkiller is again
a small label 'cause Occult will have a great support. Before to release their
new full and fourth album, Painkiller releases this new mini CD. Only 2 songs
but we can see the new musical direction of the band. The compositions are less
melodic and more brutal, aggressive. In the same way, we feel always the same
feeling, the same approach but it is sure, the new material is and will be the
best from the band. We are waiting the new full CD and I think it will be once
again a masterpiece from Occult. (7,5/10)

THE DAMNED : Grave Disorder (Nitro Records, 57'42', 13 tracks, punk / hardcore,
release date : 21/08/2001) : The Damned is one of the best bands from the punk
scene but also one of the older bands from this scene 'cause the band was formed
in the seventies in England and as the Sex Pistols, they were considered as a
legendary band and many commercial bands as The Offspring or Nirvana are
influenced by The Damned. Nitro releases the new effort of the band featuring
the original members and Patricia Morrison from Sisters Of Mercy and Gun Club.
The new materials are really influenced by the old English scene but with some
American elements and it gives a great new CD. More experimental and more
influenced by the pop music, The Damned has always brought its view to the
English scene and with this new effort, they continue their rules ! (8,5/10)

DREAM DISCIPLES : Asphyxia (Self released, 47'49', 10 tracks, gothic /
industrial with pop influences) : Dream Disciples is an established band in
their country England since many years. In fact, the project was formed in 1990
and they did extensive tours in Europe but also in USA. This new release is the
fifth CD from the band and personally, even if I didn't know the band and their
music, it is a good CD. The influences are between gothic, industrial and pop
music. Just listen the vocals and you could see they are really diversified,
sometimes near of Nine Inch Nails and sometimes near of The Cure or U2. About
the music, it stays gothic music with some industrial touches in the tempo
'cause the band uses drums programming and experimental things. A good new CD,
maybe some songs are really catchy but as I said it is an established band in
England, so don't hesitate to support them. (6,5/10)

EPOCH OF UNLIGHT : Caught In The Unlight (The End Records, 43'02', 11 tracks,
black-metal with death-metal influences) : After a successful first CD, the
American band is back with 11 brand new songs forming this new CD. For those who
support the band, you'll find all the elements of the band that is to say a
black-metal way with death-metal touches and the result is influenced by Dark
Tranquillity, In Flames but with more aggressive and brutal compositions. A
better sound and a better production due to the production of Keith Falgout
(Cephalic Carnage, Crowbar...), you won't be disappointed by this new CD.
Between Dark Tranquillity and black-metal with great melodies, Epoch Of Unlight
releases here a good new CD. (7/10)

EVEN SONG : Mysterium (Displeased Records, 35'32', 6 tracks, doom-metal, release
date : 10/08/2000) : I consider Even Song as the best doom-metal band from
Hungary and with Sear Bliss, they are more generally the best metal band from
this country. Their first CD released in 1999 was a great success.
Unfortunately, I didn't listen their second CD but I heard it was more
atmospheric and more diversified than the previous act. The new and third
full-length album is now unleashed and once again, the band proposes an
excellent CD. Always doom music influenced by symphonic parts and classical
music, the new material is really more atmospheric, more technical with great
guitars riffs and guitars solos but the new compositions are also more mature
and we feel all the potential of the band. It is not Theatre Of Tragedy or
Orphanage even if we can feel some little touches and Even Song has its own step
! A great new CD ! (8,5/10)

GOREROTTED : Mutilated In Minutes (Dead Again Records, 36'12', 9 tracks, brutal
death-metal / grind) : Young band from England, Gorerotted has the ambition to
become the most brutal band from this country. It is sure, for the moment, there
are good bands from England but the brutal bands don't play the same brutal
death-metal as in the past with Napalm Death or Carcass. Gorerotted wants to
give a new notoriety to this scene like in the past and after a great demo (now
sold out), the band signed with Dead Again Records that releases the debut album
of the band. Brutal, sickness and grind / death-metal for this first release and
I can tell you this album is really interesting. It mixes Cannibal Corpse, old
Carcass and Cryptopsy but with the English feeling. Brutal and brutal, the
compositions show a big technicality mainly in the guitars riffs and the
production is really good. I like this kind of music and for those who are as,
just one thing, buy this excellent release. (8!
,5/10)

HOODS : Time : The Destroyer (Victory Records, 29'38', 12 tracks, hardcore) :
Hoods is one of the new promising bands signed by Victory and when I listen
their fifth full CD, I am surprise about it. Hoods is born in 1995 and they
released 4 albums in the past in more of their participation for compilations.
Hoods is composed by the famous Mike Hood who did many things for the
Sacramento's scene and it is a hero from this scene. Victory decides to sign the
band from Sacramento and releases their new CD. 12 tracks of pure metal /
hardcore influenced by the label mate Hatebreeed but with more metal influences.
Brutal and aggressive compositions for an excellent feeling and once again,
Victory supports a great band. I like Hoods and for those who like metal /
hardcore music, you'll like this new release from Hoods. (8/10)

HUSH : II (Frontiers Records, 48'22', 10 tracks, melodic heavy-metal) : We know
that Frontiers Records is specialised in this kind of music that is to say
melodic heavy-metal influenced by the 80's and with this new band, they confirm
their point of view. In fact, Hush is born a couple of years ago in Norway but
they played during several times under the Headstone banner. After the leaving
of the first singer and the coming of a new vocalist, the band changed its name
for Hush and they started to compose new materials. This second CD from Hush is
a good album, influenced by he 80's music and the melodic heavy-metal but we
feel interesting things such the tempo and the excellent vocals. For the rest,
you could feel influences of Foreigner or Van Halen and bands like this. The
Norway has a new face with this band and this country doesn't propose only
black-metal bands. (6/10)

NIGHTSIDE : The End Of Christianity (Sound Riot Records, 45'06', 12 tracks,
black-metal) : Nightside is a young band from Finland born in 1996. They knew a
good past before to sign with the label from Portugal 'cause they released one
demo tape in 1997 and one EP in 1999 and with these releases they received
several good reactions and they got a deal with Sound Riot. The new full CD and
first album of the band is released and it proposes 7 brand new songs and the
demo released in 1997. 12 tracks of pure and Finnish black-metal, not influenced
by Thy Serpent or Children Of Bodom even if we feel some elements in this way,
Nightside is more influenced by bands as ...And Oceans or Alghazanth for the
music with typical black-metal vocals. We feel the band comes from Finland by
the sound and the songs structures and I think with this first CD, they found
their identity. An interesting debut CD, they must continue in this way and
confirming with the next full CD. (6,5/10)

SAVIOUR MACHINE : Synopsis (Massacre Records, 61'11', 11 tracks, epic and
progressive heavy-metal) : Before to release the new effort from the band in few
weeks, Massacre Records releases this compilation for this band playing epic and
progressive heavy-metal. 11 tracks taken from the different releases of the
Saviour Machine discography and we can see the real evolution of the band during
the ages. All the materials are remixed and have a new sound and the booklet
presents notes about the songs of this CD written by Eric Clayton (vocals). It
is just a CD to discover the band, for those who have the full discography, it
isn't necessary to get this CD but those who want to know more about Saviour
Machine, you will have all the band's history with it. (6,5/10)

STAN BUSH : Language Of The Heart (Frontiers Records, 41'57', 10 tracks, hard /
heavy-metal) : This famous guy from the 80's is back with his solo project. It
is no necessary to present you Stan Bush who played and participated in many and
famous bands such Alice Cooper, House Of Lords or Quiet Riot. This new full
album, the fourth album for Stan Bush and the true next step after the last CD
released in 1998, shows great things. First of all, the sound is better, more
diversified and the instruments are “cleaner”. Featuring Don Kirkpatrick (Rod
Steward...), Tom Walsh (Tina Turner, Joe Cocker...), Stan proves once again he
is a great musician. Melodic and influenced by the eighties scene, Frontiers
Records released once again a solo project of a famous guy and always with a
great quality. (8/10)

VICTIMS OF SOCIETY : Screaming Alone (Daybreak Records, 32'10', 15 tracks,
aggressive hardcore) : Again a young band from Belgium that proves the scene
from this country is really interesting. Victims Of Society releases this new CD
with the collaboration and support of Daybreak Records from Belgium but I don't
know if it is the first CD of the band. The musical way is really aggressive,
sometimes heavier but sometimes really brutal, near of the Dillinger Escape Plan
but with more hardcore steps of course 'cause Victims Of Society is a hardcore
band. I think to describe the music played by the band I could say it is
somewhere between The Dillinger Escape Plan (for the aggressiveness), Snapcase
and Integrity. A good CD. (7/10)

VIRGIN BLACK : Sombre Romantic (Massacre Records, 44'27', 10 tracks, gothic
music) : Have you already listened a gothic band from Australia ? Me, yes but
one or 2 times only. Virgin Black comes from Adelaide and after a great EP
acclaimed in the worldwide press, Massacre Records signed the band. With Evereve
and now Virgin Black, the German label seems to be more and more interested by
the gothic scene. Debut release for this new act and the first thing that I can
say is the sound is really excellent, heavier, diversified and it is sure, it
gives to the compositions great aspects and if you prefer, I think without this
production, this album won't have been like this. About the musical way, it is
gothic music with classical influences and with some vocals 'cause the whole of
the compositions are without vocals but we can find some of them on such tracks
(gothic, extreme and black-metal vocals). To conclude, I would say Virgin Black
is near of Dargaard but with a less atmosph!
eric step and with more aggressive and gothic compositions. (7,5/10)

2TON PREDATOR : Boogie (Diehard Music Worldwide, 48'03', 12 tracks, power-metal,
release date : 13/08/2001) : 2 years ago, the band from Sweden released a great
debut album between Pantera, Crowbar, Down and Machine Head and I waited this
new release that confirms my view about the first CD. The musical way is the
same, always influenced mainly by Pantera and by others power-metal bands but
the new material is better and we feel a progression in the technicality and it
is a natural progression since the first CD. No evolution, always power-meal
music, maybe sometimes really influenced by USA's music but it is great to have
bands as 2Ton Predator in Europe. (8/10)

AURORA BOREALIS : Northern Lights (Diehard Music Worldwide, 55'58', 13 tracks,
black / death, release date : 31/09/2001) : Band formed in 1994 that released 2
albums and one mini CD in the past, Aurora Borealis is formed by 2 members, Ron
the leader and Derik (drums) who worked with Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation
and Nile. Diehard signed the band and for the European market, before to release
the new CD, the Danish label released the third effort from the band with 5
bonus songs. The musical way is between death and black-metal and we feel the
black-metal influences in the vocals and in the songs that are really
aggressive. I could compare the musical way to the old ages of Ancient Rites and
Rotting Christ, we feel some elements that are in the same way (ex : atmospheres
and the songs structure). Those who have this CD, I think it isn't necessary to
buy it even if there are 5 bonus songs, for others, I think the Rotting Christ
and Ancient Rites fans should be interested. !
(6/10)

AUTOPSY : Ridden With Disease (Necroharmonic Production, 33'14', 12 tracks,
death-metal) : Autopsy is dead and without any doubt, it was one of the more
important death-metal acts in the middle of the 90's. The small label from USA
releases a new CD from this cult band but it isn't a new full-length album. In
fact, this CD contains the 2 demos released in 1987 and 1988 and live songs
recorded in Germany in 1990. It is sure, it isn't the best materials from the
band, the sound isn't really great but it is a due for all the Autopsy fans
'cause with these materials they created their own musical way, their own
death-metal music. (6/10)

DARKEST HOUR : So Sedated, So Secure (Victory Records, 39'15', 8 tracks,
hardcore death-metal influences) : Without doubt, Darkest Hour from Washington
is the death-metal band signed by Victory. Darkest Hour released a first CD in
1999 but they knew problems with the label 'cause their previous structure
stopped its activities few times after. Finally, Victory signed the band and
releases the second effort. When I say this release is death-metal, you can
believe me 'cause, even if the band is playing hardcore music, they use a lot of
Swedish death-metal influences and you could believe to listen At The Gates or
In Flames with a more hardcore step. The vocals are typically hardcore but the
guitars riffs are influenced by the European scene and the death-metal scene but
also by the heavy-metal scene (Judas Priest). It is unusual to have bands like
Darkest Hour, which are influenced by the Swedish death-metal scene and mixed
this with hardcore music, but it is a great idea and !
they reach to join 2 different musical styles. A great CD, for the death-metal
fans but also for sure, for the hardcore fans. (9/10)

GODLESS WICKED CREEPS : Smile ! (Lucky Seven, 38'56', 14 tracks, punk, release
date : 01/08/2001) : Cult band from Denmark (Aarhus), Godless Wicked Creeps was
formed in 1993 and released several CDs on Germany's Crazy Love Records.
Finally, the band took another way and chose to sign with Lucky Seven (the
Diehard's subdivision that released only punk music). This new release is the
fourth album of the band and Godless Wicked Creeps presents new materials that
are really influenced by the old punk-music. Old punk music with jazzy and
groovy sounds but any commercial steps as many bands from USA, “Smile” was
recorded by Tommy Hansen who produces also Helloween. A good CD, true punk
attitude with any commercial purposes. (7/10)

INFURIATED : Silent Scream (Daybreak Records, 31'09', 11 tracks, hardcore) : The
hardcore scene from Belgium is one of the more interesting in Europe but the
problem is it stays underground but is more and more important. With label such
RPP or Daybreak Records, bands have a great support to export their music.
Infuriated comes from this country but I don't know the past of the band, I
don't know when the band was formed and what was the activity in the past. With
this CD, Infuriated releases a full hardcore album with some melodic parts
(mainly in the vocals). I could compare the musical way to the American scene,
between Hatebreed, Integrity and Snapcase sometimes. A good CD for this band.
(6,5/10)

LOSS : Verdict Of Posterity (Scarlet, 34'31', 8 tracks, death-metal) : Loss is
one of the new bands signed by Scarlet and it seems it is announced as a great
band. After a demo that was voted demo of the year in 2000 by Close-Up, Loss
started to write new materials and got a deal with Scarlet. Imagine old
death-metal from Sweden that is to say the death-metal founded by Dismember,
carnage, Entombed and Grave. Loss doesn't record at the Sunlight but they prefer
to use their own studio and even if it is their studio, the sound is really
great, fast, brutal and aggressive. A good debut album, the death-metal of early
90's is always here. (6,5/10)

NAGELFAR : Virus West (Ars Metalli, 62'04', 8 tracks, black-metal) : Nagelfar
is, like Lunar Aurora, one of the more important bands from Germany and Ars
Metalli signed this act as the previous. New album for the band and once again,
Nagelfar proves its potential. Stronger, heavier and more aggressive
compositions to describe the new materials but always with the great production
Stage One Studio 'cause Andy Classen recorded the album. For those who know the
German act, this new album is in their own vein, extreme black-metal but the
songs are really more technical and we feel the full maturity. A great
black-metal CD, without keyboards and only brutal black-metal, a must ! (9/10)

NO INNOCENT VICTIM : Tipping The Scales (Victory Records, 22'23', 11 tracks,
hardcore) : It was a long time we hadn't any news from No Innocent Victim but
finally, the band is back with a new full album. To be honest, the fans waited
this album and they won't be disappointed by this new effort. All the elements
of the previous albums are in this CD : powerful and heavy compositions,
aggressive vocals and sometimes mid-tempo guitars riffs. It is sure, with this
new CD, the band from San Diego stays a legendary and even if the new materials
don't present a big evolution, all the elements of the band are here and better.
A good new CD. (7,5/10)

NOKTURNAL MORTUM : Lunar Poetry (The End Records, 57'14', 10 tracks,
black-metal) : With this album released in 1996, the band from Ukraine founded
its personality and found its way. Originally released as a tape, the American
label The End Records re-released it on CD. All the songs are here (with a
Celtic Frost cover song) and you have in more a bonus song and “The Return Of
The Vampire Lord” material. This old materials show really another vision in
comparison with the new CDs, in fact, the music is black-metal influenced by the
Norwegian style (Emperor...) but the old compositions develop more folk and
symphonic stuffs. The original roots of the band now on CD, a great idea to
reissue these materials. (7,5/10)

THRONEAEON : Neither Of Gods (Hammerheart Records, 41'50', 12 tracks,
death-metal) : Is the death-metal from Sweden has a new face ? We can think this
'cause several bands understand they won't have the success with the Swedish
death-metal like In Flames or as Soilwork and Throneaeon is one the first bands
to understand this thing. The band was formed in 1991 but the band was
officially unleashed in 1994. During these years, the band plays many shows with
famous bands (Dark Funeral, Napalm Death...). 2 demo tapes and the band got a
deal from Hammerheart. The first CD is now released and as you could be
understand, it isn't a Swedish death-metal CD, no. The Swedish act plays brutal
death-metal influenced by the American scene and we feel the same attitude than
Deicide with Morbid Angel influences. Many persons compare it to the Swedish
Deicide and I think this comparison is great. The vocals, the guitars riffs and
the atmospheres are in the same way than the American band. O!
nly the production enables to say Throneaeon is a Swedish band (the CD was
recorded at the Underground Studio). A good debut CD, near of Deicide of course
but it is a good death-metal music. (7,5/10)

TRESORE : Unfold (Daybreak Records, 22'53', 8 tracks, hardcore) : Tresore is a
young band from Holland and I presume, but I am not sure, it is their first full
CD. If you listen the firsts seconds, by the riffs, you could believe to listen
Metallica that plays hardcore music 'cause the guitars riffs is in the same way.
Naturally, it is only for few seconds 'cause after, you change your point of
view, it is a full hardcore CD without Metallica touches or influences, these
influences are only at the beginning of the CD. The musical way is influenced by
the American scene and we feel some Agnostic Front, Snapcase and Hatebreed
touches. It stays a good album for this underground band, the compositions
aren't really original but there is a good technicality. (5,5/10)

WOMB / DISCIPLES OF MOCKERY : Split CD (Nercoharmonic Production, 41'03', 8
tracks, death-metal) : Both bands that form this split CD have the same roots
'cause they are formed by ex-Incantation members. Womb recorded a demo in the
past but it was never released and they decided to create a new project in 1998
called Disciples Of Mockery. With this other band, they released a promo CD that
was sold out few times after. This split CD, in fact, proposes the Womb demo and
the promo CD from Disciples Of Mockery. Both bands play the same musical way,
death-metal music, sometimes aggressive and sometimes heavier. For those who are
searching about the materials and projects created by the Incantation members, a
new one for you. (6/10)

20 ANOS DE TARANTULA TRIBUTO (Recital Records, double CD, 32 tracks,
heavy-metal) : Tarantula is the best heavy-metal band from Portugal and during
the different ages of the band since 20 years, Tarantula released 6 albums and
mainly 2 great CD, Dream Maker (the last album in date) and Light Beyond The
Dark. Recital Records decided to unleash a compilation to the memory of this
excellent band. Divided into 2 CDs, each CD contains bands that played Tarantula
tracks and it is composed only by Portuguese bands. You'll listen cover songs
played by the best bands from this country oratory, Evidence or Sacred Sin and
songs played by some unknown bands (Ifyouarealone....). A good compilation for
this excellent band, the best heavy-metal band from Portugal and you have the
chance to discover really interesting bands from Portugal with this tribute CD.
(7/10)

AGATHODAIMON : Chapter III (Nuclear Blast, 42'54', 9 tracks, gothic /
black-metal, release date : 11/2001) : Many persons consider Agathodaimon as the
most original black-metal band from Germany and it is sure, their black / gothic
music is really excellent ! The debut CD was a great debut album but I was a
little bit disappointed by their second effort Higher Art Of Rebellion.
Agathodaimon is back with its third full CD and I can feel the band releases a
great new CD and I can consider they confirm their maturity about the first full
CD. Always between gothic and black-metal, the new compositions are really more
aggressive, stronger but also more atmospheric by passages. Excellent new CD, it
is the continuity of the first and the second album but we feel a great
progression and you can be sure, Agathodaimon has now its full maturity !
(8,5/10)

BLOOD DUSTER : Cunt (Relapse Records, 36'24', 19 tracks, grind / death-metal,
release date : 12/11/2001) : Australia proposes some good extreme bands
(Abominator...) but the true death / grind masterpiece from this country is
Blood Duster. The band is a legend in Oceania and in USA and they toured with
Carcass or Brutal Truth, so you can understand the respect due to the band. 4
years after their last studio album, Blood Duster is back and it is a pleasure
to see the coming of the original members in the line up. Due to this come back,
Blood Duster is maybe less grind than before and more rock / stoner 'cause you
mist know Blood Duster played at the debut of the band a grind music influenced
by Carcass and napalm Death mixed with 70's rock influences. Today, the grind
roots are always here but you can listen some stoner touches (Bigfatarse) or
rock influences. A great new CD, original music way and even if the musical
style is basically grind / death, the several influences !
give another vision the Blood Duster compositions. (7,5/10)

BOLT THROWER : Honour - Valour - Pride (Metal Blade, 45'37', 9 tracks,
death-metal, release date : 11/2001) : The new CD from Bolt Thrower is announced
since many months but it was delayed due to some problems. Finally, the English
band is back and I don't know it we could hope a such album due to this delay. I
hoped a great new CD but I am a little bit disappointed by this new release. The
sound isn't really good, a lack of powerful and maybe too underground. For the
rest, Bolt Thrower continues in the same way of Mercenary that is to say death /
war-metal that they created with Benediction in the 90's. No evolution for
Honour - Valour - Pride and even if this new CD is a good album, I am a little
bit disappointed 'cause I waited a better album. Only a simple death-metal album
for Bolt Thrower. (6,5/10)

BURNING POINT : Salvation By Fire (Limb Music Products, 50'52', 10 tracks,
heavy-metal) : New band signed by LMP or more precisely, the German label got
the licence to release the CD, Burning Point comes from Finland and the problem
is the band is too influenced by the Finnish scene. It is sure, when you listen
the music, you think to Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica but Burning Point
develops some personal touches by mid tempo passages and epic influences. There
are good things in this debut CD but Burning Point is a little bit too
influenced by the scene from Finland, maybe the second effort will be more
diversified. (6,5/10)

DEEDS OF FLESH : Mark Of The Legion (Unique Leader Entertainment , 41'41', 9
tracks, brutal death-metal) : Deeds Of Flesh is for me one of the best
death-metal bands from USA for several reasons. First of all, they are a cult
band due to the quality of their releases but secondly they haven't a rock start
attitude and even if they didn't choose to be signed by a big label, they have
the technicality and the statute to be signed by the most important labels in
the world. A new CD is always an event and once again, Deeds Of Flesh releases a
true death-metal masterpiece. Always brutal death-metal, always extreme and
crushing guitars riffs, the 9 tracks are a blast for all the death-metal scene.
A great new CD, heavier than the previous albums but always extreme, aggressive
and really excellent ! (9/10)

DEVILYN : Artefact (Blackend, 35'38', 11 tracks, death-metal) : Reborn In pain
and Anger, the 2 releases of the Polish band, were great surprises and Devilyn
decided to leave Listenable Records to join the Blackend's ranks. 2 years after
Reborn In Pain, Devilyn unleashes their new full CD and an excellent third CD.
Always influenced by the American death-metal (Morbid Angel), the compositions
are more aggressive, more technical but the vocals are also a little bit
different and more influenced by Deranged. The whole of the CD stays a brutal
death-metal album but Devilyn develops some heavier passages and really
technical arrangements with a killer double drum bass ! A great death-metal new
CD, maybe not really original, it is really influenced by the death-metal from
USA but really technical and interesting ! (8/10)

DIACHRONIA : XX's Decline (Great White Noise Records, 39'10', 9 tracks,
black-metal) : Poland's scene know a great revolution about the extreme music
'cause after the death-metal with Vader and younger bands such Decapitated or
Yattering, many black-metal bands come from this scene. Of course, you have the
cult Behemoth, the best black-metal act from this country, but you have also
young band and Diachronia is one the new bands coming from this scene.
Black-metal music with death-metal touches is the musical way chose by the band.
Diachronia is born in 1993 but it is only with this album that we can discover
them 'cause their first full CD was only released to 200 copies. With this new
deal, you can wait for sure a better support for them and it is really
justified. Influenced by Emperor (IX Equilibrium), XX's Decline uses also some
Slayer and Cradle Of Filth touches (Saviour). The result is a good black-metal
CD influenced by Emperor but more diversified 'cause the band us!
es also other influences. (7,5/10)

MIDNIGHT SUN : Metalmachine (Limb Music Products, 45'59', 10 tracks,
heavy-metal) : Midnight Sun is one of the new bands signed by the German label
Limb Music Products but personally, I don't find their debut professional CD as
a great CD. I don't know their musical way is a kind of heavy-metal music near
of Rhapsody but without heroic fantasy touches and only with true metal
influences and with influences such Helloween. The compositions are maybe
original with catchy passages but personally, I don't find an interest to this
CD. Just a heavy-metal CD. (5/10)

PAGANIZER : Promoting Total Death (Forever Underground Records, 30'12', 9
tracks, death / thrash) : Pagaziner releases a good debut CD in 1999 entitled
Deadbanger but they knew some problems since this date 'cause their previous
label Psychic Scream should release this new album but due to the delay,
Pagaziner decided to join Forever Underground that releases the new album. If
you like the hell-metal that is to say the music played by Bewitched or
Witchery, you will be interested by Pagaziner 'cause the Swedish band plays a
musical way near of these bands but with a little Meshuggah touch. A good new
CD, hell-metal as I said and for me, I am satisfied by the musical played by the
band, it is a good CD... (6,5/10)

RITUAL : Panta Rhei (Self released, demo tape, 13 tracks, atmospheric
death-metal) : Young band from Czech Republic, Ritual releases a new demo stuff.
I don't know the musical past of the band but this new demo deals with
atmospheric and death-metal music. With symphonic parts and original instruments
such keyboards to create arrangements, the 13 songs are really good ! About the
influences, it is hard to give you some bands 'cause the band plays original
music and it is really difficult to give you some bands near of Ritual.
Death-metal music with atmospheric influences for those who like... (6,5/10) ;
e-mail : j.vala@centrum.cz

SCENE KILLER : Scene Killer (Meteorcity, 61'57', 13 tracks, stoner) : If you
don't know Meteorcity from USA, I think you should discover this label 'cause it
is for me the best label in the world about the stoner music. Once again, the
American label releases a great new CD and this new band is Scene Killer. Scene
Killer is born of the project of the members of famous bands (Monster Magnet,
Solarized, Solace...) and I must consider it is a great project. It is sure, all
the compositions have the same feeling than the other bands that is to say, we
feel each influence of the members and it is a mix between the several bands but
Scene Killer releases an excellent debut album I must say ! All the fans of the
stoner music must discover this new excellent album ! (9/10)

SHADEWORKS : Sooty Limbs (Self released, 19'00', 4 tracks, atmospheric gothic /
doom) : Shadeworks is a young band from Belgium but the particularity of this
band is it is formed by only one member Arnaud Nicolas and he does all the music
and compositions about this mini CD. He is helped by a woman about the female
vocals 'cause Shadeworks uses female vocals but for the rest, it is the musical
vision and the compositions of one person. The musical way is between
atmospheric gothic and doom-metal and the compositions (Sooty Limbs, Terra) are
influenced by Anathema (new ages) but also with My Dying Bride touches. Not only
influenced by these bands, Shadeworks develops also some personal touches with
female vocals of course but also with mid tempo riffs and drums. The whole of
the music is influenced by the British scene but the songs are really
diversified with personal touches and the result is a great mini CD, really
atmospheric. (8,5/10) ; e-mail : anicolas777@lycos.com

SOLARIZED : Driven (Meteorcity, 40'05', 12 tracks, stoner) : Few days ago,
Meteorcity released a new project Scene Killer featuring members of Monster
Magnet and Solarized. So, it seems Solarized is really busy these last times
'cause after this side project, Solarized releases their new and second album.
Do you remember the great debut CD Neanderthal Speedway unleashed in 1999 and
becoming a true stoner masterpiece ? This time, the second album is out and the
band continues in their stoner music but we can feel more rock and glam
influences and we can listen less Kyuss and Fu Manchu influences. A great new
CD, Solarized releases a killer stoner album, always influenced by the masters
(Kyuss...) but really more personal and more professional. (8/10)

SUMMONING : Let The Mortal heroes Sing Your Fame (Napalm Records, 56'34', 8
tracks, Celtic black-metal) : I was wondering to listen the new CD of the cult
band from Austria and once again, Summoning releases an excellent CD, a cult
masterpiece. Stronghold was a little bit different in comparison with the
previous albums 'cause it developed more epic touches. With this new full album,
Summoning releases a mix between Stronghold and Dol Guldur and you fell this
crossover between both albums in the compositions (The Mountain King's
Return...). All the songs have the Summoning step with their own Celtic
influences and original black-metal vision. A great new CD and Summoning proves
they are one of the most original bands of the black-metal scene. Don't miss
this excellent new release from the Celtic black-metal band... (9/10)

THE BLUE SEASON : Secede (Greyfall, 37'59', 7 tracks, gothic metal) : In 1998, 3
guys founded a project entitled The Blue Season and their idea was to create
emotional, atmospheric and gothic music. Few times after, 3 new members joined
the band (mainly a girl for the vocals) and The Blue Season recorded its debut
demo. After some changes in the original line-up and live performances, the band
entered in studio with Roman Schonsee (The Dreamside, Pyogenesis...) to recorded
this debut full CD. This first full effort plays gothic music with pop and rock
influences and we can feel influences of Theatre Of Tragedy about the female
vocals and influences of pop and rock music such Depeche Mode about the music.
Between gothic and pop / rock music, it is a great debut CD with full of
melodies and atmospheres. (7,5/10)

WAYLANDER : The Light The Dark And The Endless Knot (Blackend, 58'27', 8 tracks,
pagan-metal) : Since their promising debut CD released in 1998 by Century Media
and entitled Reawakening Pride Once Lost, the band from Ireland knew serious
problems. First of all, they left Century Media 'cause the label didn't pay a
tour for them and secondly, they got a new deal with Ars Metalli but the German
label decided to let the band to sign with another label to release their second
effort. Finally, Blackend signed the band and releases this second full CD. New
CD playing always pagan-metal with more death-metal influences but always with a
great flute and ancient influences. The new compositions are really better, more
mature and more diversified due to several vocals (black, death and cleaner
vocals) and Waylander reaches to release a good new CD... Unfortunately, the
problems are continuing 'cause 2 members left the band few days ago. Is it the
end of these problems ? We hope... (!
6,5/10)

ALLFATHER / NEBRON / HORDES OF THE LUNAR ECLIPSE SPLIT CD DHR012
Canada's Allfather open this CD with an onslaught of harsh unrelenting chaos!
Fast and extremely dark and aggressive black metal. Then Hungary's Nebron bring
us their next chapter, two brand new tracks of extreme black metal played in the
melodic vein only Nebron can achieve. Very original with an excellent
production!! Then to finnish off this monumental release comes Ameriaca's Hordes
Of The Lunar Eclipse. Playing a style of black metal that is cold, abbrasive,
with a sound all to their own yet full of inspiration of the elders. Yet another
American horde that will prove the strength of the American Black Metal
movement.

WARKULT "PERSERVERANCE OF AGGRESSION" CD DHR???
Raw Blackened Thrash from the USA. Bringing back the sound of old, while mixing
in the sound of modern hateful black darkness. Pure totalitarian & elitist!!
Marching Hatred Standing Pround and Elite!! Fast Brutal Harsh and Aggressive!
Another landmark release for the American Movement! Hail the rise of American
Hordes! (Formerly Dethroned)

ENGORGE "DEAD...FUCK...BLACKNESS" CD DHR??? Brutal Fucking Black Death
Metal from NY (featuring an ex-member of Mortician!) Dark Horizon now destroys
the weak with the release of this Ultra Harsh Black Death Metal Assault that is
ENGORGE! Straying far from the expected NY sound, ENGORGE incorporate an
original sound with pummeling brutality, hateful black atmospheres and the
rawness of the old ones!!! Dark Horizon does once again stand apart and rise
above the rest with yet another obscure cult release from upon our US shores!
Hail the Rise of the true American BM Hordes!

WRAITHEN "THE HARVEST OF SCREAMING SOULS" 7" EP DHR???
From the darkest woods of the northwest, the elder gods unleash 3 haunting
decompositions. A blistering onslaught of lacerating riffs, and nightmarish
tortured screams! WRAITHEN have risen from the crawlng malign shadows to wreak
violent retribution on the cattle of this weakened world!! The Kult of 11:11 has
risen!!Yet another US band to be prepared for and Destroyed By!! WRAITHEN shall
prove yet once again that America is now a force to be reconed with! Blackened
warlike metal is unleashed on this new EP! Violent, Raw and Abrasive,
Straightforward, No Gimmicks. Far above and crushing the weak trends that are a
plague within the scene. Influenced by the old masters of death and black metal,
keeping the old flames alive from within our modern US movement!!

ASTRIAAL "THE THRONE TO PERISH - Rise of the Anti-Prophet..." 7"
EP DHR???
Two new exclusive tracks from Australia's Technical Black Metal group ASTRIAAL.
Fast, Intense, Technical incredible musicianship, creating black metal that will
consume the listener. ASTRIAAL are the best new Black Metal act from Australia,
And Dark Horizon shall Proudly Unleash their Fury upon the unsuspecting
underground!This will be a limited EP and shall never be repressed!! If you miss
out on this, you are Truly WEAK!

Crankspiv Records
CrankSPiv Records is a new Promo record label doing non-profit compilation
releases.
We are looking for darkwave, goth, industrial bands for an upcoming compilaiton.
all details at
http://www.mediagallery.com/crankspivrecords

Maquiavel Music Entertainment
We are proud to announce that our debut chart metal breakers Malevolence have
assigned no other than Daniel Bergstrand (Strapping Young Lad, Meshuggah,
Darkane, Devin Townsend…) to make the recording of their yet untitled third
album. Underneath recent news directly from the band, Carlos Cariano had this to
say: "We were searching this time for a valid high quality sound engineer
to make the registration of all the musical madness we are creating down here.
We like the studio expansion and the powerful production this guru made in one
of all time favorite albums of ours being no other than "City" by
Strapping Young Lad. We are nowadays composing a metal amalgamation that is not
too far away from the sound developed under that album so we think this is the
perfect studio alliance we could dream about right now". The band has
completed and developed at this time more than 60% of the material for their
next studio accomplishment after the huge success attained by its predecesso!
r "Martyrialized". Daniel Bergstrand feels very enraptured by the
qualitative level of this Portuguese metal masters and states that it was his
own decision to produce their next album instead of assuming only the sound
recording engineer duties Malevolence was looking out for. Daniel had this to
say about the recent co-operative alliance between both parts: "I feel a
great affection for the album "Martyrialized" that Maquiavel Music
Entertainment submitted to me. I like the overall energy and the musical power
expansion of the band and I am absolutely convinced that we will surpass the
work exposed in "Martyrialized" with the release of the next one in
every level". Malevolence third full-length effort is schedule to be
recorded at the fall of 2002 and shall be release during the beginning of 2003.

BENEDICTION : Organized Chaos (Nuclear Blast, 53'38', 12 tracks, death-metal) :
With Grind Bastard, the cult English band was back but I was really unsatisfied
about this CD. I don't know why but the whole of the album wasn't what I waited
and for me, it isn't the come back of the band, just a little new album.
Organized Chaos is the name of the new full album and I thought to have the same
impression but not and I am really satisfied about this new CD. I think Grind
Bastard was only a transition and with Organized Chaos, we find all the true
Benediction elements, their own death-metal, heavier and the musical way created
by them of course but also by Bolt Thrower. A good new CD, Grind Bastard wasn't
the true album from Benediction but this time, Organized Chaos marks the true
come back of the band. (7/10)

ECZEMA : Soledad El Llanto De La Muerte (Self released, 29'32', 7 tracks,
death-metal with doom touches) : Eczema is born around 8 years ago in Spain and
they released 3 records in the past. This new mini CD is a self released CD but
they financed it by a competition they won. The music played by Eczema is
death-metal music with some gothic, doom and black-metal influences. We can feel
influences of bands such Septic Flesh (old ages), Death with gothic touches by
moment and doom influences in the vocals. With the uses of black, death-metal
vocals and really deep vocals, the songs are really diversified. A good new CD
with a powerful sound, the music is original and as I said, it is a mix between
several kinds of music even if the main of the influences are death-metal.
(6/10) ; e-mail : ivaneczema@yahoo.com

ENTOMBED : Morning Star (Music For Nations, 37'00', 12 tracks, stoner) : Since
To Ride, Shoot Straight And Speak The Truth, Entombed took another musical way,
stoner music and closed the death-metal age. I don't know if it is a good choice
but the band preferred to play a new musical direction far of the debut albums.
Clandestine and Left And Path are for sure the best CDs released by the band and
since these 2 excellent CDs, I am really disappointed by the materials. With
this new CD, Entombed continues to play stoner music but this new CD is a little
bit more death-metal as in the past (Chief Rebel Angel). The whole of the CD is
in the same way than the last CDs but I don't know, sometimes, I find some old
elements near of Clandestine. It is a just a new album from the Swedish band and
if you are like me and if you prefer the old ages, I don't know if you will be
interested by this new CD. (6/10)

FUNEBRIS : Triumph Of The Everlasting Fire (Last Episode Productions, 45'06', 9
tracks, black-metal) : Last Episode seems to be really interested by the young
bands from Germany and after Zorn, it is Funebris that joined the Last Episode
ranks. The band released 3 demos in the past and they wanted to attain a more
important level with their debut CD. With Triumph Of The Everlasting Fire,
Funebris releases a good debut CD, black-metal music influenced by the Norwegian
scene and we feel many influences of Immortal but also some Satyricon touches
(Funeral Anthem). The production is good but we feel a little lack of
technicality and maturity sometimes. In spite of this, Funebris could become a
new hope of the German scene 'cause they propose good things and develops good
ideas in their music. (7,5/10)

GRAVE DIGGER : The Grave Digger (Nuclear Blast, 42'20', 11 tracks, heavy-metal)
: For the fans, each album released by Grave Digger is an event but for me, I
don't know, I am not a big fan of the Grave Digger's music and it isn't this new
CD that will change my point of view. I must consider all the elements of the
band are here with me technical songs and crushing riffs, but the whole of the
CD is a simple heavy-metal album maybe played by a cult band but I keep my first
position. If you like Grave Digger, for sure, enjoy this CD but for the others,
as me, take another way.... (6/10)

HAVEN : The Road (Frontiers Records, 61'00', 12 tracks, hard rock / heavy-metal)
: In my opinion, Haven is one of the more melodic bands that I have listened
these last times. This young band is formed by 3 members and mainly Pamme (lead
vocals) who gives full of atmospheres to the compositions 'cause female vocals
are mixed with melodic and rock songs. Imagine Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and
Rush with some pop and rock touches and with, for sure, female vocals. I think
even if the musical way isn't really aggressive, Haven releases a good album
featuring guest starts such Matt Sorum (Guns N'Roses), Robin McAuley or Jimmy
Hotz (Yes...) and it is sure, for a debut album, I am really surprised about it.
For all the fans of melodic hard / heavy music and rock ballads. (7,5/10)

HUMAN FORTRESS : Lord Of Earth And Heavens Heir (Limb Music Products, 50'48', 11
tracks, heavy-metal) : New band signed by the cult heavy-metal label from
Germany Limb Music Products, Human Fortress releases its debut really
professional CD and when I say professional, it is a really professional CD with
a great quality. Human Fortress plays heavy-metal music influenced by Helloween,
Iron Maiden with great melodies and guitars parts. Songs such Under Black Age
Toil are potential hits due to the catching riffs and the great composition and
orchestration done by the band. Again a young and great band unleashed by Limb
Music Products and once again, it is a pure heavy-metal masterpiece ! Excellent
! (9/10)

LEVL : Controlled By Time (Punctured Records, 51'59', 10 tracks, thrash-metal) :
I don't know the band but I got this CD from them and I can consider it is a
good surprise. Levl comes from Canada and plays thrash-metal music influenced by
Testament, Nevermore and early Annihilator. I think Controlled by Time is the
first professional CD released by the band and the big point is the production
'cause the album was recorded by the masters Jeff Waters (Annihilator) and it is
one the reasons for which the sound is really near of the sound of Annihilator.
A good thrash-metal CD from Canada, maybe not really original but a good
technicality. Continue in this way... (6,5/10)

NEBULAR MOON : Metamorphosis (CCP Records, 43'34', 10 tracks, dark /
black-metal) : Nebular Moon was a good band signed by Last Episode Productions
and they released a great debut CD Mourning but finally, the German dark-metal
band decided to leave Last Episode and to sign with the label from Austria CCP
Records. The new album is now unleashed and we can feel a progression in the
musical way. In first, the band develops more atmospheric passages and more
melodies in the compositions. Secondly, the coming of a new guitarist gives more
technical steps to the songs. Between dark and black-metal with great melodies
and aggressiveness, Nebular Moon releases a good new CD, we can identify their
music, it is always the same but with a little progression. (7/10)

NOKTURNE : Embracer Of Dark Ages (WW3 Music, 43'18', 8 tracks, brutal
black-metal) : Nokturne is one of the new bands signed by the young American
label and in more, it is announced as a new masterpiece. It is sure, with a such
brutality, Nokturne is as Kult Ov Azazel, one of the most brutal bands from USA.
I think the comparison with Kult Ov Azazel is good 'cause both bands play the
same musical way that is to say brutal black-metal and we feel the same
influences, even if Nokturne is more influenced by the Swedish scene. When we
listen songs such Exterminan or Nothing, we can notice great influences of the
masters such Dark Funeral, Mayhem or Marduk. Extreme and really aggressive, the
band from Los Angeles releases a good debut CD and if you are a fan of the
brutal black-metal, you should listen Nokturne, I think you'll be really
satisfied. (7/10)

NOVEMBRE : Novembrine Waltz (Century Media, 59'52', 9 tracks, dark-metal with
gothic touches) : After their successful come back with their debut album for
Century Media Classica, the Italian band presents its new full effort. Once
again, the band proves they can progress in order to propose a more technical
and diversified musical way. The songs are always between Opeth and old Anathema
but we feel more gothic touches with more atmospheres but also more
aggressiveness on several tracks (Cloudbusting). The whole of the CD is always
between gothic and dark-metal CD but with more aggressive songs and more
atmospheres, Novembre reaches to diversify its compositions and to release a
richer and more interesting CD than the previous albums. (8/10)

PAINSTRUCK : Aggressive Ways To Pacify (Paranoid Records, 44'41', 14 tracks,
thrash-metal) : It seems the Portuguese metal scene knows a little revolution
'cause with the masters such Moonspell, there are many new bands coming from
this scene (Tarantula, Sirius, Oratory...) and this time, it is a full
thrash-metal band that we can discover. First deal with the new label from this
country Paranoid Records and first professional CD, Painstruck proposes
thrash-metal music near of early Sepultura albums with some machine head and
Pantera touches. The compositions aren't really original but with a good and
powerful production, Aggressive Ways To Pacify is a good debut CD. I hope the
band will have more maturity and more technicality for the future 'cause they
have a good potential. (6,5/10)

SKINNY PUPPY : Doomsday : Back + Forth Vol. 5 Live In Dresden (SPV /
Steamhammer, 67'57', 14 tracks, electro / pop) : To start this review, I would
like to say Skinny Puppy isn't a band that I support 'cause first of all, I am
not in this kind of musical style that is to say electro / pop music and
secondly, I don't like really their musical vision. Due to this, it is hard for
me to express my opinion about this live CD 'cause even if the sound is really
great, no problem bout this, I don't know the tracks and it is hard to do the
comparison with the studio songs. I think the fans will be really satisfied but
me, I keep my original opinion, it isn't for me... (4,5/10)

SINS OF OMISSION : Flesh For Your Bones (Black Sun Records, 44'59', 11 tracks,
death-metal, release date : 29/10/2001) : 2 years ago, Sins Of Omission released
an excellent debut CD entitled The Creation playing between In Flames, Gardenian
and more generally Swedish death-metal music. This time the band is back but
Sins Of Omission knew some changes during these 2 years. First of all, 2 new
members joined the band (ex-members of A Canorous Quintet and Mortifer).
Secondly, the new songs are a little bit different and we can feel a progression
in comparison with The Creation. With more thrash-metal influences (Slayer
touches), the new compositions are more near of Soilwork, Darkane or Terror
2000. This new CD is a good CD, it resumes all the best elements from the thrash
/ death-metal from Sweden but unfortunately, there is a little lack of
originality. (6,5/10)

THE SCARR : Animalenemy (Spikefarm Records, 42'08', 10 tracks, experimental
gothic music) : Maybe you know The Scarr, the Arthur Ritis's project who worked
with bands such Morgul, The Sins Of Thy Beloved... but if you don't him, he
started his career as a violinist and it is the reason for which many bands,
which included this kind of instruments, decided to work with Arthur. The Scarr
is his own project and for a new CD, it is a great and original CD ! Imagine a
mix between gothic, experimental and industrial music ! In fact, the album
starts as an industrial album but after few seconds, you can listen some gothic
touches with great guitars and arrangements parts. We feel Arthur played in The
Sins Of Thy Beloved or Morgul 'cause we feel the same elements by passages but
The Scarr releases a great CD, really original and it is difficult to describe
you exactly the musical played by the band, maybe experimental and industrial
gothic music, a musical way near of Morgul but mor!
e gothic... (8/10)

THY WINTER KINGDOM : Opus I - Discipline Of The Elements (BTOD, 18'41', 6
tracks, black-metal) : Thy Winter Kingdom is a really young band 'cause it was
formed in 2000 and it is the first official release recorded by the band. 2
members composed this Italian act and they decided to express their musical
vision by this black-metal project. Thy Winter Kingdom releases this debut mini
CD and I can feel really interesting things. In first, the band seems to have a
good technicality and good potential. The problem is the originality 'cause this
release isn't original and we can listen big Scandinavian influences (old
Mayhem...). To resume, it is a good debut stuff but more originality would be
better for the next step. (6/10)
  
ALICE COPPER : Dragontown (Eagle Rock, 51'19', 12 racks, heavy-metal) : Each new
album releases by Alice Copper is an event and I think the fans waited this new
CD. To resume this new CD, I would day it is a true Alice Copper album with all
the elements of this cult guy. Maybe the songs are a little bit catchier
(Triggerman) but for the rest, it is the continuity of the previous CDs. As
always, an excellent production, killer guitars riffs but you don't find any new
things in Dragontown if we except a better sound than in the past for sure. A
traditional album for Alice Copper, it is sure, the fans will be really
satisfied 'cause I repeat Alice Copper releases a true metal album, his own
metal music. (6,5/10)

COMA VOID : Stormking Twilight (Metal Age Productions, 60'00', 13 tracks,
stoner with grind influences) : Generally Metal Age supports the Slovakian metal
scene but this time, it is an American band joining the Metal Age ranks. I
thought it was a death-metal act but no, it is a stoner band. By the sound, the
heavy compositions, by the ambience, it is a full stoner band but Coma Void
develops also other aspects in their music. In a way near of Bongzilla, the band
mixed stoner with grind touches (mainly in the vocals) and there are really
aggressive songs (Coma Void). Not only a stoner CD but also aggressive and grind
aspects for this original CD. For all the Bonzgilla fans with more
aggressiveness. (6,5/10)

DANCE MACABRE : Eva (Hammerheart Records, 48'16', 11 tracks, gothic, release
date : 12/11/2001) : Since Totentanz, Dance macabre knew some changes with the
leaving of Sotiris (Septic Flesh) and George Zaharopoulos (Necromantia) and
with the coming of new members. The other aspect is Dance Macabre left Mascot
Records and decided to join the Hammerheart ranks (as Ancient Rites) releasing
the second album from the band. I remember to you Dance macabre features members
from Ancient Rites but we don't feel this 'cause the musical way is really
different. This new CD is really more influenced by pop music in comparison with
the first CD but it is also more gothic and less death-metal and dark-metal. It
is a good evolution for the band and Dance Macabre uses always good female
vocals done by Antoinette Legel as on the first CD and the result is a good new
CD, a little bit different than the first CD for sure with more gothic and pop
steps. (6,5/10)

DARK LEGION : Bloodshed (Deadsun Records, 45'42', 10 tracks, grind /
death-metal) : There is a true death-metal style from Poland and this style is
influenced by Vader (Decapitated...) but Dark Legion seems to unleash the grind
/ death from Poland. The band started in 1994 but in these ages, they played
thrash-metal music. They changed for death-metal music a couple of years ago and
they signed their first professional deal with Deadsun in 2000. The French label
released the old stuffs of the band before to release this debut CD. The musical
ways is really brutal, grind and death-metal but sometimes heavier with some
melodies in the guitars (Adrenaline). Between Dying Fetus and Vader but with
more grind touches, Dark Legion takes another way for a band from Poland and it
is a great thing. For the rest, it is a brutal death / grind album with really
interesting things but the sound isn't really excellent but without to be a poor
sound. (6,5/10)

DEPRAVED : Decadence And Lust (Warpath Records, 29'18', 12 tracks, brutal death
/ grind) : Depraved is one of the legendary bands from the French death-metal
underground and they are really known in our country 'cause they did many gigs
with the best death-metal bands (Sinister, Napalm Death, Dying Fetus...). After
their great debut CD released in 1999, Warpath Records releases the second
full-length CD from the band and once again, it is a real pleasure to listen
this band. Only brutal death-metal and grind music influenced by Dying Fetus,
old Napalm Death, Brutal Truth but with a great feeling and we feel a great
evolution since the debut CD of the band 'cause the songs are more aggressive,
more brutal and the production is really better. An excellent cover, lyrics
about the serial killers and you have all the best elements to do a great grind
/ death CD, excellent new release ! (8,5/10)

EDENBRIDGE : Arcana (Massacre Records, 57'06', 11 tracks, symphonic heavy-metal)
: Edenbridge, with their debut CD Sunrise In Eden, got many great responses from
the metal press for this album that was really excellent and it is a pleasure to
listen the new CD from the Austrian band. The new compositions are always in the
same way that is to say symphonic heavy-metal with female vocals and Edenbridge
develops a music between Nightwish and Stratovarius. The songs are also more
symphonic with more keyboards are more atmospheres but the whole of the CD is
the continuity of their excellent debut CD ! The Finnish musical style made by a
band from Austria and if you are searching the crossover between Nightwish and
Stratovarius, don't miss this new one ! (8,5/10)

GORELORD : Force Fed On Human Flesh (Baphomet Records - Housecore - Relapse
Records, 31'13', 9 tracks, gore metal) : It is unusual to listen gore metal from
Norway and with a typical Norwegian sound and Gorelord tries this way. Born in
2000 as a one man band, Gorelord (formed by Fredaiblo) released 3 demos and a
first CD featuring the compositions taken from the several demos. Killjoy met
the band and decided to sign it on his own label Baphomet becoming Baphomet /
Housecore (Housecore is the own Phil Anselmo's label). Gorelord releases its
second full CD and by the sound, we feel a different way in comparison with the
other gore metal bands. The music is influenced by the masters (Necrophagia...)
but the sound made in Trondheim (Norway) gives an other approach to the CD.
Imagine gore metal with a sound near of Satyricon, Keep Of Kalessin... it is
really original and in more, Force Fed On Human Flesh features stars such
Killjoy for some vocals or Jehmod (Bloodthorn, Perishe!
d...). Heavy, strong and really gore metal compositions, yes, the fans will be
really interested by this CD, a true gore metal album ! (7,5/10)

KRONOS : Titan's Awakening (Warpath Records, 39'00', 12 tracks, brutal
death-metal with grind touches) : With Osmose Productions these last years,
Warpath Records (ex-Shockwave Records) is one of the labels supporting the
French scene and when they can help young bands, they help them ! This time, it
is a young band from our scene that I didn't know. Kronos comes from France of
course and they play brutal death-metal with grind touches. In the music played
by the band we feel influences of the American scene such Incantation, Brutal
Truth with some grind touches and sometimes with heavier passages. The result is
a good debut CD, brutal death-metal music and once again, we can prove we have a
great death-metal scene, think to Depraved (one of the song features a member
from the death / grind act)... (7,5/10)

LAMENTU : Liack (Inch Productions / Code666, 40'43', 10 tracks, black-metal) :
New band signed by Inch Productions, Lamentu releases its debut professional CD.
Born in Italy, they are proud to come from the Mediterranean scene and we feel
this in the compositions 'cause the band plays black-metal music influenced by
the Italian scene. This black-metal music is full of hate and I could do a
comparison with underground bands such Handful Of Hate playing the same music.
The only difference is Lamentu uses some tribal influences giving more
atmospheres and more diversified songs. For the rest, it is true black-metal CD,
really cruel and full of hate, maybe not really original but the bases are here.
 (6,5/10)

RIFF MASTER GENERAL : A Trust Betrayed (Manqueller Records, 59'41', 11 tracks,
heavy-metal) : After a good mini CD released a couple of months and for which I
did a review, the band from Northern Ireland signed with a new label Manqueller
Records releasing their debut CD. With this new material, we can listen a good
evolution 'cause the songs are really more professional. The musical style is
always influenced by Metallica and the heavy-metal scene from England but we
feel also more personal influences mainly in the riffs. It is a good debut CD
influenced by the heavy-metal from England and by Metallica but I am really
satisfied about the evolution since their debut mini CD. (7/10)

SKIN TAG : Beauty Mark (Frontiers Records, 46'31', 10 tracks, hard FM) : The
band is born recently but it is started with 3 members and they released few
demo tapes. Few times after, new members completed the line-up and Skin Tag was
definitely formed. Frontiers Records signed the band from New Jersey and
released the debut CD. Skin Tag plays hard FM music with some heavy-metal
touches but it you are a fan about the Frontiers music, you can believe, you'll
be satisfied by this new release 'cause it is a true hard FM CD as they released
with many bands. Influenced by Bon Jovi, Melodica with some Shotgun Symphony
(some members comes from this band), Skin Tag releases a great debut CD ! It
isn't really aggressive or brutal but I think it isn't for the fans of this
musical style, it is more for the hard FM fans.... (6,5/10)

TIDFALL : Instinct Gate (Nuclear Blast, 42'09', 8 tracks, black-metal) : Tidfall
released a great debut CD with Circular Supremacy and any doubt, the Norwegian
band began a great career. This time, the second CD is unleashed by Nuclear
Blast and I am really surprised by it. It is always the same music that is to
say black-metal music influenced by Satyricon and Dimmu Borgir (Enthrone
Darkness Triumphant) but the songs are really more aggressive, stronger but also
a little bit diversified due to the presence of some arrangements (My Wrath). It
is a true Norwegian black-metal CD, the true roots of the black-metal music and
Tidfall presents the best CDs and bands in one CD. (8/10)