STOP THE MADNESS!

•2• •3• Greg War: Sabathan contacted me in June 2009 to join the band. At that time the band consisted of Sabathan, David DC and the first singer Laurent. The name HORACLE had already been chosen by Sabathan and David DC. I noticed in an interview you did for That’s Metal #18 that Sabathan (the band’s bassist and founder) has been in bands since the mid-80s, but what about the rest of you guys? What have you been up to before forming/joining HORACLE? Drinking and listening to Metal doesn’t count as an answer, musically I mean… Terry: I played in a couple local bands before, nothing big though. I am in another band too but we struggle with the line-up since... quite a while now... Though I also have another project in preparation for next year! Dyno: I’ve made my classical studies. Then I bought my first electric guitar playing old MAIDEN, METALLICA and GNR’s stuff. I’ve played in several local bands since more than 20 years, but the more established one was my latest before HORACLE, OIDHEHE BAALTINNE (Black with pagan inspirations). We had an EP and played gigs in Belgium and France, opening for bands like VADER and MARDUK. We split in 2013, one month before recording a full length , due to the lack of personal involvement of a part of the musicians. Greg War: Nothing serious for me, musically talking, only a few jams with some friends. So THIS means that HORACLE is my first official band. As far as I know (please correct me if I am wrong), the band’s first HORACLE is a new speed Metal band from Belgium, a release was the s/t mini-CD from 2011, which you did on your own. country not much is heard from when it comes to new Were there no demos before, or was it a deliberate choice to record your first songs and present them in your local fans but also abroad as bands playing classic Metal… Both their mini-CD’s (2011 professionally as possible? and 2013) are highly recommended and since the band is Dyno: The first EP has to be taken as a demo. As we did not have a label, we had preparing their debut album (set for release later in 2015) to propose a record to get people to know about us. Actual technologies allow an interview became an “obligation” for us. us now to not record shit and you can do something great with a lower budget than in the 80s. So we wanted to have the best product possible with the lower Below is what Terry (singer), Dyno (guitars) and Greg budget possible. War (drums) had to say… This release is already sold out, how many did you print? The cover has a weird charm, do you like it? Hello guys and allow us to congratulate for the very good EP’s you have Terry: The cover sucks as far as I am concerned! lol! No offense to the guy released so far… The band is currently working on its’ debut album. though. We had Velio Josto work on an “updated” artwork for the first EP and What should we expect? he did a great job on it! Because we intended to re-print it, people still want to Terry: Hello Kostas, and thank you very much for your compliments as well as have a hold of it. 400 copies were sold. for this interview! Yes, we are on the very last preparations for our 1st full length Dyno: Vinyl Edition with Velio’s cover should be out early in 2015 under Emanes album, every song is already composed and we will start recording in the studio Metal Records. About the original cover, this is the result of what I said above: in less than two weeks up until early February. It will be released in the current “…with the lowest budget possible!” Lol! A friend of ours did this drawing, nearly of 2015. What you should expect? Nothing less than some pure, full on Heavy without any charges, but it was the first time he was drawing on a computer. Metal record like there is so few these days! It will be the natural evolution Anyway, I love our shitty cover LOL. for the band in that in general, the songs are better and more constructed, Greg War: Dyno said it all, I just wanted to add that I deeply think that many the riffs are sharper and slightly more complex for some, hard edged and bands had some fucking worst artwork for their first cover! straight forward for others. I also had the time and the opportunity to show Why did you go for a second mini-CD with “A wicked Procession” my evolution in the vocals. My voice is more powerful, I have more range and instead of recording a full length? Did the prospect of a deal with Dying dynamics and I am more confident than before, which led me to really get crazy Victims led to you such in a decision in the sense of “holding back” a on those vocal lines and harmonies! (laughs). So, to wrap it up, it is a varied, debut release in case more interest would come from this, since they focused and powerful album! obviously have better connections and distribution? Tell us a few more things about it, which label it will be on, recording Terry: the same old situation: Money! We didn’t have the funds to release a full info, title etc. Will it be released on vinyl or CD only? length album so far... Looking from the outside, it might seem a bit odd... But Terry: The album is entitled “Dead eyes Revelations”, which symbolizes the looking back, I don’t regret it personally. Dying Victims didn’t have anything to visions of the Horacle. We will record it in a studio in Belgium called the “Noise do with it, you see, most labels don’t pay for the studio nowadays, so it’s all from Factory”, our 1st experience with them, but Alex, our guitar player has already your pocket! But honestly, the band is a lot stronger now, we really work more worked with them with his other band BURSTING. About the label… nothing is as a unit than when we released “A Wicked Procession” and we grew enormously set in stone so far, so we can’t really tell right now, we’ll see! But it will, and we as musicians and as A BAND. So really, NOW is the right time for us to release insist on that, be released on vinyl at some point!! How, with who and when... the full length album. we don’t have a definitive answer right now, but, IT WILL be on vinyl as well as The last song in “A wicked procession” is “Freewheel burning” by JUDAS on CD. It will also be available for legal download on all the big sites like PRIEST, which is not mentioned in the back cover of the CD. Would it be mp 3, itunes, etc, where you will also be able to find our first two EP’s. for copyright reasons? Let’s go a few years back, when HORACLE was formed. What brought Terry: Well, you will have to ask the label! Lol! We didn’t have anything to do you together and how did you come up with the name? with that decision. Terry: Personally, I arrived in late 2010. Dyno: The label had a project for a cover compilation but he finally didn’t get Dyno: The previous singer of HORACLE is a friend of mine. At the time he was the rights for it. In the same time, we had already recorded the song. “A Wicked trying to complete the line up so, as it was my stuff, he introduced me to the Procession” should have been normally out with only 4 tracks, so I imagine that other members. the label didn’t want to lose such a piece as our cover lol.

•4• Are you satisfied with how it turned out? What was the feedback from it, as well as “Horacle”? Would you agree that the production makes the 2nd effort sound more “in line” with the current Speed/thrash wave than you actual playing and attitude is? Terry: I don’t know exactly...We really lacked of promotion, I don’t blame Dying Victims though but with some serious promotion this band could be A LOT bigger! ”A Wicked procession” in my opinion is a better CD than “Horacle”. A more professional product and for my part, I was contributing really in the band, so a much better experience! Now about Speed/Thrash, I don’t know really, HORACLE is probably a Heavy Metal band in the general term, very much infused with a lot of traditional NWOBHM but also some Speed and Thrash bands as well. I think that the song “Axes of Blood” actually is quite thrashy! Still a more organic sound would probably be better for us, but nowadays it’s tough to get really that. Dyno: I totally agree about the sound of “A Wicked Procession” and that’s the way when you work with the wrong people (studio side, I mean). But anyway, music speaks by itself and it sounds heavy. It’s clear for all of us that we definitively do not want to slide to modern stuff and the upcoming album will be more rock ‘n roll than ever. Belgium was overshadowed by Holland in terms of band production back in the 80s (the comparison is made because of quite common sound/feeling most bands had), but this didn’t prevent your country sporting some killer bands and releases (and also a lot that never released more than demos, but fortunately found their way into fans’ collections the last couple of years through official releases). What would be your favorite and what do you think about WARHEAD, BAD LIZARD, ACID, KILLER, CYCLONE, TRIAL, OSTROGOTH and BREATHLESS? What about more current bands like POWERVICE, DOUBLE DIAMOND and DESPERATION? Terry: I’ll let my comrades talk; I am the only non Belgian dude! Lol! Though I know CROSSFIRE and OSTROGOTH for example... As a Frenchy, I’ll raise my flag with SORTILEGE! Sabathan: You’re right, the Belgian Heavy Metal scene has never been recognized, so many good bands back in the day were obscured by the rest of the European scene, and the Belgian scene has never been taken seriously, except for CYCLONE, OSTROGOTH, CROSSFIRE, ACID and a few others, there were so many others like LIGHTNING FIRE, PALASS, STEEL LOVE, CRIME, FN GUNS etc… My favorites were WARHEAD, CYCLONE, LIGHTNING FIRE and ACID. But it’s hard to say as I’m a big supporter of the Belgian always freaking passionate and so scene. I regret that our scene has never been recognized, and it has always we love them! been totally underrated, and it still is the case nowadays, even worse. Dyno: Do not hesitated to contact How is the scene in your country nowadays? Any bands you think us, it will be a pleasure to burn deserve more recognition and want to suggest us? your place :- ) Sabathan: In matter of Heavy Metal there’s nothing left in Belgium comparatively How is a HORACLE song being to the 80s….we are sadly almost the only one band practicing that style, written? You all jam on ideas principally here in the French part of Belgium, Heavy Metal is totally dead, no through rehearsals or…? Is audience, no scene, nothing left!!! Sad but true. there a recipe in what song This is a cliché question for almost every new band we present, but how you are working on, or it just do you see the Metal scene nowadays? Is everything ok in our small comes out naturally based on world? Good music and bands versus trends and marketing tricks, at your current feelings and mood? least this how we see it, what’s your take? Terry: Actually it has evolved through the years. The band works more as Terry: Pretty much everything is fucked nowadays, not only in the Metal world! a unit now than ever. Everyone can come up with the basic idea of a song, It is tough for a real and honest band to make it in 2014. When you want to or a full song. Then someone else will add his idea. You might be surprised make a good album, like the one we are actually working on, it’s gonna take to know that we don’t specially write for our respective instruments. Greg some time and... money! We could probably release our music a lot faster and and myself write guitar parts, Aleksey comes up with drum ideas, Franck then come up with an “ok” record. But “Ok” is not ok! Lol! Quality takes time, might have a vocal line idea sometimes, Dyno a bass line, who knows? but the world of today is made of quantity instead. And if you want to make at As long as the song is good, who cares, right? It’s very democratic lol. least a decent living, well most guys sacrifice the quality. Why is it so hard to Dyno: Most of the time, for the musical part, one of us comes with several riffs find any great album these days? Well that’s just my two cents... But we believe and an idea of the song structure. We put this on the table at the rehearsal in making it, without sacrificing the quality, and rest assured that our new room and then we build the song all together. Everybody expresses his opinion album is gonna destroy everything we’ve done so far! Ho and...FUCK THOSE and we take decisions together, consulting each other. As Terry said, this is TRENDY BANDS! Big time! democracy lol. Sabathan: Nowadays everything is a matter of having a long arm and to know What are the future plans of the band? What should we expect from personally the influential people in the scene… music quality is not an asset HORACLE in 2015? anymore… you make music for your own satisfaction, people and principals. Terry: First thing is: indeed the release of “Dead eyes Revelations”. Then we Business people don’t give a single fuck anymore. already have a couple great dates planned, in Belgium, Denmark...and many Has the band performed much in Belgium and maybe abroad? What others will be added on the way, we want to play everywhere, so promoters if you would be some of the read this, don’t be shy! I hope we will be given the opportunity to play in , best gigs and for what because we know Greek fans are awesome! We are also trying to develop our reasons? business on our own, aside from this rotten industry that is “music” these days. Terry: Belgium, Denmark, It is a lot of work, but it gives us the opportunity to really be ourselves musically. and France. Best We think about maybe doing a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money for gigs, I’d say were the Metal this album, which is a great way to get in close contact with our fans, without Magic festival in Denmark, big corporate crooks in between them and us! We don’t have a label behind us, which was awesome! We so it is a lot of expanses, so if you enjoy our music, don’t hesitate to participate are gonna play again to the adventure which will allow the fans to grab some exclusive stuff!;) there in 2015. Opening for That’s all from my part. Thanks for your time, please end this feature SKULLFIST in our second any way you like! gig in Germany was also Terry: Thanks to you man, and thank you all Greek Metalheads for your support! memorable in, well... many If you love some true Heavy Metal record, make sure to check out “Dead eyes ways for me! Lol. I just had Revelations”! You can reach us on our website (as well as on facebook) where a teeth pulled, and a strong you can find all our stuff, CD’s, T-shirts, patches... As well as our dates, infection a day before I videos and all info about us! Support the underground and your favorite bands, could not even stand on my you fans are the heart and the soul of music, no one else! And...”spread the legs nor talk! Medication word... ‘cause the Horacle is watching you!” \m/ and even more, dedication http://horacleofficial.e-monsite.com can work wonders!!lol. But https://www.facebook.com/HoracleOfficial many gigs were great, Kostas Kailiazis really; our audience is

•5• The internet is a true wonder, when used reasonably! This is how I found out about this band that startled me within the first few seconds I heard their demo in their bandcamp page. I could not resist but instantly buy it and I’d advise you to do the same! Outstanding the way I like it and all nostalgic of the reminiscence of the excellent guitars of SOLITUDE AETURNUS and the gloom of CANDLEMASS crave can be found here offered profusely. On the wait for their upcoming debut, Steve Jansson was kind enough to grant us with the latest news of CRYPT SERMON!

It was definitely rewarding and I guess we were definitely a little surprised at how much people liked it. I think it definitely gave us a bit more momentum towards getting the album done. Strike while they iron is hot, as they say! I’d really like you to enlighten us on the influences CRYPT SERMON invoke. Personally, I can thankfully hear CANDLEMASS and SOLITUDE AETURNUS as your major example of how to pen serious Doom Metal, especially the solo department sounds at times as if the Swedish / Texan masters of the style would partake! I guess it’s no secret who our influences are, haha. Yes, we worship both of those bands. We are all Heavy Metal enthusiasts and listen to everything across the board but for CRYPT SERMON those two are the main template as far as influences along with tons of old/classic Heavy Metal. We are still a young band so we will eventually evolve into our own a bit more as we continue to write and gel more as a band. Reading the lyrics in “Demo MMXII”, I understand you undertake Christianity and The Bible as your subject matter, not in the religious CRYPT SERMON is a new band out there, so please introduce the band aspect of things though. Could you comment on the lyrics a little to our readers. How long have you been around as CRYPT SERMON and further? did you serve other bands prior to the one in question? Brooks (vocalist) writes all of the lyrics. He takes Christian and historical themes The origins of CRYPT SERMON go back to 2011 but it didn’t become a full band and offers alternate starting points or inversions of the common, faith-based until mid 2012, I believe. All of us have been playing in bands for years as well epistemology. “Belly of the Whale” is the story of Jonah from God’s perspective as have other projects which include TRENCHROT, HIVELORDS, LABYRINTHINE, for instance. ASHENCULT and INFILTRATOR. I recently came across some good news regarding CRYPT SERMON, You decided to go the traditional way, recording a demo before all else, finally mentioning a full length release that is soon to come. Have you with the appropriate novelty - a worthy move - providing your work for completed writing it? Could you give us some insight and information free first and foremost. Was pressing it on tape something you chose or about your imminent debut? Dark Descent Records has quite a few it came about after Dark Descent Records threw the idea on the table? releases under their belt, so was there something they especially did Why wouldn’t you release it yourselves, even in a CD-R format to make and you found satisfactory to stay with them? up for the recording expenses and reach a wider audience, given that The album is all finished and will be coming out on February 24th of 2015. It tapes are obsolete to most of the new coming fans? is entitled “Out of the Garden” and we actually have a new song “Heavy Riders” We initially were just going to release it ourselves digitally and maybe do some streaming online right now. Musically, it’s just much more developed and is CD-Rs . Matt from Dark Descent got in contact with us the day that we put it steps beyond the demo as any LP should be. As far as labels, we did get a few up online and offered to do a tape release for us so we went for it because we offers but none of them were as good as what Dark Descent was offering us and were all fans of the label and thought it would be a cool opportunity. That said, one of the big things was helping us out on funding the recording of the album. releasing it via tape was his idea. While I admittedly am not a fan of tapes, That, and Dark Descent has a presence. Their releases get a lot of coverage and they definitely are coming back as even some of the larger labels are offering Matt has been really supportive of us since day 1. a cassette option with their releases and we sold out of ours fairly quickly, so Indeed, “Heavy Riders” is an example of the band’s improvement, there is definitely an audience for them. sound-wise at least, compared to the demo! You also revealed the Do you think, in hindsight, that offering your music for free helped the cover art, a glorious hand-drawn painting in the vein of the glorious band? What is your stance against the argument between free or paid 80s cover arts! Who did this painting? music? Actually, Brooks (vocals) did that painting. He paints and illustrates when time Well, the whole purpose of a demo is that it’s a tool to get your music out to allows, and we had a few options for this . We chose the one that as many people as you can so that they can hear your band (e.n: I wish every seemed to fit the theme best. band knew that). People are less inclined to pay for things like demos because You named the album “Out Of The Garden”, what is the meaning behind the bar is set pretty low as almost every band ever has one and more often this album title? than not they are awful. For digital releases, bandcamp offers a pay-you-want It’s the title of the final option which has actually been wonderful for all of my bands and it shows that song on the album, as people are willing to pay for things that they care about even when they have well as a summary of what the option not to. I think that offering our music in a free format has definitely we’ve accomplished so helped get us our name out there. As for , I personally like to pay for far. Our accomplishments music as well as have a physical copy as I’m sure most music fans understand figuratively as a band, that it feels much more personal and if it were up to me I think everyone should and symbolically as support the artists they like by at least paying for their records. However, the humankind. We’re out of genie has been out of the lamp for a while so obviously, more often than not, the walled paradise, into the people are going to go for the free option and there is nothing you can do about world of sin. You’d have to it. Since releasing albums, I’ve noticed how vehemently entitled people can be listen to the song to figure with music and it’s really infuriating. out if you think that’s a good I like the way the demo sounds; was it recorded at a home studio or you or bad thing, I guess. chose to use the help of professionals for it? Do you know by the way It was recorded at our practice space, actually! Our practice space is the in which formats the basement of a house in West Philadelphia. We recorded it with our good friend album will be available? Rich “The DungeonMaster” Scott. it would be a shame not I found it rather impressive, the fact that 300 units of the demo to demonstrate such a tape were pressed and are all gone by now! What was the impact of cover art on LP size! this overwhelming response and how did it affect the band’s future The album will definitely be decisions? on CD, LP and digital. We

•6• are vinyl enthusiasts, so that would have definitely been our priority. Since Brooks is expecting a kid soon. As summer approaches we hope to return to tapes seem to be back in style, there might be a pressing on tape too. writing for another album and resuming live performances in the Autumn of Do you perform live a lot within the Philadelphia area? There are 2015. several new acts active there but in the more traditional side of things, Last words are yours; share your sermon in our crypt. From our side, LADY BEAST, POWER THEORY, MISTRESS to name a few, but how hard good luck and please, stay active! is it for a Doom Metal band to book a venue and to be accepted by local Thanks for your interest and your great effort in keeping REAL HEAVY METAL fans? alive and vibrant! We definitely perform but I wouldn’t say a lot. We all work day jobs and it’s http://cryptsermon.bandcamp.com often hard for us together to even rehearse so we often have to do a lot of Thanos Stafylarakis planning when it comes to shows. The shows that we have played have often been with bands of more extreme styles like but the reaction has been surprisingly pretty great. There aren’t a whole lot of bands doing what we do around here, if any, so I think a lot of people are excited to have some variety. So don’t you think playing with bands of utterly different styles could - if not harm - at least hold back or affect CRYPT SERMON’s momentum? I don’t know exactly how things work there, but speculating from my own European experience, most fans can’t take all genres too positively. Could the fact that there’s no concrete fan base in the US but lots of fans are scattered throughout the country affect the band’s progression? I think we’d be happy to play with bands that are more along the lines of our style, but the fact of the matter is- in the States- the audience for extreme metal is the same as the audience for traditional metal. Still, we’ve had the chance to play with bands like Grim Reaper and The Skull, and we’ve definitely noticed a difference in the general age-range that makes up these audiences. The truth of it is, we’re gonna play any show where people will care to see us, and we’re gonna rip it up every time we play. Even though I am not a huge Doom fan, meaning that I wouldn’t normally like ANY band that plays ANY style of Doom Metal but only the very good ones and especially those who play what I tend to call “Power Doom” in the vein of leviathans such as CANDLEMASS or SOLITUDE AETURNUS, I was struck by surprise by “Demo MMXIII” and was instantly captured by it. Nevertheless the Doom scene had always been pretty big and active in the barren underground days and till today there are numerous quality bands around. Have you separated some of these new acts so to speak? Thank you very much! I thought that the BELOW album “Across the Dark River” that was released this year was great. ATLANTEAN KODEX is another band that comes to mind along with another German band called CROSS VAULT who just put out their debut this year. SOLSTICE is bacak which is killer as I really liked their last EP. Those are a few that come to mind off of the top of my head. Are there any future plans to share? We’re going to be laying low for a couple months after the initial album release,

•7• When it comes to Aussie underground back in the glorious 80’s, there’s not much to think of. Next to the bigger names of MORTAL SIN, TARAMIS, BENGAL TIGERS, NOTHING SACRED, you can’t evade recalling the great Speed/Thrash- ers known as ENTICER! While they were unsigned and practically overlooked by the corporate status at the time, the band has reformed the last few years, culminating this come back with their first ever full-length album. What better occasion could there be than this to catch up with a combo of history and the present state the band is at, by interviewing old ENTICER members Michael Keating and Rhett McCooullough?

Welcome guys and thanks for honoring our pages with your participation! happened with those songs until they were release by Quarterpipe Records a As some might be unaware of your past, lecture us with a history lesson few years ago. I actually caught up with Bob Daisley a few weeks ago and was and justify the title given as one of the legendary Aussie bands from album to present him with a copy of “”Origin of Sorrow”” and told them that we the 80’s. What’s the story behind ENTICER to start with? Is this the finally got to do a full length album! first band for the guys involved in the first incarnation of ENTICER? You Rhett: I think we were also a bit frustrated with the scene by this point. If we started off a tad later compared to the first wave of Heavy Metal bands had the right guidance at the time, I’m sure we would’ve carried on. erupting from the land of Oz. What was the situation like at the time What about press support, did you ever get any? Do you think that the had the downfall of the scene kicked off already there? damned year of 1990 and on, that is the time your single was issued, Michael: 1987 when ENTICER first formed was an interesting time in Australian when all those changes in the musical direction started occurring, are metal. The first wave of bands that were influenced by AC/DC and then later by to be blamed for not moving any further back then? That shouldn’t be more “glam” rock were starting to break up and the scene was starting to be away from the time the aforementioned Aussie bands decided to break dominated by especially after MORTAL SIN got big. I remember up also, is that right? being in a rehearsal studio hearing DEATH for the first time and thinking it was Michael: We got great support from street press, radio and also Hot Metal amazing. So there was a lot of influences swirling around and we developed a magazine, which was the Australian Heavy Metal bible at the time. Grunge had Thrashier sound after hearing all those great bands coming out of the US and come in so most of the Thrash bands disappeared or changed direction. Don’t Europe. Plus it took a while for us to become proficient enough musicians to get me wrong, I love SOUNDGARDEN and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and Grunge play that fast! made it cool to listen to heavy music again so in one way it saved metal. Rhett: Thrash was really starting to gather momentum in the late ‘80s. For me Rhett: While I agree for the most part, the ‘90’s were a dark time for me ha ha. joining ENTICER in ‘89, it seemed a natural progression to take the band in Unfortunately the power metal stuff from overseas just didn’t filter through to that direction. us here. Everyone was so wrapped up in the Seattle scene. Who were your youth heroes back then, those that inspired you to form So when and how did you come to decide that you should call it quits a band and write your own music? with ENTICER? What were the main reasons? Michael: I’ve always loved a wide range of music but my journey towards metal Michael: It was the middle of 1991 and mainly management and financial started with ZEPPELIN, SABBATH, PURPLE, URIAH HEEP, Hendrix and CREAM problems. and then MAIDEN and PRIEST and then of course METALLICA, , Fast forward to 2011, was this the year you started thinking about SLAYER. reactivating the band? What had you been doing music related in the Rhett: I loved bands like KISS and SLADE when I was young, but it was all over years in-between? I know Mick was still involved with Heavy Metal when I heard IRON MAIDEN and the SCORPIONS. music, I once came across his blog that had an adequate amount of So after constant practicing and rehearsing, you came of age as a band Aussie metal history engaged in it, rendering it utterly interesting, and decided to record your own thing, heard in the 5 songs of your while Rhett had worked on his own project ULFHEDINN, a completely demo tape “Into Reality”! How was your first experience of releasing different piece of work than what he did with ENTICER. I also know your music; do you have any memories to share about that time? Have Serg Dimitrijevic had moved to the US, so what was the plan behind you been performing live even before the tape was out? this reunion? Michael: We’d been performing live for a while when we decided to record a Michael: I hadn’t done much musically in the intervening years but Rhett had demo which became the “Into Reality” EP. Of course back then we had no idea played in a few bands. Serg went to LA and is now a professional musician. what we were doing but luckily we had a great engineer called John Hresch who He now plays with EARTH, WIND AND FIRE and recently performed in front of I think got a decent sound concerning our inexperience. 50,000 people in London so he’s doing fine! There was no real plan behind the Had you generated your own following by then? Was the local metal single apart from having fun. Rhett and I had always wanted to work with our world accepting you as a new potent force, taking in mind that friend Mark Briggs and he was keen. I had a riff that had been running through precedent legends such as MORTAL SIN or NOTHING SACRED were my head for a while so thought I’d better record it! already around and pretty big there? Rhett: Well I’d been in a few bands from when ENTICER ended. Nothing really Michael: We had developed a good following in the first couple of years. The satisfied though. By the early 2000’s I realized there was a new wave of metal scene was very small but loyal so got a lot of support from metal fans and the bands coming through, which got me really excited. I wish we had of kicked other bands on the scene like MORTAL SIN, ADDICTIVE and DETRIMENT. I was off a bit earlier. Over the years, I’d asked Michael a few times, but nothing always a fan of NOTHING SACRED and saw them a couple of times but you have eventuated. Just a matter of timing really. ULFHEDINN came about as a side to remember that although there were great bands in Adelaide and Melbourne project, but as we were writing the new songs, we knew Marks vocals would they were thousands of miles away and it’s not like in Europe where you can fit in perfectly. drive a short distance and be in another city. Cities in Australia are isolated! And The result of this reunion was 2 songs that were digitally available to there was no internet in those days so it was hard to establish ties with scenes the public. How was your comeback received and was it then that you in other cities. started working on new songs for a full length? I have to admit that Later on you return with a single including two songs, “Reaper of the combined with a rational direction change met in these songs, I was a Earth” and “Dying Aged” namely, two downright slashers! The single bit skeptical about what was however released without a picture sleeve, was it meant to be for to expect...Did you have promotional use to hook you up with a deal? How many a complete line-up at the copies did you press of it and was there demand overseas about your time by the way? music? Michael: The single was Michael: Once we fully became a Thrash band we needed something to promote only done for fun so we our new style. We’d just got a new singer in Steve Sidhu and Rhett also joined at didn’t really get a lot of this point. I don’t think the thought of a picture sleeve even crossed our minds. reaction or feedback which We probably couldn’t afford the extra cost anyway. We sold a few copies at gigs was okay with us as we but the demand for copies has only come in the last few years with collectors knew we could do a lot wanting old vinyl from that era. A few years ago one copy went for $80 on ebay. better. The new line-up has Finally someone is making money from ENTICER! I often get offers to buy the Rhett and I as its heart and single but I’ve only got two copies myself and I’m not letting them go! now that Mark is on board There were a bunch of songs also recorded, enough for a full-length, with vocals that will be the however it never materialized. How come, regarding your Speed/ steady line-up. We’ve used Thrash delivery was considerably appealing, at least to these ears? three different drummers Michael: We recorded eight new songs and new versions of “Reaper” and so far. I’m hoping though “Dying Age” to use as demos for a possible album. At the time we were shared that Frog Stone will be still management with ADDICTIVE and the plan was to have Bob Daisley produce interested and available in the album as he was back in Sydney to produce ADDICTIVE’s great “”Kick Ém the future. He’s got a great Hard” album. But problems with management and money caused a break up. In band called NORSE. Very fact I think we broke up on the last night of recording these demos. So nothing

•8• extreme and experimental. Rhett: When we did the first 2 songs, nothing much else was planned, but I think it gave us the inspiration from a writing perspective to complete a full length album. After losing contact with you guys, 3 years later I see an announcement of an upcoming album by ENTICER, thrilling news if I may! Tell us a few things about it; the recording procedure, the new band members and their musical background etc... Michael: Well mate it took three years to complete! A lot of setbacks and delays but Rhett and I knew we had something so there was never any chance that the album would not happen. As I said Mark was always going to be our choice on vocals. He’d always sung in hard rock bands rather than full metal but he’s a Halford freak so I knew he’d do us proud. Firstly we had Allan O’Rourke on drums and I think he did a great job on “Total War” and “We Fight” but he wasn’t comfortable with the faster stuff. I saw Frog play with Steve Grimmett and knew he was our man. Most of the drums and bass and all the vocals were recorded by Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard studios here in Sydney but Rhett did all the guitars in his own studio so he could take as much time as he needed. Mixing and mastering was courtesy of Lord Tim and he certainly knows what he is doing! Even though it is once again different than your early material, I really dig the new album, “Origin Of Sorrow”. Thankfully, it is much powerful than the 2011 songs and I think the songwriting is more mature or integrated. But screw me and tell us, now that fresh food is off the oven, did you manage to embrace your old fans and even more, approach a wider audience with this album? What was the overall the next album will not take as long. response? Rhett: After a short break after the last album, back in full swing now on the Michael: The overall response has been 100% positive. And of course the writing side of things. Hopefully it will be bigger and better, some promising internet has made it possible reach fans all across Europe and America. I’ll be stuff so far. doing a lot of mailouts soon so I’m hoping for some more positive publicity in Thanks for partaking guys, congratulations for a very nice album you the near future. offered, I hope the best for the band. Share your last thoughts and feel Rhett: Yes very positive so far, very grateful for that. We spent a bit more time free to let us know how we can get in touch with you and your music! writing the new material. The 2 songs from 2011 were a song we had each, I’d Michael: Thanks Thanos for your continued support. We will definitely give you written speak the truth probably 10 years previously, so when we sat down a thank you on the next album! You can get our music on ebay, itunes, CD Baby to write for the album, it was a fresh start, but we definitely knew where we or just contact us on [email protected] . Thanks again mate! wanted to take it. Rhett: Thanks Thanos, can’t say it enough, not just for us but the whole scene, What is the subject matter, lyrics-wise, in “Origin Of Sorrow”? There’s Hail! diversity for sure, but could you elaborate please? What’s the book that www.facebook.com/pages/Enticer/172668496118274?fref=ts inspired the long epic “March of the War Elephants” about for instance? Thanos Stafylarakis Michael: We covered a lot of diverse subjects lyrically ranging from totalitarian states, space exploration, Vikings, exploitation of the poor. You name it, we’ll write a song about it! “War Elephants” was the name of the book that we took the quotes from for the song “March of the War Elephants”. The music for that one is a bit of a departure from our metal roots but it’s still heavy sort of like the to Game of Thrones. Australian entertainer Kamahl did a great job narrating the story. I think he’s known somewhat in Europe. He had a number 1 hit in Holland a few decades ago. Rhett: I think it was a combination of Iain Banks and Peter Hamilton, two incredible sci-fi writers that inspired “Wings of Steel”. But we try to mix it up. Is your new CD a limited run as well? How many copies did you press and is there a specific reason why you went once more on your own and not trying to shop your music to a label? Michael: Doing it yourself is the only way to go for us at this stage. There’s not a lot of money in music these days so if we waited for someone else to pay for it then it wouldn’t have been made. It’s a limited print at the moment but we’ll see how it sells. It is common to assume in Heavy Metal bands that activity usually means gigs. What is the band’s standing against this notion, are there gigs at hand? Michael: As I’ve noted there is not a lot of money in music and although money is no way my motivation, it costs a lot of money to run a band, I’d rather spend the money on quality recordings. But never say never! Are there changes in your musical tastes throughout the years, that tangled in in the songwriting procedure of the new CD? I can hear a lot of classic Metal, as well as RAINBOW in it. Michael: Well I was into heavy music before there was METALLICA and even MAIDEN for that matter so I will always have influences from 70s heavy bands. We don’t put any limitations on our songs when it comes to style. They’ll always be heavy but we will never be boxed into playing one genre. Rhett: I listened to RAINBOW growing up, also UFO and a lot of NWOBHM, but it’s the bands that have appeared in the last 15 years or so that have got me excited. So really it was about staying true to my musical roots while still having new influences as well. Could you tell us a few things about the Aussie scene of the past and compare it with the present situation? Despite being secluded and separated from the rest of the world back in the ‘80s, Australia didn’t omit to offer some magnificent acts, cited in GODSPEED, MORTAL SIN, NOTHING SACRED, BENGAL TIGERS, FATAL ARRAY, BLACK ALICE, the again active TAIPAN, I could mention dozens here... Michael: There were lots of great bands in the old days but Australia is so far away from Europe and North America it was so difficult to get noticed. Now with the internet bands can connect with fans in all corners of the globe. Hopefully they will also get to hear some of the old bands too. The internet has changed everything! Rhett: I think it’s much healthier now, bigger population means more diversity. I mean, Heavy Metal will probably always be an underground type thing, but in the 80’s you were definitely more of an “outcast”. Are there any imminent (or not) plans in the works for ENTICER? Should we expect anything in the future? Michael: Rhett and I have already started writing the next album and next week we will start doing a video for “Wings of Steel”. We promise

•9• It is with great pleasure that I conduct band’s classiest releases! What lead to your departure from the band and what have you done this interview, not only because the between DOMINE and DARKING? I played ten years with DOMINE (1983-1993) and we formed DARKING about ten years ago. In the Italian Heavy Metallers DARKING middle of these two beautiful experiences I had to finish the university and start my professional career are a fine new band recently with a of Architect: simply do not have time for music ... but as soon as my business has left me a bit of space I second CD under their belt, but because started playing again and now DARKING come out with the second CD. With my friends DOMINE, at one point, arrived a time of change in our lives that we were not longer allowed to live in the same city and guitar player, Agostino Carpo, former play together, but we are still very good friends. And we have a big surprise for the Greek friends who love member in the first incarnation of the DOMINE (DEMO period): in our new CD “Steal the Fire” there is a COVER (“Stormbringer”) taken directly glorious DOMINE in their demo days is from the second DOMINE demo (“Eternal Champion”) in which I played. We wanted to give a tribute to also a great person to chat with! I urge the band DOMINE, to that fantastic song, and in the memory of the old beautiful days: our friend Enrico Paoli (DOMINE guitarist and ) is present in the song to plays his original solos! The you to check both of their albums as we of the song is taken from the DEMO. speak and I hope Agostino’s testimony I can’t recall seeing any of the rest of the DARKING crew in other bands, so could you please will act as a motive for such a deed! All shed some light on their musical background? How did you come to the decision to form a band playing traditional Heavy Metal in the first place? hail the mighty Italian scene, mother of Leonardo Freschi (drums), Mirko Miliani (vocals) and Matteo Lupi (bass), all come from local musical delicate obscurity! reality and have had other bands that performed mainly COVER: they are all younger than me (bassist has almost half of my years). Leonardo for example loves Hard Rock, Prog, like me... even if he tends more towards Doom in general, Mirko loves IRON MAIDEN and Matteo starts from Thrash experiences ... my experience and my love for Power Epic Metal eighties oriented brought everybody in Welcome DARKING and Agostino to our pages! one project of “traditional” Heavy Metal in which, however, everyone brings their own vision of music. Despite our love for Heavy Metal from our Your great debut, “Sons of Steel” was released by My Graveyard Productions. Why did you neighboring Italy, we didn’t have the chance to jump to Jolly Roger Records for your sophomore? Your current label has helped a lot both have as our guests many Italian bands; tell us, new and older local acts bring their music out to the metal world, do you think this exclusive how do you feel now that you are back with a engagement with Italian acts is something that could benefit DARKING so to speak? new album after five years? We thank the label “MY Graveyard” for publishing our first CD “Son of Steel” in 2010: this is a good record It’s a pleasure! Thanks to all of you for the not too much push by the label, in our opinion. So at the end of the recording of “Steal the Fire” at the opportunity to present DARKING the band and our beginning of 2014 we noticed some problems and difficulties in the programs of “MY Graveyard”, so we new CD titled “Steal The Fire” (out from the label decided to look for a new label that would guarantee a fast exit and a good media support. We found “Jolly Roger Records” at the end of this month). A immediately a good feeling with Antonio Keller of “Jolly Roger Records” who was enthusiastic about the second album gives a good feeling! We worked very quality of the new songs and he proposed to create a new cover and to release CD and LP format (in two hard about compositions and and we vinyl color!). Finally January 31 will be released “STEAL THE FIRE” at “ACCIAIO ITALIANO FESTIVAL” in are very satisfied with the quality of the recording Modena. There we will open the concert for some important Bands of the Italian scene. We really believe too: the first CD (“Sons of Steel”), released in 2010 in this new label and we believe also that Antonio Keller is doing a great job for same historical Italian was recorded to make a DEMO and then has become metal band and for the quality of the metal bands he has in his label. a real CD ... of which we are very satisfied! This work What I liked with DARKING is that while we don’t hear that obscurity in the sound that was is born to be a CD and to promote the band at its best present in many 80’s Italian bands, while some of your influences can be distinguished, you and we believe that the time we spent about the new have your own sound in the saturated traditional Heavy Metal style, which is a bet to be CD has also given us a lot of musical maturity. gained. Where would you cite the bands that inspire you to pen some tunes? What was the reason you took so long after It ‘a good thing to have a sound that sets you apart from other bands even if the Masters of the seventies “Sons Of Steel”, until “Steal The Fire” was and eighties in Hard Rock and Metal have certainly influenced us: these influences, however, had to be released? lived with personality and that’s what we try to do in our musical experience. The new CD is Power and Five years may seem a lot but the CD would have Epic but the songs are more mature and, in our opinion, are also more articulate and expressive: and come out in May 2014 and we have had some the good recording enhances the characteristics of the work on all the instruments. It should however be problems with the old label... and we are not signaled the exceptional performance by Mirko: his power and the ability to sing both on the low notes professional musicians. The time is always short: than on high ones is one of the little secrets of the DARKING’s songs. Our bands of reference?: Too many! sometimes the band needs to prepare some songs I avoid a long lists and I quote one for all ... BLACK SABBATH who can say not to be influenced by? for a live date or also happened to study and record I think the more I listen to “Steal The Fire”, the more I like it and overall I grade it higher a new COVER to take part in a tribute record. For than your debut and in my opinion it seems as if you chose a somewhat more epic direction example we have a song in the tribute to STRANA compared to “Sons Of Steel”! Are you happy yourselves with the final outcome, now that your OFFICINA with the track “The Ritual “: in this song initial enthusiasm has calmed? What would the differences be between the two albums? we have the main solo played by the legendary first The second album is simply a continuation of the work done on the first one: we never stopped composing VIRGIN STEELE guitarist Jack Starr! We have also but, certainly, we believe and we hope to do better and better, to improve the technique, the played a cover for another international tribute, it harmony in the band and our experience live. If “Steal the Fire” is more epic is just a natural evolution of will be a surprise and I do not say anything now but our sound, a feature of the period in which it was written, there is nothing planned: the band continues to concerns a group much loved by everyone. write music that comes from a METAL alchemy of the members in a very natural way. We are very happy It is most likely unknown that even though about the result and we also thank our recording engineer Andrea Ramacciotti for his work. DARKING is a relatively new band in the The lyrical content is more or less the same in both albums; a combination of Mythology, scene, you were a part of Italian metal history, history and epic themes. Can you speak about the lyrics in your latest offering? partaking in 3 of the most legendary demos The texts come from the songs when the songs are almost finished: it is the atmosphere of the music that your country ever produced. These demos you creates the theme and title that, for me, must also play well in the song ... very simple. With Epic Power have to know, are adored by a good share of music and style our work comes naturally on mythology, on science fiction and so on. The song “Steal (Greek?) DOMINE fans and reckoned as the the Fire” speaks about the myth of Prometheus, as “ICARUS” speaks about the myth of the labyrinth and

•10• escape from that; in “Killing Machines” we speak about a prisoner turned into a gladiator inspired by the “Conan” by Howard. “I’m Legend” is about “the last man on earth”, a place where lived only vampires, as in the book by Richard Matheson; “The Storyteller” is a hypothetical tale of wizards and dragons narrated by someone who wants to transport us to a world of fantasy. “Eldorado” describes the destruction of the Native American people when the European soldiers were seeking the golden city and “Circle of Life” describes the succession of generations that find all the old problems in every life never solved: This piece is dedicated to children born in “Darking family” in the meantime: Alex, Geneva (by Mirco) and Jacopo (By Leo) ... the “pump” that is the end of the piece is the first recording of the heart of one of them when he was still in the womb. About “Stormbringer” I think it’s well known! The last track in “Steal the Fire” is mentioned as a bonus track; will there be a specific version of the album where this track will be exclusive for instance? What is the reason you name it as such? “Circle of Life” a Power fast song, initially had another location in the CD, for reasons of length and for choices of the label did not find place in the vinyl and then we chose to put it as bonus track in the CD. There’s also a surprise included in the album, as mentioned previously, you decided to include a cover of one of DOMINE’s classics, the mighty “Stormbringer”. Was there a specific reason for this choice? Was it you who wrote the tune for example? Was it hard to convince Enrico Paoli to participate in this re-recording of the song? I anticipated this response and now I complete. This song was written by Enrico Paoli , arranged by DOMINE and mastered in “Eternal Champion” DEMO. We wanted to put in “Steal the Fire” this beautiful song with the arrangement of the DEMO and the same guitar solos and melodic vocal line, in memory of the old times and to remember these beautiful years and our friendship with DOMINE members. It ‘was a real pleasure to invite his friend Enrico Paoli to play the song with us and he (great musician and friend) has agreed to play his solos. In my opinion, this version of the song, really gained in quality of mastering and execution: It is just a little faster than the original, but we realized it only after we record and we liked it. Again the work of Mirko at deserves a special mention. How is DARKING treated by local and world media so far? Have you been invited to perform outside Italy? The situation of Metal music in Italy is not good especially for Italian bands offering their own original songs like DARKING: there are few opportunities to be known and propose our musical work. This condition does not let us grow as a band and as musicians so it is difficult to arrive at good goals: we have never played abroad but we would love to. We expect some invitation! Please... So what do you intend to do as an act of promoting your new baby? Are there any future plans by the way that you could reveal? “Steal the Fire” will be released on Jan. 31 in Modena and we will play to ACCIAIO ITALIANO Festival: the CD will start turning between fan and journalists. Then we will try to find other gigs in Italy to promote the work. We know it will be very difficult, but we are counting we are still a band on the second CD, on the support of the label and on the quality of the product. For other promotional activities will be seen later ... it would be great to play abroad: maybe in Greece! Thank you for your time Agostino, congratulations for another beautiful album and good luck with the tough task to convince fans! Last lines are yours! Thank you for your great work; thanks for the compliments and thanks for your time: we hope you will like the new work! And we hope that the sooner we can we will come to play live in Greece, one of the few places in the world where Metal is a music followed and respected! Thanks and greetings from DARKING: Agostino, Leo, Mirko e Matteo... CIAO! www.facebook.com/pages/Darking/112713178762531 Thanos Stafylarakis

•11• Avid readers of this publication may remember my raving review for ASSEMBLY AT DUSK’s first demo in our last issue. Having released a second and equally strong demo just shortly afterwards and both of them now being released on vinyl via Unborn Productions, we felt it was a perfect time to talk to the epic heavy metal hopefuls about past, present and future. Despite the recently announced departure of vocalist Jeffrey Schaefer, remaining founding member Brian Pauze seemed more than determined to continue (a news we are of course glad to hear!) and excited to fill us in on the story so far and future plans.

Brian, as ASSEMBLY AT DUSK is a rather new band would you care from fans and press? Do you have any idea how many people actually to give us a brief overview of the band‘s history and how you guys downloaded the demos so far? ended up playing with each other? Were any of you involved in other The thing that surprised me the most was the wide range of places interest has musical endeavours before ASSEMBLY AT DUSK? I know that you and come from. We have never been particularly good at self promotion, so it was Jeffrey were both part of the melodic death metal combo THE PATHOS interesting to see how word spread relatively far. A few blogs posted links to OF CLYTAEMNESTRA, what did make you two switch towards the more the demos and some people uploaded the tracks to youtube and we started traditional side of the metal genre? getting demo requests from places like Norway, Greece, India and Brazil. I The PATHOS… was a project Jeff had originally started as a solo thing, with him think outside of the United States, people are much more open to a more old recording everything on his computer, so the basic musical template was set school metal sound. Sometimes it seems like here people are just concerned with that band before I came to it. I happen to enjoy that type of metal a great with how “extreme” you can be. As far as downloads, I am not totally sure. I deal so it worked out, but with ASSEMBLY AT DUSK we came to it with no set think it is sitting somewhere around 600. I am just happy people are finding us idea of what we wanted to do stylistically. Jeff is a talented singer, so we wanted and discovering they like us on their own without it being shoved in their faces. to take advantage of that and music-wise we didn’t want to be constrained by As both demos were released during a rather short period of time, in any specific genre limitations aside from being a metal band. As far as other what aspects do you think they differ from each other? projects, both Ryan and I have been in a band called IRON HAND With the first demo we were still feeling things out, and didn‘t have a complete for many years and continue to do that. We came across Jordan by putting the lineup so there were less people to bounce ideas off of. I come up with most word out on the internet looking for a drummer after recording the first demo, of the riffs, but a big part of actually creating the songs comes from everyone and lucked out finding him as we all have mutual friends and acquaintances. adding their own little things to what was brought in. I think the second demo is Once Jeff decided to move to doing strictly vocals, Jordan’s friend Mike stepped a little more stylistically cohesive, but not a huge departure. We also put more in to play bass and it was a great fit. time in to the second demo, since the intention of the first one was just to try Unfortunately you recently announced Jeffrey’s departure from the to have something to send people to fill out the lineup. band. Could you elaborate a bit on the reasons for this decision? As I The recently released vinyl compilation of both of the demos was done understand you are still involved in other projects with him so I doubt by Unborn Productions. How did this collaboration come to be? there has been any bad blood between the both of you. I am not totally sure how Jonas originally found us, but he first wanted to order We are not involved in any other projects together, though we have been in some demo tapes to stock in his (fantastic) distro. He then decided it was worth other bands together in the past. I think he just had different ideas about „the having that music put on vinyl. I will be forever honored that he decided to do big picture“ of the band, and when he realized his vision didn‘t line up with the that for us. rest of us he lost interest. I wouldn‘t say there is bad blood, but the whole thing With Unborn Productions getting involved how much say did you have definitely left a bad taste in our mouths. in the release itself or did you just send the sound files and the artwork Okay, then let us leave the unpleasant things aside and talk a bit and that was it? more about the band. ASSEMBLY AT DUSK is an interesting name and We knew what we wanted for the art, which was the same art we used for the was actually the thing that initially drew my attention and the reason tape version, so it was an easy process of just sending him the recordings and I clicked on your bandcamp page in early 2013. I think it suits your then art and he took care of everything else. To us it was very simple, but for sound very well, but how did you come up with it and what does it him probably not so much so! mean to you? I must admit, that I was a bit disappointed about the fact, that the vinyl I think we came up with it as an amalgamation of various ideas we had all release did not include a lyrics sheet since I sense you guys have indeed thrown out, and it was the first one that we all knew immediately suited the something worthwhile to say that would be worth a closer read. As the band. I think the name is very tied to the music we are trying to create, which cheap way out was already taken with the LP‘s inlay which contains the has a certain atmospheric vibe. We didn’t want a name that hit you over the production information (FYI: the LP features a simple copied DINA4 head saying “this is a metal band!” but still had a somewhat sinister element sheet), could the other side have not been used for printing the lyrics to it. as well? With a name and a course set out for the band, how can we imagine the That was a decision made by Jonas at Unborn. I suppose the lyrics could have songwriting process for ASSEMBLY AT DUSK? Are you guys jamming been included, but I have no experience with what goes in to making a more together in order to flesh out the songs or are you mainly making use elaborate insert for vinyl. I was more than happy he was willing to put the of the many possibilities offered to musicians nowadays by the digital demos out on vinyl, so we are in no position to take issue! world in terms of exchanging sound files via the internet etc.? Speaking of lyrics, what are the kind of topics you guys tend to tackle The songwriting process is mainly me bringing in riffs and we just kind of jam in your songs? Is there an overlying concept or theme with ASSEMBLY on them at practice, tweaking things and arranging them until we have the AT DUSK? basic framework down. Occasionally I will record things on my phone and send Jeff deals mainly with the themes of isolation and disappointment with the world them around just to get opinions, but that is pretty infrequent. Once we have with his lyrics. This is sort of built around creating a mythical post-apocalyptic everything down pretty tight, we would make a basic practice recording to work world and then using that to draw analogies to the world we actually exist in. vocals around. Now that Jeff has decided to part ways with the band, I don’t know that we In 2013 you released two 3-track-demos, both of them are still available will stick with that exact pretense for lyrical content, but I would imagine the as “pay what you like“ on your bandcamp page. How was the resonance themes will stay the same. It is hard not to feel like the world we live in is doing

•12• everything it can to destroy itself, and that will be reflect in the lyrical content. The LP also features a bonus track, namely „Orphans Of The Light“, which seems to be from a separate recording session. Was this the only song you tracked or did you record more? When Jonas approached us about doing the vinyl version of the demos, he asked if we had any material that could be exclusive to that version. Since we recorded everything ourselves at my home studio, it was easy enough to record a song we had been working on since we recorded the demos. Unfortunately that was the only track we recorded at that time. Coming to speak of the music, you guys - at least to my ears - tend to build a very elevated atmosphere on a foundation of classic heavy metal paired with influences from epic to doom metal. What would you name as your main influences or do you see ASSEMBLY AT DUSK as a completely unique beast of its own? I suppose every band would like to think of themselves as a totally unique beast! Realistically though, that is rarely the case. Vocally, I know Jeff’s big influences were CANDLEMASS and BLACK SABBATH. I think musically those are two big ones for me as well, with maybe some PENTAGRAM, ENTOMBED and IMMORTAL thrown in. My favorite ASSEMBLY AT DUSK song up until now is „Felhaven“ which ends with an unexpected (but great) faster part that resembles some melodic black metal influences. Are we going to see more of these influences in ASSEMBLY AT DUSK‘s music further on down the road or was this a one-off thing? I would imagine those influences will always find their way in to our music here and there, as I enjoy black metal quite a bit. Though I don’t know if we will be so on the nose about it in the future. While I like that part, it always felt a little bit too much like “and now the black metal part of the song!” Talking about „Felhaven“, does the title in any kind of way refer to your hometown New Haven in Conneticut? I don’t think it does. I believe Jeff used it more as a representation of Hartford, where he was living at the time, which is pretty close to post apocalyptic itself. It does have a good lyrical quality to it though. What is the underground metal scene currently like in New Haven and Conneticut in general? Are there chances to gig for a band like ASSEMBLY AT DUSK with a decent turnout? For better or worse, we are not very involved in the local scene in Connecticut. I think it is the nature of most people in the band to keep to themselves and do their own thing, so we rarely get out to schmooze and promote ourselves. Consequently, I couldn’t really say what the state of the scene is here. We have gig offers every now and then and we do enjoy playing out when the right opportunity arises. Obviously as we are temporarily without a singer, we aren’t playing live but we look forward to changing that soon. Having just released some music on black wax yourself, what do you think about the current comeback of the LP? Do you think it‘s just a fad that will fade because people are at the moment just rediscovering all things retro simply for the sake of them being retro and therefore fashionable and stylish, or is vinyl truly here to stay? I love vinyl as a format, and it‘s pretty much what I listen to when I am at home. I think I like it for all the typical reasons people say they do, the sound, the large form artwork etc. In a lot of circles it is not a format that ever really went away. That being said, I do think there is a trend about it now in terms of major labels and bigger artists putting our vinyl again. These releases tend to be way overpriced and not something I would be interested in buying anyway. To me, vinyl that comes with a digital version is the ideal distribution format. What does the future hold in store for ASSEMBLY AT DUSK? Can we expect a proper full-length album next? What does Jeffrey’s departure mean for future endeavours? I know you are determined to find a new singer, any news you can share with us yet? No news on the singer front, but we are hoping to keep vocals duties in house if possible before reaching out to people we don’t know. We have a good deal of material ready, and had offers to put out a full length prior to Jeff leaving, so I would imagine that is in store for us somewhere down the road. Once again thanks a lot for taking the time and making the effort to answer my questions. The last words are yours... Thank you for the interview, we are honored! www.facebook.com/AssemblyAtDusk Daniel Schuldt

•13• Another band that has been flying each CD and have distributed nearly half of these. under the radar of underground We have had some good media reviews in blogs and webzines like Metal Temple, Stereo Sun, Lords of maniacs despite having two full length Metal, Global Metal Apocalypse and Kick Acts. CD’s so far. Indiana-based duo is off “Creation/Damnation” (a lyric from “Beyond the beaten path of today’s Metal. Their these Citadel Walls” from the debut CD; music is harsh, raw, some would say coincidence?) was released in 2012, once again as a private release and almost passing under-produced. But it has a charm unnoticed from the underground metal that I guess will be visible to many community, as I have yet to encounter many should the give the band the time they reviews of your releases, so this means you deserve. Add to this an original sound either don’t care to promote your band a lot, or that people don’t care about your music. Which assumption is closer to and approach and you have a band fitting to be interviewed the truth here? in out humble fanzine. Communication problems with We do care deeply about our music but with a limited budget we haven’t been Tim Hall (guitars, bass) didn’t “allow” for this feature to able to do much as for as promotion goes. We monitor free download sites and be more extensive, but even this way, I hope you like and allow them because of our limited budget restricts our advertising. We have been downloaded quite a bit so I guess there is interest in our music especially discover a new, worthy band! in Southeast Asia, Europe and South America. Were sales of the “Creation/Damnation” CD better than the debut’s? Hello and congratulations for both CD’s you released in the last couple We had about the same amount of sales for these two CD’s, about half of the of years, “The Winter of Evermore” and “Creation/Damnation”. Shall 1000 pressing as mentioned above. we start off by you giving us some more info about the band? When and Both releases are done by you. Wasn’t there interest from labels, or where was CITADEL BESIEGED? Were you guys the founding members? maybe there was but wasn’t something that you felt comfortable with? CITADEL BESIEGED was formed by Tim Hall and Adrian Jeffreys in 2010. We are Will you continue this way? the only permanent members. Adrian does all the vocals and drums and I do all We submitted to all major labels and had no replies. This was suggested by a guitar work on albums. Dave Hale Jr. helped with the bass on both music videos. Virgin A&R on Reverbnation. We started Gothic Records in 1987 to release the Jack Hillenbrand and Joe Meleski were drummers on the videos. DARKHAVEN album which was never released. Since we have first use of Gothic In the Metal Archives website it is mentioned that you are the evolution Records we used this label to get worldwide distribution. We will continue this of an older act, DARKHAVEN, so if you could shed some light here? Did way but will submit again to the majors and major independents. you have any releases with them? One complaint someone would have is the very basic packaging, I We started off together in 1984 under the name SANCTUARY. Before we could mean it wouldn’t be so bad to have the lyrics or maybe some extra info secure that name somebody took that name. Was pissed but after hearing “Into about the songs in the booklets. Was this a deliberate choice? Don’t the Mirror Black” by them we got over it. So we became DARKHAVEN in 1985. you think that a better looking product would help the band more? Did

Recorded our debut album – “Prelude to Haven” in 1987, which unfortunately you get some negative feedback from this? was never released due to constant in fighting and the band members went This was due to financial considerations. We would love to do a lot of things their separate ways. Randy Bienhaus was the drummer and Val Shaffer was more professionally but can’t due to finances. the Bass player on “Prelude to Haven” album. We got back in touch in 2010 As there are no lyrics in the CD’s, could you tell us a few things? I and decided to give things another try. CITADEL BESIEGED was born out of the guess judging from titles like “March of the Black Death”, “Fear of the ashes of DARKHAVEN. At the time there was also a Texan band called DARK Mountain people”, “Black clouds over Stonehaven” and “March of the HAVEN. Witchfinder” f.e. combined with the dark tone your music has, one Did you perform live during the DARKHAVEN days? Were the songs knows what to expect… you had written “shelved” or sent to radio stations and fanzines at the Yes they should expect true gothic metal that we have been doing since time? DARKHAVEN. The first five songs on “The Winter of Evermore” are the epic We broke up before we had a chance to play out. We did get some local play portion of the CD and the first seven songs on “Creation/Damnation” are the time from colleges, high schools and local stations. We didn’t make it in any epic portions of that CD. fanzines or magazines. I have listened closely to both CD’s and so far I can’t identify you You come from Indiana, a state with almost zero Metal bands, at least with a specific band, as your branch of Metal is quite unique (aided those that may be a little more known to an underground maniac! We by the sound/production). Of course some ideas and parts here and have (or maybe had?) SKULLVIEW and the band Dean now has, STONE there may ring a bell, but the final result is quite original to my ears. MAGNUM, but I only know of BACKLASH that did an LP back in the 80s What are some of the bands that have influenced you? How would you and the more melodic ANGEL X with a mini-CD in 1992… Are things so describe your style if necessary? bad for Metal there? We try to be totally original but we do have our influences: Tim is influenced Yes things are really bad here. and CRIMSON ARMADA are the by DIO, OZZY, BLACK SABBATH. Adrian’s influences include: FATES WARNING, only two melodic bands that Adrian has heard of coming from Indiana. It seems QUEENSRYCHE and . that everybody is on the current band wagon of death metal and copy bands. Maybe this special, raw and harsh sound you have keeps some people There are no places to play our style of music around the area. I guess because away? It’s not something that you will love from the first spin, it we have a lot of melody in our music we are looked down upon as being weak. happened with me as well; as it takes some time to appreciate the The first CITADEL BESIEGED CD, titled “The Winter of Evermore” was band… released in 2011. Is this material you had written in the past and No, we get that too. Some of our favorite albums have had to grow on us as properly recorded, or songs written before the CD release? well. We believe the songwriting is there but our closet bedroom studio can only Yes, there were a lot of riffs left over from the DARKHAVEN days and in between. sound so good. We are doing a new single in a professional studio this time and We also did a lot of rearranging old with brand new parts to complete these maybe we can get better results. songs. Do you follow the current Metal scene? What’s your opinion/view on Did you play gigs after the CD release? In your facebook page there are it? What are some of the albums you have enjoyed in the past month live pictures, so this means there is a line-up for performing live to aid or so? you two, right? Is there a reason why they don’t join the band? Maybe Southeast Asia, Europe and South America are still into metal but not so much you want to keep it this way, a two-man operation with a few selected here in the states. Rap, solo artists, cover bands and cookie monster vocals shows here and there when given the opportunity? are big here. PAGAN’S MIND, VISION DIVINE and THY MAJESTIE are what Those “live” pictures were actually outtakes from the video for “Fear of the Adrian has been listening to lately. I shut myself out from other music when I Mountain People”. Dave Hale Jr. performed Bass and Joe Meleski performed the am writing. drums. Dave is a singer who we would love to learn and play the bass live and On the CD’s you have a “Gothic” logo, is there a special reason? Maybe Joe is a great drummer and great person but he is busy with another band. We you want to emphasize the dark and gothic elements/atmosphere in would love to do live shows but again there is no one to play live with around your music or is it just your label’s name, Gothic Records (as here. No one has shown interest in playing with us. The older there is no label evidence anywhere else on the musicians who would play live are simply out of CD)? shape and the younger guys are into the latest That’s our own label’s name/// trend Any future plans you can share with us? Is a Are you satisfied with the feedback from fans new, 3rd full length in the works? and media alike? How many copies have you Working on our new single called “Barnabas Collins” pressed and distributed? which will be on our upcoming EP. We have pretty good fan feedback. We have a lot Thank you on behalf of the Steel for an Age of great comments at CITADEL BESIEGED radio team. at Jango.com which is very similar to Pandora. We www.facebook.com/pages/Citadel- have 1938 fans there. We also have good feedback besieged/137510439658345 at Reverbnation. We have pressed 1000 copies of Kostas Kailiazis

•14• It was in May when our Slovenian friend, Kristjan Marjanchich (see you soon in UTH!), mentioned this band in one of his mails! I visited their bandcamp page and was BLOWN AWAY by their powerful Heavy Metal (and immediately ordered their demo-CD, more in the reviews section). How they can still be without an official release is beyond me, now only taking into consideration their actual songs, but also the very professional sound and approach they have. It may be too early with only three songs, but I think UNDERGROUND are not another typical band... Time will tell!

Hello and welcome to Steel for an Age. Congratulations for the demo you released in 2014. When was the band formed? Were any of you involved in other bands prior to Underground? Hello! Thank you very much, we are very happy, what came out! The band has thrash masterpiece, named “Crematory”, been formed in February of 2013. We have been in few bands before, yes, but you should check it out. As we are talking now UNDERGROUND is our main band ;) about thrash metal, you should also check Really, how did you come up with this name? thrash maniacs ERUPTION, who are mostly We came up with lots of names and then UNDERGROUND came out and we all influenced by Bay Area thrash scene and of course a agreed. band named KELLER who plays teutonic thrash metal (SODOM< KREATOR, One of the main characteristics of the band are the powerful vocals of CORONER, DESTRUCTION). CHICKSY DICKS is a band, who plays a mixture Mario. What are some of the singers that have influenced him. At times of metal subgenres, for example they combine thrash metal with bands like he sounds like a better ! FAITH NO MORE and they also are into PANTERA’s music. GMB and WITHIN Oh yeah, that screaming motherf*cker?? His influences were most of all King DESTRUCTION mostly play death metal. In fact, WITHIN DESTRUCTION also Diamond, Rob Halford and Ronnie James Dio. mix a lot of deathcore with death metal. GMB sounds like OBITUARY, which is Your music as well seems quite a bit influenced from German Metal really good. TOMCAT plays pretty good dirty hard rock, so you can imagine what bands. What in your opinion are the main influences you have, both as kind of bands are they into. personalities and as a band? Do UNDERGROUND play live often? How are things concerning venues Our main influences were IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST… so NWOBHM mostly, to perform, bands that you play with? Have you managed to open for this was our goal. bigger bands so far? Since there are no lyrics in your demo-CD, tell us a few things about Now we were a bit short with gigs, because it was summer, and usually here them. in summer, the clubs are closed, so new season starts in September. You have Our lyrics are mostly influenced by serial killers, violence most of all, because to contact the club and maybe you can get an invitation from the bigger group we are all pretty sick and therefore the lyrics are gruesome ;) to be an opening act… Actually, now we announced a mini tour to Belgium You have started with a three-song demo available on bandcamp, in February, we are going to play on one-day festival Metal ‘till midnight in something that hundreds of bands do nowadays. On one hand it’s good; Kortrijk(club JC Transit) along with ALPHA TIGER, HORACLE, ENCHANTRESS.. you have a known media to make your band know, but on the other the headliner will be the well-known STEELWING from Sweden, we are very hand, people seem to pay so little attention to bands nowadays if they excited that we’re going to share the stage with them. Venues are Metelkova, are not accompanied by some sort of hype or gimmick. How do you Mostovna, Orto bar, Pekana maribor, Cvetlicarna... view this? I guess you must have more songs written. Could you please mention We believe that bandcamp is one of the greatest opportunities for newcomer some titles? bands, to get known and maybe make some money via digital release or selling Yes we do. Other songs are “House of the Devil”, “Mouth of Madness” and “Evil merchandise, practically, you have your own webpage for free! Of course, this invocation”. We are currently working on new material, so there will be more is not the only thing to do, to become more known. songs of course. How do you see the current classic Metal scene? Have we reached a It may be a little early to ask, but what is the feedback so far for your peak where soon all this ocean of bands/labels and releases will result first demo? Did you send copies to labels that might be interested in to a collapse that will leave the scene the way it was 15-20 years ago? you? Band that have a long road behind them like IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, The copies were not sent to labels yet, but the feedback is awesome. People BLACK SABBATH should leave the scene and give an opportunity to young accepted us really well, even in Canada, Norway and Brazil they’re amazed by bands. No we don’t think so. It doesn’t matter if the labels will be successful or our songs. not and we should look after the energy in bands songs and releases. The scene What are your future plans? Should we look forward to a more is never the same; we can’t go back in time. professional release in the near future? Maybe a 7” or mini-CD until There are few bands from Slovenia that have managed to make a name you build up enough interest for a full length? for themselves outside your country, even in underground circles. Our future plans are, of course to make a full length CD, a lot of gigs, meeting What would be the reasons? new people and yeah obviously getting drunk, high and maybe burn some Strong connections and a big ass, haha. Actually the bands must put a lot of stages hahha! Metal up your ass! effort in their work. Until more music from your band hits our stereos, send a message to Please recommend us some bands from your country that people into our readers. From our part we wish you luck for the future! classic (and not only) Metal should check! If possible, tell us a few Guys, keep listening to heavy metal, and don’t fall into these modern crap, that things about each band. is playing these days on the radio, keep going on the to support your METALSTEEL, KELLER, ERUPTION, SARCASM, WITHIN DESTRUCTION, GMB, local scene(especially young and unknown bands). Keep it brutal! CHICKSY DICKS. METALSTEEL is a heavy metal band, formed around 2000 I http://undergroundofficial.bandcamp.com/releases think and they play like IRON MAIDEN, WASP, BLACK SABBATH (Dio era), etc. Kostas Kailiazis SARCASM is a well known thrash metal band from the 80s and they had a lot of influence on younger Slovenian thrash bands. Their best record is a speed/

•15• RANGER seems to be at the top of this whole new speed/ thrash wave. At least to my ears they are, but with just demos and an EP under their belts there is room for ‘questioning’. Fear not, the band will have their debut released in spring; my expectations are high and I think they will solidify their position as the undisputed leaders of this ‘scene’. Drummer of the band, Miko informed us of the latest news from their camp.

Congratulations for the releases you have so far! The band is currently at the studio preparing a new aural assault, this time in the form of a full-length album! When should we expect it? Will it be The feedback has been brand new songs or will you revisit demo ones as well? Any funny/ really good! At least the weird incidents? Finnish music media seemed to really Thanks! It’s going to be mostly brand new stuff, only 1 old song. We have enjoy it. It has sold well indeed; the third pressing is out played some of the new songs live this summer. The new album will be already. After the release we had a lot more gigs and they were bigger shows out this spring on Spinefarm records. You should expect no less than an too. overdose of guaranteed skull splitting metal! We had quite a few problems Before that, chaos, sorry I meant to say LOTS of tape releases... First at the studio… 2 amplifiers broke down and the equipment didn’t always off there was “Enter the Zone” in 2009, followed by “Metal Gear in work. That added quite a lot of stress to the recordings but the album turned 2012” and “Combat Metal in 2013”. Tell us a few things about the out great! We have recorded our previous stuff at Black Floyd’s analog lab songs included and the state of the band during every release... in Hämeenkyrö, Finland but now we decided to record it in a studio in our In 2009 when we recorded “Enter the Zone” we were a 5-piece band. It was hometown . It’s recorded and mixed on tape by the same guys who me and Jaakko on guitars, Dimi on vocals, Jokebi on bass and Ville on drums. did “Knights of Darkness” and “Shock Skull” so still no “modern” production! The demo had intro and two songs on it. We have used some riffs from those Quite typical and boring, but lets get this over with. Can you give us songs on our newer stuff but we don’t play them live anymore. “Metal Gear” a short bio of the band? The original name was TURBIN, which would was recorded when we were a trio. Dimi took over bass duties after Jokebi be the Finnish for turbine, right? Or should I risk my “journalistic left the band and I changed from guitar to drums after Villes departure. The credibility” (!!!) and risk ask if it was inspired by the first ANTHRAX songs on this demo must be the fastest we have recorded to date! It was LP singer? recorded at our rehearsal place with a Tascam 4-track machine. Shortly after We started back in 2008 and we had to come up with a name fast to play a the release of “Metal Gear”, our old friend Verneri joined the band and now we gig. Somebody came up with the name TURBIN (inspired by the first Anthrax had two guitars again! We recorded the “Combat Metal” tape at our rehearsal LP indeed!) and we played that one show with that name. Soon after that we place. “Touch of Death” is the oldest song we play live regularly. I wrote it changed our name to Ranger and released the first demo ‘Enter the Zone’. when I was on guitar! The more recent release of the band is the “Skull splitting Metal” Was it a deliberate choice to only have released your music so far in compilation CD, including ALL songs you have recorded while the “old-school” formats (tapes and vinyl?). First of all, don’t you think band has been active, plus an unreleased track. Before that, you did a that it’s some sort of trend nowadays, but most importantly isn’t 7” single, “Shock Skull”. Tell us a few things about it… it a drawback since there people that only buy CD’s and they don’t We recorded the 7” in two days in January. It was recorded at Black Floyd’s have the chance to buy your music? Also, most of the times I get analog lab in Hameenkyro, Finland, the same studio where we recorded the fed up with the price demo tapes cost (even before shipping costs “Knights of Darkness” mini-LP. We had been playing “Shock Skull” live so it sometimes) which takes away from the purpose of it; to Demonstrate was in good shape. “Omen of Doom” was written just a couple of days before the band in a fast and cheap way. At least this is how it used to be; the studio dates but it turned out great! We’re happy with the 7” and I think nowadays to me it seems like a “cult-meter” to show around in the the songs are a good match. scene for most bands. In September 2013, you released the “Knights of Darkness” mini- Tapes are the cheapest and easiest way to release a demo! Especially if the LP, a crushing 5-song affair that puts to shame almost EVERY new master is on a cassette. We all think that vinyl is the best way to listen to band that tries to play this new trend, power/speed Metal. First of all, music. We know that there are people who don’t have a record player and this would you agree that this has become a trend nowadays? is why Ektro is putting out the compilation CD that includes everything from There are indeed many speed metal bands out there at the moment but I “Enter the zone” to “Shock Skull”. It’s also a chance to get the demos in case believe the trendiest thing to play is occult rock! somebody missed the tapes. I don’t get it when bands release a demo tape On the EP you have re-recorded two songs from the “Combat Metal” that’s strictly limited to something like 50 copies. I lost count after we had demo and three new ones. Did you feel that the older ones were not made 500 copies of “Combat Metal” tape. When we ran out of copies we had representative of the current status of the band, or you wanted so new ones dubbed right away. Our new album will be out on vinyl, tape and CD. badly to record and release the latest songs you had written? How is a RANGER song written? Is it mostly built around someone’s We felt that “Supreme Evil” and “Touch of Death” were the strongest demo ideas with everyone else’s bits, or do you fuse your ideas while tracks and they deserved to be recorded in a proper studio. playing? What has been the feedback for the EP from fans and press? Did this I have written most of our songs. Sometimes the song just comes to your release made the name of the band more known than before? I guess head at home and sometimes we just jam and write a new tune at rehearsals. it sold quite well, since there was another pressing after the initial We never run out of ideas! Usually the songs form pretty quickly. sold out, right? You recently performed in Keep it True (April 2014) and Muskelrock (May 2014) Festivals, what was the experience like? Did you have the chance to be there before as fans of the music, or was it your first? What were some of the bands you enjoyed on those events? Were those the only shows outside Finland? The band seems to be gigging all the time, so please let us know how many shows you have done so far and some of the bigger acts you have shared the stage with. Apart from the bigger festivals, have you had the chance to open for bigger local or international acts in Finland? Keep it True and Muskelrock were great!! I had visited both festivals before and

•16• it was amazing to finally play there! JAG PANZER and FLOTSAM & JETSAM were my favorites at KIT. Uli Jon Roth was amazing at Muskelrock! I saw NIGHT DEMON at both festivals, they’re brilliant every time! We played Live Evil last year and we’re going to play there again this year. One of the highlights this year was opening for SATAN in Helsinki! How important do you feel performing live for a Heavy Metal band is? Is there a balance between making scarce but great performances and playing all the time, everywhere you can? Or you don’t care about this at all? Describe us a typical RANGER show. Do you play any covers or is it only original material? Maybe you were doing more during the earlier stages? I believe playing live is crucial! We will play anywhere if the deal makes any sense. We are going to kick ass wherever we play! A typical RANGER show in Helsinki means 45 minutes of banging heads, broken teeth and blood upon the stage! We used to play covers before we had enough own songs to fill a set. There are MANY bands that do music similar to yours (or if you prefer with the same influences) nowadays. First of all, how do you see RANGER in this “scene” and what are some of the characteristics that would force a metalhead to pick you over other bands? Do you feel that after those few releases you have so far, there is what someone would call a growing “RANGER sound”? I personally feel this way; this is why I am very anxious to listen to a full length by you guys! Speed metal bands nowadays seem to choose between twin guitar stuff or the fast, thrashier stuff. I try to write the ultimate skull splitting metal song everytime! Aggressive bonecrushing metal and traditional metal with twin guitar leads are both big parts of the Ranger sound. Do you follow the underground metal scene? Do you think that in a sense all bands should do it, given special circumstances, time etc? Do you distinguish any bands that dominate your listening sessions? Of course! I’m always looking for kick-ass new bands. Metal should be made by metal maniacs for metal maniacs! You are a band “born” in the digital age. How do you see this thing and the effect it has on our music? On one hand information access (in our case old/ new recordings, info etc) is very easy and fast, but on the other hand doesn’t it away take from the experience of dedicating more time to albums and bands? And as a result, limited attention to bands and then we move to the next thing, sort of never giving some bands with potential the attention they need. There are definitely positive and negative sides to it. I think it’s crazy that you can buy only one track off an album! Of course it’s good that you can find and buy vinyl too. How are things in Finland when it comes to classic Metal? There have been a few bands that have become more known the last few years, how do you see it? There are a lot of real metal fans here and the shows are usually crowded. Records are also easy to find. We do have some good bands here like SPEEDTRAP and LORD FIST but I think there should be more! What are the next plans for the band? 2015 will be a busy year for us. We’re currently booking a tour and we’re already writing new songs. Our plan is to work hard and thrash even harder! Thanks for the time! We are looking forward to the RANGER debut. Until then, this is your space... Thanks! Metal rules!!! http://rangerheavymetal.bandcamp.com Photos by Emma Grönqvist Kostas Kailiazis

•17• ‘Devil Seed’ is the 7’ “Devil Seed” is out and it was well worth the wait as it’s another WOLF album, which studio album for one in my book means GREAT classic Metal. I have heard people complaining that it’s more modern than the previous ones, but to me that’s not the case (I will mention of the best bands that below my “complaint”). Tell us a few things about the recordings etc of the new album. have appeared in the Metal This time we recorded in several studios, which we never done before. The drums was recorded in scene in the last 15-20 years, the biggest studio of Fascination Street, the vocals recorded in Jens Bogren’s mixing studio, guitar and Swedes WOLF! It may sound bass and other stuff were recorded in my studio, Viper Studio and Simon’s studio, SolnaSound Recording. The reason for this was to get the best sound possible out of our budget as well as freedom to record like an exaggeration, but please, during a longer period of time. Jens Bogren worked from his mixing studio all the time and we had contact forget about the latest spandex/retro/ with him during the whole recording process. He produced my vocals there as well. whatever sensation and the hype/ To my ears the new album is a really solid release that ranks among the best albums I heard/ promotion surrounding it and focus on bought this year. I would expect maybe a small change in approach and songwriting since “Devil Seed” follows the same (successful and highly enjoyable) recipe of the post “Evil Star” the music. Having a steady delivery of albums. The album has been released late August and the band has toured since in support of albums ranging from very good (with it…What were the countries and the reactions from fans to the new songs? my least favorite being ‘Ravenous’) to We have toured in UK, Germany and Sweden so far, but we are soon going out for a European tour as that simply perfect HM Classics like ‘The ends with a UK tour. The reactions are always great when we play live. We’re not a studio band; we are a live band and have always been. As much as I like working on songs and studio recordings, the energy is black Flame’, it was about time they best captured live. “Shark Attack” is probably the song among the new material that people really enjoy were featured in our publication. An singing along to. It’s simple (for a WOLF song) and catchy and has a chorus metal fans can scream along extra reason? Underground fans tend to no matter what level of alcohol that’s in their blood at the moment. to shun them. I am clueless as to why, Another album on Century Media; this means you are satisfied with them, right? There must be room for improvement though, so are there any things that you would want them to do? maybe they are on a bigger label than We are satisfied with them, yes. They believe in us and they do a great job or us. Of course, a band the run of the mill copycats out there? always wants more from the label. More tour support, more advertisement and so on. But we understand Either way, Metal FANS and not blind they have a budget to work within as well as we do. followers of trends MUST check this Really, do you have any idea of the albums sales so far? I for one am curious to see how much an established band with a big independent label supporting them sells nowadays when the band. The following interview was market side of the industry seems to be low, or at least “spread” among more players, bands done with guitarist/singer Niklas and labels… Stalvind..Enjoy!!! I stopped asking about sales long time ago. How much albums you sell nowadays doesn’t mean the same as ten or twenty years ago. From what I understand we have sold around 10.000 of the Century Media album, and I think we sold about the same amount of the previous albums too. How about we go back in 1995 when Niklas and Mikael formed WOLF. After some line- up changes the band recorded two demos that I haven’t had the chance to listen to and I don’t have any more info… On Metal Archives they are stated as Demo I-1995 (Devil Eyes/ Damnation) and Demo II-1996 (The hills have eyes/Hell is for Children). BUT on a “Black Wings” interview there is a mention of ONE demo (and not the ones mentioned above) with early versions of “In the shadow of Steel”, “Electric Raga” and “The Voyage” plus some others (they weren’t named but didn’t make it in the debut). Please shed some light here… We did three demos under the name of WOLVERINE. I have the demos in a box at home and they will stay in that box. When drummer Daniel ”Dale” Bergkvist joined us, Mikael and I had a clear vision of what we wanted to do. I had written”Electric Raga” and”In the Shadow of Steel” (Mikael kind of co-wrote “In the Shadow of Steel”, but really I had all the parts of the song but he had the title which we used) and when those songs were written we recorded them with our original drummer, the next drummer and finally with Daniel. When Daniel joined we changed the name from WOLVERINE to WOLF and with that demo (an old handwritten cassette with our phone number on) we landed the first record deal. In the summer of 1999, the first 7”single of WOLF is released (with “Demon” and “The Howling”) on a small label, Beast Records, who also issued another 7” later that year with two songs off the first demo (“Electric Raga” and “In the shadow of Steel”). How do you view these early recordings? Maybe I should say this but - it was all a lie! Daniel, who did our website, thought it looked good to have a couple of more albums in the discography so he made it up and we had a laugh. Most of our bio was also false, but more entertaining than the boring truth. I guess we were professionals even back then. No Fashion Records signed the band in 1999, but it wasn’t until mid-2000 that the s/t debut

•18• hit the record stores. Why was there such a big delay, given the fact that the material was recorded since September 1999? No Fashion was bought by the bigger label, MNW and there was lots going on there. And I don’t think we had all the songs written for the album, so we spent some time writing songs too. I am sure you must be bored hearing this, but the debut cover is a total cult one. Do you regret choosing Hans Arnold, a much known Swedish artist? Do you think that in a way it took away from the thing people should focus? And I mean the music, which despite the VERY obvious IRON MAIDEN elements was a breath of fresh air at the time. We regret nothing. As you say, the cover is total cult. It showed how different we were to ALL other bands at that time. Most people hated the cover, but some people LOVED it and we got lots of attention for it. Ok, let me answer this clearly once and for all. The 14 years later I’m still answering questions about it which proves how big of an impact it had. I did an reason the songs are more solid is that A. I had entire interview once about that cover. Look back at the other badly photo-shopped covers at that time developed as a singer during my work as Hannas, in and compare. We didn’t want that photo-shopped shit that everybody else was putting out. We wanted the musical Jesus Christ Super Star. B. The songs are something unique and cool like Derek Riggs covers for IRON MAIDEN. And about the music - yes the IRON not only guitar driven but also driven by the vocals, MAIDEN influences on the first album is obvious. We never tried to hide our influences like some bands do. like”normal” music often is. C. Since the original We took a lot of shit for that, but we didn’t care. Career wise it wasn’t the smart move maybe as we got drummer left I had more freedom to actually sit branded like an ”IRON MAIDEN band” even if we made an album that sounded more like MERCYFUL FATE down and write SONGS. Not just coming up with riffs and JUDAS PRIEST, but we did what we wanted to do and we kept that spirit up to this day. that we jammed along to in rehearsals and then built A mini-CD was released, “Moonlight” with a video of the songs plus a couple of demo/edit songs together, and afterwards I did the vocals. Now, versions. Was this your idea or the label’s? the songs were written with the vocals all at once The label’s idea, I think. I don’t remember exactly. There are probably WOLF fans out there who know and I had the freedom to be the main . more about some aspects of the band than I do. I live in the moment and don’t dwell in the past. And I didn’t have someone who stopped my ideas all “Black Wings” took another two years to be released (January 2002 to be precise), but as you the time. At least that is how I felt from my point of have mentioned at the time, the small delay only benefited the band, right? Did you feel at view. Last but not least. It is YOUR personal opinion the time that the band’s efforts were getting more recognition? Was it a natural or deliberate that “The Black Flame” is our best album ever and choice to distance yourselves from the IRON MAIDEN sound of the debut and go for a harder that we never have topped that. In Sweden, most PRIEST-like riffing coupled with MERCYFUL FATE elements? Seeing this album now, doyou people consider “Black Wings” and “Evil Star” our feel justified? best albums ever. A lot of people around the world When we wrote the first album, we listened a lot to the ”Powerslave” era of IRON MAIDEN. When we wrote say that “Ravenous” is our best album by far and ”Black Wings” we listened a lot to the ”Killers” era of IRON MAIDEN and you can clearly hear that. As you were pleased that we released such an album after say there are also lots of JUDAS PRIEST and MERCYFUL FATE elements too, but it was never a ”choice” or “The Black Flame”. Believe it or not - there are actually strategic career move to do that. As we did on the first album, the second album and every other WOLF people that think that “Legions of Bastards” is our album: we just wrote the music WE liked and WE felt exciting. I can’t tell you how many questions like best, at least they did when it came out. Personally, this I get still and I really don’t get why it is so hard to grasp that we just write what we feel like. If you sit I can’t listen to that album because it was written down and try and calculate what fans expect, what people want, what will sell lots of records, what will be and recorded during a very difficult time for me and the next ”cool” thing in metal - then you might get lucky but more likely, you will release an album with when I hear it all I hear is that I clearly wasn’t in utter shit and it will never stand the test of time. Be true to your heart; be true to your music. a good place. But other people say the vocals are Peter Tägtgren took over the producing chores, whereas he only engineered the debut, with great and there are great songs. When you discover you producing. Any particular reasons? a band and get that awesome feeling, it’s usually We had a very clear vision of how we wanted stuff and the songs were written. Almost every idea about with one specific album and it’s very, very hard for a the production came from us. I was also very stubborn and had my ideas and didn’t listen so much band to top that album for you. It’s the same for me to the producers at the time. But really - the first album was produced by Peter but we thought that when I hear IRON MAIDEN or W.A.S.P. In Sweden we the”producer” of an album should more than a sound engineer. So in short, it means nothing, haha. have been around for a long time we haven’t been “Night Stalker” was released as a 7” from long defunct Rage of Achilles with a SLAYER cover new, extremely cool and exciting for the Swedish (“Die by the Sword”) on the B-side. What were the reasons for this 7”? I guess a comment on audience for 10 years. Swedes remember when we the cover is needed! came out in early 2000 and it was very different We just thought”Die by the Sword” is a cool song and it is. The album cover features Mikael Goning’s to all other bands. After three albums of doing the crotch with his beloved knife, which he always had on tour out in the car (probably to piss us off). It was same thing, it wasn’t exciting or new anymore and of course a spoof of the first MOTLEY CRUE album. Very cool I must say. other new bands came doing their thing. With “The It wasn’t until 2004 that the third WOLF LP was released, “Evil Star”, this time for Massacre Black Flame”, many more people around the world Records. Does this mean you were not satisfied with No Fashion, or maybe it was time to move discovered us for the first time and to them we to a bigger and more capable label? Seeing that you changed after this, maybe they weren’t were new and fresh and “The Black Flame” was the such a good choice after all? WOLF album they discovered. The same happened We weren’t happy with MNW, the owner of No Fashion. They weren’t a metal label and they didn’t with “Ravenous”, where we reached out to even understand Metal and they didn’t do proper marketing for us. For a long time we asked them to let us go and when we could say - look, we asked you to let us go and now it has been two years and you have done nothing for us - they let us go. Massacre wasn’t much better. Actually MNW released “Evil Star” in Sweden and licensed it out to Massacre for the rest of the world. Well, something like this. I’m not so sure about all those things, as I tend to forget and I don’t dwell in the past, as I said earlier. Any specific reason why the cover wasn’t done by Thomas Holm that did the “Black Wings” one and also the post “Evil Star” covers? Don’t remember why Thomas Holm didn’t do it. My guess is he couldn’t do it at that time and the next cool thing would be to have a more JUDAS PRIEST/ACCEPT kind of cover with a photo. So the cover is an old leather jacket with the WOLF logo airbrushed on the back. There’s a fan in UK that owns it now. We gave it away a couple of years ago. I also remember the bass player’s cat did piss on it once. The vinyl version was released from small German label, Immortal Vinyl. Was this something you worked upon, or Massacre Records? There are 3 bonus songs there, despite all being covers! For all that haven’t yet understood WOLF is a vinyl-friendly band, so allow me to ask how you see the current revival where almost every new album gets a vinyl issue, but also old, rare and common LP’s are being reprinted by the hundreds. Is vinyl back as a listening medium or just as trend? We always loved vinyls and when CD’s and digital recording first came, they sounded shit so we kept on listening to vinyls. I think vinyl is more fun to collect and it’s obvious it’s cooler than a CD. Vinyls are here to stay, but I think it will always be a limited edition. There’s not a big market for it. Vinyl is expensive to make also, so there is no profit in it. A CD-single was released for the “Wolf’s Blood” song from No Fashion Records. What was the purpose and why wasn’t it issued from Massacre? Was it a promotional item? I don’t remember. But MNW that owned No Fashion paid for the video, the album recording and everything. Yes, the single was a promotional item I think. Maybe some stores sold them. There are probably some hard core fans that know more about this than I do. The 4th album of the band, “The Black Flame” was released in early 2006. Tell us a few things about it, how the recording process was and why did you recruited Fredrik Nordstrom as a producer. Also please comment about the departure of original drummer, Daniel Bergkvist in 2005… The original plan was to record with Peter Tägtgren but people in the band wanted a new approach for the production and drew my attention to Fredrik Nordström. It was a great recording and a fresh new start in the studio. Fredrik is a great producer and one of the things I liked about recording with him was that he had an assistant that could do the tracking when he had to do the business. But the mixing of the album was done entirely by Fredrik who did his best to give us what we wanted and at the same time give the album that ”Fredman” sound. Daniel left the band because he had become a father and he had also his own business running, so he felt he couldn’t devote much time for WOLF and chose to step aside. He didn’t want to slow us down or stand in the way for WOLF. Mikael had also begun to think in those terms but he felt that he wanted to do at least one other album with us and “The Black Flame” became his last. Both of them told me they felt that they had achieved what they wanted with the band and in retrospect I can clearly see they had no intention of becoming full time musicians, which has always been my goal. Allow me to talk a bit more about “Black Flame”, which I consider a milestone for 00s Metal and not only, as the sheer brilliance found on this LP is difficult to match (and unfortunately you didn’t manage to do it in any of the following records, at least to this extent). What resulted in this non-stop metallic mayhem? And I won’t accept an answer like “it just happened”, haha. Did you have a bet that you wanted BADLY to win?

•19• more people. So in short; it is your personal opinion consider it a “loss” for the band? affected by lots of factors. I get tired of hearing this I can’t speak for him, but he told me that it wasn’t that fun anymore. The thing he liked the most was the and I’ve heard it with all WOFL albums believe it or rehearsals and as we lived far apart then, we couldn’t rehearse as often as we wanted. He was never a not. My personal opinion is that “The Black Flame” studio musician, but he loved performing live - that was his thing, and when he found he didn’t enjoy the was a big leap forward on the songwriting and we live shows as much anymore he felt it was time to leave. Sure it was a loss for the band, but at the same continued that on “Ravenous”, which is equally good time a chance for us to step up and get some new blood in. I never had one single minute of hard feeling of an album (maybe has more ”hit” songs on it even). against him for leaving. I think the time was right for it and we had done what we could together in the On “Legions…” we did the best we could under the band. The thing I liked most with him was his ability to come up with these awesome riffs. I think part of circumstances, but I would never say it’s a bad it was that he was such a “bad” musician (sorry Mikael!) and he didn’t think like the typical musician. I album, since many people have it as their favorite. was the opposite and we really took benefit of each other. He had this feeling about music and songwriting I am baffled about the lack of understanding of all that a lot of “good” musicians lack. Also, he started a family at that time and he had struggled for many these things that reviewers write all the time. They years to combine WOLF with his job as a school teacher. think they have the right answer about what album “Ravenous” is an album that I still haven’t appreciated it as much as other people I know and with what band is good and what is not. They seem consider it an album below your abilities. Would you agree? Roy Z took over producing, a to have no understanding what so ever that a lot breath of fresh air or what? of factors are affecting them. An album might come “Ravenous” is THE album for many fans and it was much loved and made us nominated for a Swedish out in the”wrong” time and 15 years later it can Grammy Award. Not a small thing for an old school metal band, as it seems impossible to get nominated become a hit because times are changing. People are unless you have been on TV in a stupid reality show or sold lots of album to ”normal” people, not just changing (hopefully) and some albums might mean a metal heads. So, I don’t agree with you. ”Ravenous” and “The Black Flame” are just different to each lot to them during a specific time in their life and no other and I can’t pick one I like more. Roy Z had contacted us via Myspace and he asked us what our other album with the same band can ever give them plans were and told us he would love to work with us. He had discovered us with “Evil Star”, which he that feeling again. Sometimes I think, or actually considered to be THE WOLF album. He was on his way to a Robin Trower concert when his friend played rather often, reviewers and journalists understand “Evil Star” in the car. Roy couldn’t get out of the car. He missed the beginning of the Trower show because very little of the music. Sometimes the musicians he just had to stay in the car and listen to the entire album. Ever since that moment he wanted to work themselves (myself included) don’t understand shit with us. Working with Roy was awesome. He and I really clicked and I learned so much from him during because we are in our own little music world and hear that experience. We are still friends and write now and then, but we haven’t met since. He is just an things very differently. I think that “Devil Seed” is by awesome guy and a very competent musician. I would love to work with him again in one way or another. FAR the best album we have ever made. I am very, I would love to just have a beer with him again too. He is one of the friendliest and coolest dudes you very happy with how it turned out. But if I had heard could ever hope to meet. it when I was 25 and we were working on “Black On the s/t track, Hank Shermann plays the solo, you must have been thrilled having him on a Wings”, I would probably not have agreed because I WOLF album, how did this happen? am not the same person now as I was back then. OK, I think someone emailed Hank and just asked him. He said he’d do it and record it at home. Sure, we that was a long rant, ha ha. It’s just that I get these were thrilled! It was Hank Shermann from MERCYFUL FATE! I mean, “Don’t break the Oath” is one of the questions all the time and after I’ve read hundreds of best metal albums ever made in the history of mankind and he took part of it. I called him up later and reviews since the first album I have a lot of thoughts thanked him personally. around this topic. “Legions of Bastards” was a MUCH stronger album, less intricate than its predecessors, more I have the sense that commercially and aggressive one would say, was this planned or just happened, maybe you were influenced critically both “Evil Star” and “Ravenous” over- from other factors as well… shadowed this album no? Ha ha, “Legions of Bastards” is my least favorite album, probably because I was going through hell at that I think “Evil Star”, “The Black Flame” and “Ravenous” point in time and the whole album was just a struggle. For the first time in my life I didn’t enjoy recording sold about the same, which means we got a little an album. I’m glad you like that album, because in Sweden most people thought it wasn’t as good as more successful with each new album since sales “Ravenous” and “The Black Flame”. It was a struggle to make it and the band wasn’t in a good place either. were on a steady decline in those years, for all artists. That’s why I’m extra happy you like it so much and think it’s better than “Ravenous”. All I can say is, we Critically, everybody has a different favorite WOLF did our best with what we had and with the time we had to do it. That album was really the beginning of album and in different countries they seem to like the end for my old life speaking personally. A year later I collapsed and lost my health. It was a horrible one specific album more. I take that as a sign that time for me. After the album was recorded I was almost burned out. Still I really enjoy the songs we play all albums are different and all albums are up to our live from that album. “Skull Crusher” is about burning yourself out but keep fighting, and that’s exactly standard. Well, maybe the first album doesn’t have what happened to me one year after it was recorded. So I’m extra happy whenever I hear someone telling as many people saying it’s our best as the following me that “Legions of Bastards” is something special. albums. What I really liked is that you included a CD in the vinyl version (same with “Ravenous”), In 2007 an important line-up change took which included bonus songs that were available in special CD versions so far. Will you continue place, as founding member Mikael Goding left to do so, at least for the bonus songs, because it makes no sense buying the vinyl and listening the band. What were the reasons? Would you to the CD, or no? Many collectors of LP’s don’t want to play them until they ware out, so they have the option to play the CD. This was the record label’s idea and I think it’s brilliant. Some just want to collect the LP or hang it on the wall. (e.note: What’s the reason for this? LP’s are made to be PLAYED, not being kept as trophies…) Despite many (great) records and a career span of 15 years I have the impression that WOLF are not a band that is talked about in underground metal circles. Do you get this feeling yourselves? Is it the fact that you have been on a bigger label than what is “expected”? I really don’t know about this as I don’t follow the metal scene so close. I just care about the music and I really don’t give a shit if it’s an unknown underground band or a well known band with a successful career that I’m listening to. I get the feeling that the new generation of old school ”true” bands don’t talk about WOLF so much. That’s OK. We have never set out to be that ultra cool band that only the right people have heard of. We want to reach as many people as possible with our music. But sometimes we are said to have paved the wave for a new generation of bands that realized they could actually play this kind of music. We are proud of that and it feels very good to hear things like that from bands and press. But back to the question: We play the music we want to play, and we rather do it for a great deal of people and actually try and make a living out of it, than be a true underground band because it is so cool and ”true”. Wouldn’t you? (e.note: Of course) You are a band that since the 2nd album started to incorporate MERCYFUL FATE elements in your songwriting, WAY before it has become the trend it is nowadays. First of all seeing (ok, hearing…) that you have understood what made MERCYFUL FATE an amazing band and use this to your advantage and with the WOLF mark all over the material, how do you see a big percentage of new bands that just “monkey around”, stealing riffs and lyric ideas PROVING they haven’t understood that MF was NOT just a HM band with satanic lyrics and non-stop guitars. Please, be as cruel as you deserve to be! Well, I don’t want to discredit any other bands, but you are certainly right about MERCYFUL FATE’s impact on WOLF. For me, MERCYFUL FATE have a totally unique way of blending ”happy” with ”evil” that not many bands can do. They are just trying to do the”evil” thing. And they are afraid to mix it with the”happy”. But it’s that element which makes the evil more evil. If you add some beauty to the darkness, the darkness will appear even darker. But so many bands don’t understand this and they are afraid to do it. I met Michael Denner and Hank Shermann and talked to them and I asked them how the hell they managed to do this. Hank Shermann pounded his chest with his fist and said:”Just go by heart. Go by heart.” This has stuck with me ever since. That’s exactly how I feel about songwriting too, and I often think about that moment when he told me so. Really, what would be the bands that play(ed) an important role in WOLF’s music? Please surprise me and DON’T mention IRON MAIDEN and MERCYFUL FATE! THE VENTURES and THE SHADOWS; these are the bands I grew up listening to and were my dad’s instrumental guitar rock records, which I still listen to and absolutely love. The other members, past and current, as well as our fans, don’t know how much this kind of surf rock has had an impact on WOLF’s songwriting. These records made me obsessed with the sound of the electric guitar. Hank B. Marvin from THE SHADOWS was my first guitar hero and I used to play air guitar to all their old records when I was a kid. A lot of my sense for melodies and harmonies came from these bands. Until I discovered heavy metal, surf rock like this was the only thing I listened to. I didn’t like the my friends were listening to and they thought I was weird as I was listening to music with no vocals. What about your lyrics? What would you say are the themes that get your attention and force you to write them? Do you think that Heavy Metal bands should have a naivety in their lyrics, or be more socially-oriented, especially in those grim times? The WOLF lyrics have always been kind of nocturnal and mystical. It just suits the music. But on the other hand, I really HATE singing bullshit lyrics with just empty words, no matter how cool they sound.

•20• Nowadays I only write from my life. I write about things I am dealing with in life. Things in the news that gets my attention and get my mind going. Writing lyrics and also music is a kind of therapy for me. This way of writing really took off after I had a role in a big production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical. Mixing theater and singing just made me the singer I am today. After that I never wanted to sing any meaningless lyrics ever again. But I never tell the listener what they should think or what the lyrics really is about. It’s up to the listener to have their own meaning of the songs and I love it when I hear from other people about their take on the lyrics. Sure, WOLF lyrics can be viewed as just any ”metal” lyrics that just sounds cool and fits the music - and that’s the point - it’s up to the listener. For me, however, all my words have a meaning. I don’t care about what other bands write about. But if you write from the heart and about the things you truly care about it will be real for the audience. They will feel my riffs (the chorus) and put it in a totally different it. If you have a political agenda - write such lyrics. If you are all about rock’n’roll and beers - write such context in a new song and when I heard it I thought songs. If you have nothing at all to say - shut the fuck up. I rather listen to a Christian singer who really it was so cool! “The Black Flame” is also the album means what he or she sings, than some fake dude trying to be evil, intellectual, or whatever. Believe in when we started focusing more on the choruses. A what you sing and sing what you believe in. lot of bands have a great riff and a great chorus In the last album, “Dark Passenger” is obviously influenced by the TV series Dexter, a show and the rest of the song is just filling in with some I liked a lot myself… What’s your opinion about it now that it’s over? What was your favorite uninteresting parts. And it works actually. But we had season? I would say the 4th… Are you a “series” maniac? always worked hard on the verses and the bridges Me and my wife are actually watching the whole series again on DVD. I think I like the first season best and all the guitar parts to make them interesting as and perhaps the last too. I’m not really a series maniac, but the way our life is right now, we’re having a well. And if you do that you risk losing the chorus in hard time watching a whole movie without either of us falling asleep. So it’s great when we can lay our the song. But now we tried to keep the interesting hands on a new series on DVD. We don’t have any TV channels, so I guess the series is our way to relax melodies in verses and other parts and still make the in front of the TV when the kids are asleep. chorus stand out. A challenge indeed. You have covered many songs from a variety of bands. Instead of writing them down, would What are the countries that WOLF enjoys the you mind telling us which are plus a few comments for each song and/or band? biggest acceptance, be it in sales, or concerts? I’ll just write about my personal favorites, OK? “Die by the Sword” - our tribute to SLAYER, which is on Any reasons behind this? the backside of the “Nightstalker” single; I think it’s very cool. We just thought we do a WOLF version of UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland is the countries we this awesome song. So instead of trying to sound like SLAYER (what’s the point) we sound like us and I feel that we have reached out most to. We also have took some liberty with the vocal melodies to make it suit my voice. SLAYER is influenced by Judas Priest a lot of fans in the US even if this kind of music is obviously and we thought, what if JUDAS PRIEST wrote this song, what would it sound like? “Don’t Fear very underground. Many people in the US have never the Reaper” - Probably our best cover of all times. It’s a magical song from BLUE ÖYSTER CULT and we let heard of such a thing as “heavy metal”. When we it end the “Evil Star” album. I think it sums up the lyrical themes of “Evil Star” very beautifully in one song travel there people think we are a country band. It and gives the album a deeper dimension. I have heard many people say that this is their favorite version must be the beards and the long hair, haha. There of this song and that tells a lot, because the original is amazing. “A dangerous Meeting” - An amazing are some new territories opening up for us and that’s song by MERCYFUL FATE; I can’t believe that we really pulled it off. I heard that liked our Greece, Australia and India. We have been to India version, but I don’t know if that’s true. I hope it is. “Don’t break the Oath” is one of the very best albums once when we headlined a huge festival and that was in the history of mankind so we are happy that this tribute turned out right. If fits great on the “Black a mind blowing experience. India is really opening up Wings” album. “Rocka Rolla” - this is one of the bonus tracks from the current album, “Devil Seed”. It was for metal and the metal scene over there is growing the bass player Anders’ idea. He didn’t know that we actually had this song in our live set a long time intensely. We haven’t been to Greece yet and any ago. It’s a very cool, very old school song from the first JUDAS PRIEST record. “Missing in Action” - by the help to put us together with the right people to take band Q5; I had never heard this song or band before but it was suggested when we needed bonus tracks WOLF to Greece is much appreciated. for the limited edition of the “Devil Seed” album. We recorded this one and “Rocka Rolla” extremely fast You have toured and shared the stage with many in our own studios Viper Studio (my studio) and SolnaSound Studio (Simon Johansson’s studio) and had bands all those years. I guess some of them will Mike Wead (King Diamond, MERCYFUL FATE) mix and master it. It was very difficult to sing this one and be more memorable (good or bad) than others. I had a bad cold, but the years of experience as a singer came in handy and I managed to record and If you want omit the bad-mouthing, but please produce the vocals all by myself while my mom and dad took care of my children. The next day I could do share some great experiences with us! hardly speak, I had given everything I got. It’s a cool song and I really like it. The first proper tour we did back in 2002 (I think) Do you follow the current Metal scene? Any bands you think stand out? Really, being a sort of was with SAXON, another band that has influenced veteran, how do you see the current explosion that the classic Metal sound has been enjoying? WOLF. There are so many great memories from that Is it a trend or an honest return to the roots of this music? tour. We were young and totally nuts, burning with I don’t follow the metal scene. I don’t read metal magazines and I don’t go out much actively looking for enthusiasm and we felt that Biff and the guys really new bands. I am working all the time and I also have a family with small kids. I am writing music and liked having us around because of that, despite being actively playing so there isn’t much time left for the metal scene. And I don’t care about what different a pain in the ass sometimes because of the intense media and journalists think of certain bands or trends. However, sometimes I do discover new bands and partying. ACCEPT is a band we have toured with in favorite records and that’s a great feeling. A band I really like is the Swedish act RAM. I get such a great more recent years and they have also had a huge vibe from them. If you are looking for a true metal band you should check them out. I like that there’s been an explosion of old school classic metal bands. It’s good music and it deserves a scene. But I think in the whole metal world it is just one of the many branches in metal. Metal is a wide concept now with many sub genres. It is cool that the”original” genre also is alive and kicking these days. But we don’t try to ride this wave. We were among the ones that started it but we don’t feel limited to it. Whenever there’s a new trend many bands come and when the trend is over only a few bands are left and these are the ones that had something original and had a high level of quality and dedication. If we exclude the debut and “Evil Star”, the other 4 albums you have released include stunning covers painted by Thomas Holm, the man known for the first two (and not only) MERCYFUL FATE covers… Since you must be beyond the point of awe after all these years, how is working with him? Is he a fan of your music as well? And a tricky question; would you trade losing him as a cover artist, provided that he would paint the new MERCYFUL FATE record with the original line-up? And a not so known fact… You actually paint yourself and from the few ones I have seen with quite good results… Have you ever considered doing a WOLF cover or maybe a t-shirt design? There’s already a T-shirt design by me. It’s the scorpion used in the cover, which I did because Thomas Holm asked me to. It was Century Media who wanted to print it and we said go for it! I haven’t considered doing a WOLF cover art. But if I do something that would work for Wolf and the other members and record company liked it I would off course do it. As for the trick question: No! As long as it feels right to have his work as a WOLF cover and as long as he wants to paint them we will never trade away this awesome man. I don’t know how much of a WOLF fan he is and how much metal he is listening to, but he told me that he sees metal as images and that’s how he paints. And we feel he paints our music. And he likes to work with us as well. This time he asked me to work together with him on illustrations in the booklet, which for me is a great honor. I remember as a kid I was trying to copy his work. Inside the “Conspiracy” album by King Diamond there is an ink drawing inside the sleeve by Holm and I studied it so much. So having him give me feedback on my own drawings and be asked by him to join him in his work is huge for me. I drew a lot as a kid and took it up again this year after 20 years. So this means a lot to me to be able to work with a guy like this and speaking with him about his take on art related issues. Ever since the band got a more personal sound (I would say this started in “Black Wings”, then on “Evil Star” and peaked on the absolute brilliant “Black Flame”), what would you say are the elements that distinguish each album? I agree. The first album was very influenced of the “Powerslave” era of IRON MAIDEN. “Black Wings” was far more aggressive and furious and had more DiAnnno era IRON MAIDEN influences as well as a lot of JUDAS PRIEST influences. I also think that our own WOLF sound was beginning to take shape here. On the “Evil Star” album the MERCYFUL FATE influences are obvious and the WOLF sound even more crystallized. “Evil Star” is not my favorite album, but I feel that the highlights of the album are truly great and we really began sounding more like WOLF than our influences. “The Black Flame” is to me a dear album. That’s when I really stepped forward as the band’s main song writer and that’s when we switched from writing mostly at rehearsals and then having me adding the vocals, to a more traditional songwriting approach with me (alone or together with co-writers) writing the whole song at once and having the vocals in mind from the start. The song writing on this album and forward is not only based on the guitar riffing and playing but equally based on the vocals. I wrote a lot of music with former bass player Mikael Goding on this album. He wasn’t the best musician ever and not the best songwriter either but he really had a talent for coming up with cool riffs and together with my talent of putting songs together we wrote a lot of cool stuff. There is actually one song that was put together by the other guys when they rehearsed without me (I was doing the Jesus Christ Superstar musical at the time) and that is “The Dead”. They took one of

•21• impact on WOLF. I remember seeing their whole live set the first night and it just came to me how much their classic albums in the 80s have influenced us. Touring with W.A.S.P. was an interesting experience. Blackie is... a, how can I put it, special guy, if you know what I mean. Not very social, to say the least. Anyway, he was an old childhood hero of mine and I managed to get a chat with him. Speaking of special guys, I have also met Paul DiAnno when we supported him years ago. I really LOVE his vocals on the first two IRON MAIDEN records and it was nice to have a chat with him when he was in his best mood. We also shared stage with David Coverdale once. I have met many of my childhood heroes and they are usually just hard working musicians like us (I’m not including my childhood hero Blackie here) if you meet them in private. But David Coverdale was really a rock star. He was extremely polite and very nice, but it was like he was putting on the rock star act (not in a bad way) to protect his privacy. However, in the dressing rooms there were TV monitors to show what was happening on stage. But something must have gone wrong because in our dressing room, our TV monitor showed Mr. Coverdale’s dressing room. Very funny. I fetched him and showed him that and it was just hilarious. ”If his wife sees this!” and other great comments. ”You guys can watch, I don’t mind”. Not long ago Doug Blair of WASP contacted us and wanted to do a song with us live, because we played at the same festival. We thought it was a great idea, and WASP being one of my favorite bands from my younger days I was happy to do it. The show turned out so great that it was the highlight of the festival for me. He did the song “Venom” with us and he and Simon had lots of twin solos going on while I became the front man, jumping out to the audience. Also Somewhere in 2013, a band with few connections to the we hang with each other the whole festival and became friends. He is an so called Underground and social media concerning rare awesome dude and very inspiring to be around both as a guitarist and as a human being. My best moment ever when it comes to meeting old heroes and expensive records appeared and made no impact was on the last tour when none other than Steve Harris showed up and at all to the fans that claim superiority over those watched the whole WOLF set in Glasgow. There are a lot of musicians that attached to the mainstream. VERSCYTHE is one of have influenced me over the years but if I have to pick the one that meant many examples of bands that do not invoke this or that most to me it is definitively Steve Harris. As a songwriter, band leader and bass player. My life changing moment was when I first heard “The Number cult 80s band as the originator of all things metal but of the Beast” in the school yard in1986 and from that moment I knew what chose to pave their own, hard way to perpetrate their I wanted in life. And listening to the early WOLF stuff it’s no secret that contribution to heavy music, heard in the tunes of their our music was heavily influenced by IRON MAIDEN. I kind of knew that he excellent Power Metal debut ‘A Time Will Come’. The was about to show up at that gig because his son played in the opening act THE RAVEN AGE. I saw him at the soundcheck and this is the first time idea behind this mag is to make room for those who can I’ve become really nervous about seeing an old hero of mine. I approached actually offer to the cause, so we had the best reason him and told him straight up that I was mainly because of him that I was to ask Jack St. Pierre to share some of his time with us doing what I do and that no other musician has meant as much for my own and have a word about VERSCYTHE! music as he has. He was very nice, a perfect gentleman and it meant so much for me to finally meet him, shake his hand and thank him for all the Welcome to our pages guys. I’d like to congratulate you on the inspiration. He watched the whole gig and right after I took a selfie with masterpiece you released, “A Time Will Come”. It was literally him, minutes after the show. Very cool guy. He told me he enjoyed the set stuck in my CD player for days, but to be honest, it was only by very much. We talked some more and after he left he turned to me and chance that I got to know about the band’s existence. So please, looked me straight in the eye and told me ”Good luck with your band!”. It tell us how and when did the VERSCYTHE idea came into fruition? felt like destiny you know. Like all the struggles and hard work had lead up VERSCYTHE came to be after our long time band KREAGEN had been laid to that moment. It was very emotional for me. The feeling like a perfect to rest in 2010. After about 10 years and many...many line-up changes circle when everything falls into place. And I could see on his look that he KREAGEN had run its course. The last line-up was strong, but not all knew my dedication and how much this music means to me. members were eager to continue. So the band folded up. Instead of The last words are yours. End this rather lengthy interview any beating a dead horse, we wanted to start fresh. Found a second guitar way you like. See you in in March. Can’t wait until then!!! player who clicked and VERSCYTHE was born. Thanks for taking the time and promoting WOLF! We are a hard working Could you elaborate a little bit on the band members’ past? Apart band and we need all the help we can get, because we don’t play stuff from KREAGEN, were you involved in other projects also prior to that’s heard much of in the radio. Also on behalf of the whole band I want VERSCYTHE? Could we say that VERSCYTHE is the natural evolution to thank all greek fans out there! We would be nothing without you and of KREAGEN style wise? we are so looing forward to seeing you in Greece. Our guitarist Simon Justin St.pierre (vocals) and Jack St.pierre (bass) are brothers and original Johansson has been in Greece with his other band, and members of KREAGEN. Chris Reed (guitar) prior to VERSCYTHE, he fronted he says Greek fans are absolutely amazing. and played guitar in his own band REFLECTIONS OF MORALITY. When RoM http://wolf.nu broke up he joined KREAGEN. Kevin Camille (drums) has been playing for Kostas Kailiazis many years in such bands as EMMISION. ROSWELL, BEFORE I BREAK , VOICES FORMING WEAPON and more well known BEYOND THE EMBRACE. Touring with such bands as , and ICED EARTH, Kevin is our seasoned vet. He had also joined KREAGEN for its last year. Jeff Rull (guitar) is a former WARGASM guitarist. VERSCYTHE definitely evolved from KREAGEN’s style. We took the root of KREAGEN and gave it an energy boost! What I found weird was you citing the band as a “Thrash Metal” act when such description could be misleading to someone’s first approach with VERSCYTHE; personally I hear classic 90’s US Power Metal of the best kind with just a tiny bit of a Euro Metal touch. What would an accurate description of your music be and is there a specific style you desire to follow and serve? Not quite sure what the best description of the bands style would be. There are so many sub genres of metal now, it gets hard to categorize. With every review we have, we get compared to so many different bands and styles. The style we get the most is US Power Metal though. Each band member has such a wide variety of musical influence that pieces of that are scattered through what you hear in VERSCYTHE. Being formed for just a short period of time, you went straight for the full length, so in 2013 your debut “A Time Will Come” was released. As you told me, there was no demo recorded before that; how did the decision to directly release an album come about? Did you work on establishing a strong fan base locally before that? I mean, most of the bands try to test the waters or create and contrive a fuss around their band’s name, to secure at least some attendance, which makes it weird to have such a good band escape my friends’ and my radars, considering we are trying to listen to as much new stuff as possible while doing this fanzine... “A time will come” was released as a full length instead of a demo because we had three years of playing these songs out to test the waters. We had a good fan reaction to the material, so we went for it. A friend of the band, Ron Poitras recorded us in his studio. We had no producer though. The way the songs where written is how they were recorded. The band along with

•22• Ron mixed the album. that and we love hearing all the different Why did you decide to press it on a pro-printed CD-R instead of a silver bands people think we sound like, it pressed CD? There is an adequate amount of fans that are willing to means people are actually listening and support bands by buying physical copies but they deny buying CD-R’s, trying to get something out of it. That’s since they are short-lived. amazing to us! The decision to use a CD-r over silver pressing was because of price. Doing Moving on to the local scene in this all on our own, every penny counts and there was a large price increase Massachusetts, are there any between the two. Getting our music out there was our first priority. For our serious Heavy Metal acts worth of first run we had 300 copies made to see how much attention it would grab. praise or attention? Is there activity As of right now we have 10 left, and I will be placing another short run ASAP. so to speak, that might seem The album has slowly and steadily gained popularity over the course of the hopeful for the scene’s expansion? year, especially in other countries. We now have our music in Greece, Germany, Do local bands get enough support Spain, Norway, Italy and Japan and the list continues to grow. Not too bad for from the fans there (or you face a couple of rockers from a small city in Massachusetts. the depreciation effect met almost I’ve seen several videos of the band playing live, so I guess you are in every place in the world when it active in that department. Are your gigs restricted to a local basis, have comes to support local bands)? you toured to other states within the US? What has the response to As far as the local scene goes there are the album been so far, judging also from fan reactions in your gigs, some cool bands in the New England area that we have played with that are cool. fan mail or press reviews? Did you use other ways of promoting your Bands like FOREVERS FALLEN GRACE, SEVEN SPIRES and THUNDERFORGE are work, now that a year has passed from the initial release of “A Time cool bands that are worth checking out. However the local scene is very up Will Come”? and down. People do not seem to wanna go out as much as they once did to VERSCYTHE has actively been playing out on a local basis. We have ventured see local bands play. We have been very fortunate to have good crowds at our out to surrounding states, but for the most part stayed along the coast. The shows, but some are not as lucky. Getting shows can be a real pain in the ass fan reaction has been great so far. Around here, bands with VERSCYTHE’s because a lot of “promoters” try to make every show a pay to play show. That’s style are not common, so when we hit the stage people tend to notice. It’s not always a bad thing, but combined with people not coming out like they used old school sounding so fans relate to it no matter what music they are into. to it can put people in bad situations. We are not sure how it is in other parts of The thing is getting people out to shows. It is rare you play a club that is the United States or other countries but we wish that people would be excited packed with music fans. It’s usually the bands and the small crew they brought, again to go check out and support up and coming local and touring acts. who leave immediately after they are done playing. The live music scene is Maybe it’s too early, but my egoistic self cares to know if you have new in rough shape here, but you never know what each show brings or who is material prepared for an upcoming release! watching. Besides playing shows to get the band noticed, we use quite possibly We are in the middle of writing our next album. We have about 6 songs written the most important tool of all, the internet! There is limitless ways to get your so far and are hopefully going to be heading back in the studio in early 2015 we name out there on the web. We have Facebook, Reverb nation, myspace and hope that people enjoy our new material as much as the first album. Bandcamp to name a few. We also have our music on all major download sites Are you familiar with what’s going on in the underground scene like iTunes and Amazon. If it wasn’t for the internet, we probably wouldn’t be nowadays, both in the US or in Europe? Have you noticed some new talking right now! We have also had many awesome reviews through different acts that stand out in your opinion? web pages, bloggers, webzines and independent reviewers. We are not too familiar with everything going on in the US and other places. It seems inexplicable to me, such a quality work should attract a lot We have really just been trying to keep our attention on our own music right of label interest, especially from European and some US underground now because we wanna make our second effort as good or better then the labels specializing in this field. Did you care to find a label and properly first. When we are done with everything we will start getting back into what’s release your impressive album? happening in the underground scene. The band has been approached by several underground labels in US and from I know the Germans dig your style as much as Greek fans do, but since other countries, but we turned them down. What they were offering was pretty several big underground festivals are held in Germany, have you ever much what we are doing right now, except with them we would have a contract. been proposed to travel overseas for a gig? We are not opposed to being on a label, but it would have to be the right deal Unfortunately we have never been approached to do any shows or festivals for us. We feel we can do the same thing the indie labels are doing, granted overseas, but It would be a dream come true to travel overseas and play some they probably have a larger distribution list and more contacts, but I feel we festivals or just tour and if the right opportunity came around we would do it are doing just fine for now. in a heartbeat. Coming back to the content of the album, it consists of 10 tunes deep That’s all for now guys, thanks for committing, last lines are all yours! rooted in the glorious underground scene of the early 90’s, when Heavy I hope we will hear very soon from you again! Metal had the most difficult time fighting against extinction. This was Thank you for wanting to take the time to talk to us. You can get our album the time that the bands around actually tried to create quality music “A time will come” on Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp or just about anywhere else with all trend followers staying away and that was achieved to a you can download an album. Or just hit us up on Facebook and buy it from us great extent in the US region when the scene was overlooked by fans directly. Stay tuned for our next album coming out mid 2015!! Thank You! and labels. Today we see numerous bands popping up but not really http://verscythe.bandcamp.com offering anything special, as if they’re trying to emulate or, even worse, Thanos Stafylarakis repeat the triumph of a past legend. What made you avoid this trap? Was there an optimum goal when writing music for that matter? With that I don’t believe we tried to write anything in particular, when the five of us got together some of us had stuff written but when we played together the music you hear on the first album was the result. What we were coming up with made us happy and that›s what was most important to us. People can›t get behind what you do when you›re not behind it yourself. We have been very fortunate that a lot of people have enjoyed it as much as we do. What do the lyrics talk about? Are there any particular subjects you get inspired from? Could you name some of your major influences that were involved one way or the other in the composing process of “A Time Will Come”? Which are your favorite bands for instance? It was mentioned in your bio you had IRON MAIDEN and PINK FLOYD as your influences, but the range of names dropped in between these two bands is chaotic! With the lyrics, they are mostly inspired by stories in Justin’s head and some are from Jeff’s experiences. Influence wise we all love everything. With us if it’s good music it doesn’t matter what kind it is. That’s why we always leave a broad space between influences. There are far too many bands and artists that have influenced us to list. We don’t set out to sound like anything but our love for music can definitely be heard in our songs. People say to us that we sound like this band or

•23• REVIEWS albums in a short period. To sum up, I can only state my personal apathy to their music, as I respect this is exactly Is anyone even reading this part? We kept the same approach in this new effort, we just what they want to do as a band minimized the reissue reviews even more. We are fans of well done reissues ourselves, (judging from their perseverance to we just feel that new bands lack the promotion and attention they deserve simply this way of expressing in other relative because they don’t have the “stamp of approval” of the decade that was so important releases), thus it’s better if you listen to Metal. And really, what’s the reason to read for the hundredth time a review to a and judge on your own. www.reverbnation.com/ancientempire release presented so many times in the past? We would like to thank again all bands Thanos Stafylarakis and labels that bothered to even mail us concerning their new releases. Some haven’t been reviewed due to time restrictions, some others due to their nature (death/black stuff that we don’t listen to and it would be unfair to present them here). You think most reviews are positive and not critical enough? Point taken, but keep in mind that we buy the majority of these releases according to our personal taste, so… We kept the “categories” we had last issue, hope this works well.

NEW ALBUMS EP’s ACCU§ER “Diabolic” CD they share more common points with can’t select someone to work for their (Germany, Red Shift/Private, 2013) the band that did “Something wicked own benefit in this society, and artistic Looking back ACCU§ER tried to this way comes” and not “Night of influence with its immediacy could be a go many places in the past 30 the Stormrider”; in fact they sound considerably effective way to spread a years - and they never really got more similar to two other US acts message. It is amazing how they could anywhere. The band started off as a that brought to mind the Florida (ex) overcome the average metalhead’s ANCILOTTI second-tier thrash/speed-combo then masters, CRESENT and WINTERFELL (don’t forget we are through a trend “The Chain goes On” CD/LP transformed into one of the countless (and both seem to be inactive/split-up). phase, so lots of people in the game) (Italy, Pure Steel/Jolly Roger, 2014) Metallica-clones (striking a rather This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since passive stance against social issues. If the name sounds familiar, unnoticed semi-touchdown with the songwriting of ACERUS is quite “Child in the Haze” is another typical congratulations, you are one of the “Repent” though) until finally drowning interesting, despite being held back killer ALPHA TIGER tune, whiny at few (I think) that have a soft spot in the mud of the groove-thrash-trend by the fitting at a first listen, but quite times but the way they do it, I have for Italian Metal masters, STRANA at the beginning of the 90s. Failing to flat and typical after a while vocals. nothing to denounce. I just hope this OFFICINA. Daniele “Bud” Ancilotti is achieve any real success in any of the 8 songs with a total duration of 40 song remains exclusive for this release, the singer of this underrated act and above-mentioned sectors the band minutes is what their debut contains, otherwise I see no point in releasing this is a family a threw in the towel after 1995’s swan so the songwriting remains focused, this single. My only objection would ffair as well since his brother Sandro song “Taken by the Throat” which something many bands forget and be the production job in this MLP, handles the bass guitars and his son, by many is seen as the absolute low- exploit the CD-format duration. Some rendering it rather weak for the songs’ Brian is the drummer. The 4th member point of their career but still holds a 90s European (read more melodic) potential. So I’ll stick to this very nice is Luciano Toscani that was part of special place in my heart for some odd touches in the guitars give an extra sample before they return with their the reformed WYVERN for a couple reason. But since old habits seem to flavor to the CD, which has a very complete work. of years. The music of the band is as die hard the band 15 years later (and nice production and packaging as www.alphatiger.de classic Metal as it can get. Of course in the wake of the big thrash revival well. I would distinguish “Shelter the Thanos Stafylarakis Bud’s singing will inevitably remind of course) decided that they were not faithless Ones”, “Mystic Time” and you of his other band, but the music yet finished. “Diabolic” marks album “Your last day…” as the standout tracks. ANCIENT EMPIRE here is more straight-forward, imagine number 3 after the reunion and I must I enjoyed every listening session I had, “When Empires Fall” CD TANK coupled with SAXON and some admit it has been a slow but steady but in my opinion they lack the ability (USA, Stormspell, 2014) OZZY here and there. Very enjoyable, quality increase with each consecutive to come up with more than just good Anyone closely following the barrage of it wouldn’t a high buying priority for record, making the album at hand and enjoyable songs, which is what is new releases coming out the last few me, but if you can’t live with a frequent their strongest post-reunion effort yet. asked from bands in an oversaturated years and especially those Stormspell dosage of the above mentioned bands, ACCU§ER in 2013 play an aggressive scene. Due to the label’s policy of Records have stamped with their “The chain goes on” is a great addition and energetic mix somewhere between printing limited edition CD’s (300 moniker, are definitely familiar with to your collections. post-reunion ONSLAUGHT and “Arise”- copies; same as with the QUESTION the mastermind behind the ANCIENT www.ancillottiband.com era SEPULTURA with some hints of OF MADNESS CD some years back), I EMPIRE venture. You have one more Kostas Kailiazis SLAYER thrown in for good measure. think it may be hard for those wanting guess, in case you thought this is The sound may be considered modern to get a copy, but looking around one more album of the Swedish freak but never to a point where it becomes never hurt anybody. If you ask my that has flooded the market with his detrimental to the presented material opinion it’s a move that doesn’t help artistic paroxysm (even though I like and is pretty much comparable to the anyone, but it’s neither my money most of his work). This is the newest meaty punch of the last ONSLAUGHT invested, nor my music presented… band Joe Liszt (ROCKA ROLLAS, albums. Later ONSLAUGHT is probably http://uxinframundisproductions. HELLHOUND, SHADOWKILLER etc) also the comparison that comes to bandcamp.com/album/the-unreachable- formed and it’s actually his own baby, mind most often while listening to salvation except for the assistance offered by “Diabolical” but ACCU§ER still need Kostas Kailiazis drummer Steve Pelletier (RELLIK, to tighten their songwriting and trim HELLHOUND, RAPID FIRE etc) and some fat in order to reach the neck- ALPHA TIGER “Lady Liberty” MLP Rich Pelletier(HELLHOUND, RAPID wrecking effectiveness of the British (Germany, High Roller, 2014) FIRE etc). I can’t say I am a big fan thrash commando. Especially in the The German squad strikes again, this of Joe’s voice whatsoever, when it latter half the album gets slightly time with a 12” single as a harbinger comes to traditional metal style such tiresome in its never-changing pace. to their 3rd full length, which is about as this one here or Power Metal style Still: If the band manages to make to be released. Three songs are on (SHADOWKILLER) I prefer a singer ARKHAM WITCH another leap or two forward like offer here, the previously known with wider range, expressiveness and “Hammerstorm” Mini-CD this with the next album, ACCU§ER “Men Or Machines” from their debut variety in his tone and singing, which (United Kingdom, Private, 2013) might finally make it from the dirty in an extended 8 and a half minute is something I can’t find in Joe’s vocals. About a year has passed since backstreets of second-tier thrash into version, the powerful same titled as an And to be honest this is too important ARKHAM WITCH dropped their second the limelight and I sincerely hope that appetizer for their upcoming “iDentity” for me, so much that music alone is not full-length album and here they are their persistence will pay off in the album and another unreleased, under enough to compensate, but still that’s again with a 4-track EP built around end. You can help making it happen the name “Child In The Haze”. There not the case here either. Overall the the 11 minutes long title-track and by checking this pretty solid (but not is nothing new in ALPHA TIGER’s album is listenable but there’s nothing supplemented by two additional overwhelming) piece of thrash out. music, since I like the band, I have standing out and nothing is translated songs as well as a solid cover of www.accuser.de nothing to say against their music, into memorable experience in the very THOR’s legendary “Thunder on the Daniel Schuldt not even this time. “Lady Liberty” is end, so that you can say it can occupy Tundra”. “Hammerstorm” kicks off the a fast, rousing song and I very much your stereo again in future times to EP with some RUNNING WILD-like ACERUS appreciate the allegory found in the come. If you liked SHADOWKILLER, guitar harmonies just to surprise the “The unreachable Salvation” CD title-cover art connection, where the you’ll probably like this one as well, as listener by turning into the sluggish (USA, Lux Inframundis, 2013) definition of community policing is they have lots in common; AE is more and drawn out doom-epic it is just Newcomer from Illinois without prior depicted. Seriously, people should act straight-forward in structure, bedewed a few moments later. The other two recordings, either in demo or CD against excessive force and violence with melodic riffs and a sound that I tunes are straighter tracks brewed format (at least to my knowledge). abused by state and parastate and have to admit is not reminiscent of by the usual ARKHAM WITCH recipe The band has been mentioned in since people are too stupid (I am not anything else, but these attributes of NWOBHM meets hardrock meets connection with ICED EARTH, but a TV journalist, I can boldly point out are not enough to satisfy my personal doom and topped with some tongue people’s stupidity) to realize that they whim as a listener of hundreds of in cheek lyrics about posers and heavy

•24• metal. With the band keeping the very Despite the omnipresent melodic is not ready to settle down just yet AXE CRAZY basic and stripped down approach that focus and the polished sound the and returns with a new project, this “Angry Machines” Mini-CD clearly distinguishes ARKHAM WITCH songs never appear cheesy or time teaming up with Marcus Jidell (Poland, Private, 2014) from the more refined approach its pretentious, instead all tracks offer (ex-EVERGREY) as well as so far The band name of the Polish armada members had taken with THE LAMP a lot of finesse, managing to stay (at least in metal circles) unknown may rouse your appetite stimulators OF THOTH I couldn’t help but feel accessible and yet demanding at the vocalist Jennie-Ann Smith. Of course for some good old-school NWOBHM that the group has been slackening same time. If you are not convinced by not straying too far from his beaten relevant to the legendary JAGUAR, the reins a bit too much and taking now let yourself get sucked in by the path, offers an interesting but unfortunately from the previous their laissez-faire-approach (which on emotional journey that is “Deep Ocean mixture of 60s/70s possible description I would dispense the other hand is undoubtedly one Dreams” or the closing epic “Ancestral and typical Edling-doom with Smith‘s everything but the “old-school” of their biggest strengths) just a tad Energy” featuring the mighty pipes of fragile yet confidently feminine voice part... There are discreet hints of too far this time, by failing to give as I hope they may prove taking the starring role. Throughout the NWOBHM days of course, but the songs the final ARKHAM magic my point to you. ARTIZAN are a rare the record she especially shines in besides some decent ideas, none of they deserve. Don’t get me wrong, species we hardly get to see nowadays the more mellow parts of the songs songs could keep me there this is still a very enjoyable and first as they possess an unmistakenable while enchanting the listener with while playing the disc. I believe the and foremost honest heavy metal identity of their own combined with beautifully woven melodies that problem is centered in the songwriting record, but ARKHAM WITCH run the the gift of crafting excellent song won‘t leave your mind for days as department, since there’s little to risk of becoming redundant and lose material and that is exactly the it can be heard on „Pandora‘s Egg“ be remembered later, despite their a bit of the smart and witty touch reason why this band deserves your or „Moonhorse“. On the other hand simplistic approach. It feels as if it was that made their last two albums stand immediate attention. Smith occasionally struggles a bit to done too fast, without accusing them out so much. If this was meant as an www.artizanmetal.com retain the upper hand and the same for a novice instrumental performance. appetizer for an upcoming album it did Daniel Schuldt level of engaging presence once the Average stuff overall that should give not really get my stomach growling wall of doom guitars starts rolling in, more time in penning memorable and lusting for more if I am honest. ASSEMBLY AT DUSK sometimes burying her aura beneath songs next time, a chorus, a verse, or Yet at the given price point and as a “Assembly at Dusk” LP their massive force. Also the band even a solo. “Sabretooth Tiger” comes b-side collection this is a nice snack (USA, Unborn, 2014) unfortunately all too often decides to pretty cool though. in between that can certainly be Some of our dear readers may indeed hang on to a strict and foreseeable www.facebook.com/axecrazyband recommended to fans of the band. recall my raving review of ASSEMBLY formula of acoustic and mellow verses Thanos Stafylarakis http://arkhamwitch.bandcamp.com AT DUSK’s first demo in our last issue just to go all out crushing doom in the Daniel Schuldt and my wish that they would be chorus or middle-parts. This leads to AXECUTER picked up by a decent underground the songs feeling slightly repetitive “Metal Is Invincible” CD/LP label soon. Well, an issue later the as well as partially fragmented and (Inferno/Anger of Metal, 2013, Brazil) band has not only released an equally glued together at their seams. In fact Soon after a demo and a 7” single, the strong second demo in the summer the band is at its best when Edling & Brazilian trio came of age to record and of 2013 but also managed to score Co. manage to forget about a harsh release their debut full length. Even a deal with Unborn Productions for diversion and just let both sides of though the Brazilian scene abounds in a vinyl release of both demos plus their spectrum naturally flow together new bands, most of them move to the an exclusive bonus track entitled like on the wonderful „Boneflower“ extreme branches of the heavy sound, “Orphans of the Light” limited to 300 or the album closer „Lady In The a notion noticeable even in bands of handnumbered copies. The new song Lamp“ which builds up to a fantastic the pure Heavy Metal direction that unfortunately disappoints though, as climax. If the band can become less embody a lot of Speed elements. So it indeed does bear some glimpses of predictable and improve further in do AXECUTER here, what I opine as ASSEMBLY’s strong songwriting craft terms of bringing their doubtlessly the S. American METALUCIFER, not but the chorus seems like a weirdly existing strengths together in a so much in the musical direction both cut-off version of the one used on more harmonious and flowing way, bands represent, as the Brazilian outfit “Before This City is Aflame” and the is harsher and without the NWOBHM ARTIZAN “Ancestral Energy” CD I can indeed see this project going abrupt ending further adds to the elements the Japanese armada takes (USA, Pure Steel, 2013) places in the future. As of now the feeling that we might be facing a bit of hold of, but more in the overall outlook Ever since its’ fusion with Karthago record has to take a backseat when a rushed and unfinished song that, at and image they showcase, as putting Records in the last months of 2010, compared to a huge part of the least in my humble opinion, definitely them on the same table looks like a Pure Steel’s release strategy has material Edling has managed to had more potential in it. Nevertheless Heavy Metal cliché competition. To actually been more about quantity produce with CANDLEMASS, KRUX or friends of the arcane arts should pinpoint the recorded content of this than quality. Nevertheless on some also ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA in the past. consider this a must-buy anyway album, expect speedy Heavy Metal rare occasions the label still manages Nevertheless the album can still be as they get two of 2013’s strongest songs in their majority recorded in a to dig up some unique and worthwhile recommended to all Edling-fans out demos and at least 6 tracks of archaic melody-proof studio, aggressive vocals bands and records (which then there, especially when you are able to heavy metal with melancholic and and standard song structures, getting unfortunately tend to get lost within grab it for small money in a Nuclear epic undertones that should appeal to the message straight and leaving no the sea of mediocrity that the label Blast sale. fans of DAWNBRINGER and SOLSTICE www.avatariumofficial.se room for doubting their intentions; keeps spewing forth). ARTIZAN’s alike. Daniel Schuldt raze, maim, incinerate (Heavy Metal) 2011-debut “Curse of the Artizan” was http://assemblyatdusk.bandcamp.com non believers everywhere! Good such a case and it managed to cause Daniel Schuldt AXE BATTLER stuff, potent for what it is, a typical quite a respectable stir with US-power/ “Axe Battler” CD/LP delivery of steel that will never break prog fans in underground circles. Now AVALON STEEL (Chile, Evil Confrontation/Heavy any ground, aimed to be played loud the band is back with its sophomore “Ascension” Mini-CD Forces, 2014) and help you recover from a possible effort and it is every bit as strong as its (USA, Private, 2014) AXE BATTLER was interviewed in our disorientation in your quest for other predecessor, continuing its established Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina 2nd issue back in 2012 after their very music fields. The album closes with brand of power metal with progressive AVALON STEEL debut with this 3-track good debut EP, “The wrath of my a good cover of MANILLA ROAD’s influences and a heightened sense for offering of mostly mid-tempo power Steel”. I was anticipating their debut “Heavy Metal to the World”, featuring enticing melodies. Thomas A. Braden’s metal with some epic touches. Mostly LP, sure, but I will have to be honest Mark Shelton, a song that could well soothing voice soars above the well- at home in the lower registers vocalist and say that I wasn’t ready for such describe the songwriting style of the written music with rare elegance and Tommy Parnelle manages to deliver a a solid record as the one this Chilean band and fits them like a glove. truly manages to lure the listener into pretty impressive performance with act presented us. There are traces of www.facebook.com/axecuter the song’s stories and the meaningful some catchy vocal lines and choruses. the previous effort to be heard, but to Thanos Stafylarakis lyrics and his undeniably astonishing Unfortunately the is my ears the music now brings many presence even rivals that of some of rather stale and fails to inject a bit of similarities to OMEN (especially the AXECUTOR the genre’s big names. While Braden much needed stimulus into the band guitars) and has a powerful character “Aggressive Extermination” m-CD may be the trademark immediately which eventually leads to three track evident through every song. Epic (Bulgaria, Stormspell, 2014) present on first listen, a large chunk of of almost similar tempo and stomping Heavy/Power Metal bearing similarities Old school Thrash Metal is the game ARTIZAN’s unique sound is based on marching tone. Hence overall the to HOLY MARTYR f.e. but they don’t for the Bulgarian ragers and as very a second pillar, which is the fantastic EP feels a bit repetitive and could sound like them, just to get an idea. well their label claims, they deliver drumming of main songwriter and have definitely use some changes in We also find two songs from the EP re- rabid Thrash/Death predominantly bandleader Ty Tammeus whose pace and build-up, but there is some recorded, which along with the other 8 based on the old German (and playful and dynamic performance is mentionable potential here if they can songs offered make up a great Heavy neighboring) masters of the genre a sheer joy to listen to. And even if work on these aspects, making this a Metal album that should be heard by anno ‘85-’87. Don’t expect anything these two may be running the show band to keep an eye on for the future. more people. AXE BATTLER maybe you haven’t heard before, I don’t all other band members are more http://avalonsteel.bandcamp.com lack the promotion, but their music think they try to create their own than capable as well and prove Daniel Schuldt makes up for this. Don’t bypass this kind of music, but whatever they do that excellent musicianship can band and this album, you’ll regret it! is handed with admirable fidelity to indeed exist without any ego-driven AVATARIUM „Avatarium“ CD www.facebook.com/axebattlerband the style’s main attributes. Short, fast, wankery or over-exposed instrumental (Sweden, , 2013) Kostas Kailiazis evil, enjoyable effort over all without passages and can instead truly work With CANDLEMASS being (at least for promising grandiosity or distinguishing for the songs and not against them. now) history, workaholic themselves, when you listen to it you’ll

•25• like it, while if not, you’ve probably now deceased guitarist Randy Palmer I realized what they were all about other countries…). I never fail to have heard an equivalent substitute instead (R.I.P.) before he joined the ranks of (and obviously what I was missing)! a great time listening to their debut, some other time. A cover of “Black PENTAGRAM in 1974. The main part Seriously, the band is not a pinch of but I rarely choose to do so… For Rock ‘N’ Roll” by the already cult of the band’s early recordings dating fresh air in the scene but the drooling those unfamiliar with the band, they MIDNIGHT is offered amongst their back to the period from 1971-74 has is inevitable by the time the first riffs hail from Japan and so far they have originals, if that matters. already been released in 2005 as invade your domicile. Even though released a self titled debut in 2007 www.facebook.com/axecutor.official the “Child of Darkness” compilation I am a bit put off by the persistent (reissued a couple of years ago on Thanos Stafylarakis on Black Widow Records. Whilst this evil to the bone attitude newer and CD/LP) and their music is a very nice material only consisted of rehearsal allegedly 80’s influenced Heavy Metal and inspired mix of UFO, SCORPIONS, sessions recorded with the help of bands insist to pursue, their OZ/ HEAVY LOAD (less) and the first wave his soon-to-be band mates Bobby MAIDEN/SABBATH musical ethics of NWOBHM bands. This translates to Liebling and Geof O’ Keefe as well as couldn’t leave me untouched. Great amazing guitars and catchy tunes. If friend Mike Matthews, Randy Palmer soloing, absolutely top riff changes and this sounds intriguing, then this is a decided in 2002 that it was time to bridges, the quintessence of a Heavy band you will love! Compared to the hit a studio in order to record some Metal song in full form! Then, as you debut though, the music and guitars so far unreleased BEDEMON material turn to Side B, there is a noticeable may sound heavier (it’s also due to the in a professional way - unfortunately difference in the style, yet still pure production), but the final result lacks without Bobby Liebling as Randy Heavy Metal, but raw, rough with the quite catchy rhythms and hooks its’ feared he would quickly fall victim harsh vocals that reminded me little predecessor had (they are not absent to hard drugs anew if he ever of the band described right above and of course!). Given the chance, I hope worked with him again. Enter Craig can only be explicable as soon as you more labels will see the potential Junghandel and his interesting set of realize that this was actually their 2nd some “exotic” bands have, but most pipes who delivers a pretty versatile demo from 2010 included in the album, importantly fans will realize that HM BATTLEROAR performance and even manages to when their approach was rather fickle, music isn’t only played in the “known” “Blood of Legends” CD/2LP almost sound a bit like Devon Graves so you get the idea...I enjoyed the first countries and Japan in particular has (Greece, Cruz del Sur, 2014) on “Son Of Darkness” while showing side a lot, flip side is good too but not a HUGE tradition in Hard Rock/Metal It’s been a while… The last album of some Messiah-influences on “Saviour” on par with the opening one, so I take music which resulted in great and the band was the amazing “To death at the same time. Meanwhile the songs it as a new attempt that needs another original sounding bands throughout and beyond…” (2008); their finest are dominated by simple, but heavy release to convince me and sturdily our music’s history that unfortunately moment and a real Metal classic in as hell chord progressions courtesy appreciate them. still remain unknown. my opinion, so the wait was even of Palmer, making BEDEMON sound https://soundcloud.com/jon-distro/sets/ http://homepage2.nifty.com/6360-098/ bigger. Quite a few things happened like a somewhat doomier and more black-magic top.html in the meantime after two fifths of sinister version of early PENTAGRAM. Thanos Stafylarakis Kostas Kailiazis the band left (and formed DEXTER The record may not be flawless WARD). Many singers came and went, in all aspects from songwriting to BLADE KILLER BLITZKRIEG until Gerrit Mutz (SACRED STEEL/ performance but this is part of its “Blade Killer” Mini-CD “Back From Hell” CD DAWN OF WINTER) was announced charm. It is vintage, partly jammy, raw, (USA, Stormspell, 2014) (UK, Metal Nation, 2013) as the band’s permanent singer over unfiltered, bluesy and severely heavy Another newcomer, so let’s see what With Brian Ross also involved in a year ago. So, after proving live that doom by inspired musicians that this US quintet is about. NWOBHM- SATAN’s exceptional comeback they are still a band capable of great possesses its own gloomy and obscure inspired Metal with a heavier and faster record earlier this year I was looking things, it remained to also prove it on tone crawling out of the speakers approach bringing to mind… well, do forward to hearing what his main act a new album. The way I see it, they and speaking to the dark corners of you need names (old and new) now? BLITZKRIEG would be able to bring to did it, but not to the extent that their the mind where one does not dare to There are so many bands doing this the table in order to keep up with the experience, name and absence for the look. Aficionados of the olde will surely nowadays, that it has become tiring for homemade competition. Unfortunately last couple of years would make one worship the eerie darkness conjured me. I will give them that one will have the outcome is just as disappointing believe. There are two drawbacks that by songs like “Godless”, “Lord Of a good time listening to their 4 short as the band’s last efforts. The record hold me back from fully appreciating Desolation” or “D.E.D.”. Hence if you songs, since they are quite nice with feels immensely tired and lacks all and praising this album. First is the are a fan of the earlier BEDEMOM good melodies. I bought this for cheap of the vigour and drive that made “upgraded” role the violin has, taking material or care for vintage doom from Stormspell Records, so I would SATAN’s “ “ “ “Life Sentence” such a away some of the power the songs and heavy rock in general, you should suggest you do the same, if the whole pleasure to listen to. The guitar-and have, instead of maintaining its’ role, without a doubt enjoy this album. NWOBHM-revival thing is something rhythm-work is just slightly above enhancing the music. The other is www.bedemon.com you don’t fancy much. Otherwise, average with the blunt and repetitive the vocals. I consider Gerrit a GREAT Daniel Schuldt chances are you have already checked riffs constantly losing themselves in singer, but listening to him on this LP, the band. A full length will be more a stomping mid-tempo grind. The I come to the conclusion that he is indicative of the band’s abilities. Until occasional up-tempo-passages all not so capable of delivering the epic/ then, this is just another ok CD… seem blatantly simple, constructed dramatic element so well, or at least Kostas Kailiazis and are plagued by a complete lack as Marco did. He is amazing in the www.facebook.com/bladekillerheavymetal of dynamics, especially with the drum power metal attack of SACRED STEEL Ps. There is also a vinyl issue by performance feeling horribly stale. and mourning DAWN OF WINTER style, Underground Power Records Brian Ross himself (who already was but not so suitable for BATTLEROAR. the weakest link on the SATAN record Enough with my complaints. “Blood in my opinion) is not better off either of Legends” is a very good Epic as he sounds weary and dull as well Metal record, which is already a great as alarmingly shaky on some more compliment in my book, since the term stretched out notes. With a few notable has been degraded to CGI covers and exceptions (e.g. “ “ “ “One Last Time”) naïve lyrics ever since the resurgence he hardly manages to pump out any of the genre over a decade ago and noteworthy melody lines or hooks that there are few bands that really do this BLACK MAGIC truly stick or have not been recycled style with conviction and successfully “Wizard’s Spell” LP/CD from his own portfolio. All these flaws nowadays. BATTLEROAR is one of (Norway. High Roller, 2013) are not being helped by the fact, that the few, and amazing songs like What a contradictory kind of release the record is simply too long with the CLASSIC “Valkyries above us”, is BLACK MAGIC’s debut album really, its 13 tracks clocking in well over 60 “Poisoned Well”, “Immortal Chariot”, opening a dispute with their own minutes, making it quite a challenge “Blood of Legends” (I can not help it self! This was my first thought right to sit through it in one go without and imagine Marco singing here!) and after I played the entire album. Side BLAZE feeling slightly sleepy. Weeding out “The swords are drawn” prove it. If you A shows their competence in penning “The Rock Dinosaur EP” some of the inferior and flat-out boring liked the previous releases of the band, killer remarkable 80’s Heavy Metal Mini-CD/12”EP compositions like “ “ “ “Buried Alive”, you will love this one, if this is the first as the not immensely NWOBHM (Japan, High Roller, 2014) Back To The Village” or the simply time you hear the name, then buy affected Scandinavian heroes of the It certainly took a while, but it wasn’t awful duet “ “ “ “Complicated Issue” “Blood of Legends” and work your way Olde, while by the time I shifted to until High Roller reissued BLAZE’s might have mildly improved the record, back to the band’s discography, you Side B, I felt I was listening to a kinda debut from 2007 that more people but even the strongest material on the won’t regret it, I am sure! different band. Anyway, things have got to know the band. And a very nice album does rarely rise above the level www.battleroar.com been sorted out after a tiny research move indeed since this interest is the of mediocrity, never touching any of Kostas Kailiazis and everything is partially explained. reason we managed to see the band the ground the band had treaded on in First off, the cover art and the layout, in Up the Hammers Festival in March former years. So ladies and gentlemen, BEDEMON which reminded me the style of art of 2014 in a GREAT performance. First as much as I would like to tell you “Symphony of Shadows” CD used in THE BLACK covers and the of all, let me explain myself and state something different, this is only for (USA, Svart, 2012) likes, would hardly attract my interest that I don’t rank BLAZE as high as the hardcore BLITZKRIEG-fanboys out BEDEMON originally happened to to listen to the band, as it was not until many of my compatriots do (I don’t there, the rest should either stick with be the brainchild of no one else but a friend pointed them out to me that know how “successful” they are in

•26• the new SATAN or turn their attention CAULDRON BORN impact in the underground circles back The monotonous production job does to one of the many other fantastic “Sword and Sorcery Heavy Metal” in the 90s when they first showed up its fair share as well in adding to the albums released in 2013/2014 while Mini-CD and obviously still have what it takes indifference, showcasing all the flaws sitting this one out. (USA, Iron on Iron, 2014) to regenerate a certain buzz. Their of modern production values: clinical www.blitzed-alive.com I was anxiously waiting for this ever restricted popularity excluded, they and triggered drums that sound like Daniel Schuldt since it was mentioned to me around have nothing else in common with plastic accompanied by inaudible bass the time their debut was getting the underground, given the tendency work and all run into the ground by BORN OF FIRE a vinyl issue from Iron on Iron in to create a genre or style under the a completely brickwalled mastering “Dead Winter Sun” CD 2010/2011. This CD includes 7 songs “underground” moniker. “The Lie of that kills even the last bit of remaining (USA, 2014, Pure Steel) with a running time of almost 50 the Land” sounds as professional as dynamics in favour of compression Acting privy at the setting of the minutes and features a great cover by a self-financed effort with constrained and loudness. I truly wonder how any 20th century, mainly because of an the “regular” CAULDRON BORN artist, budget can sound. Dave Morrissey producer or engineer who has not done unprecedented ignorance of the Lionel Baker II (who has also painted and Cieran Ennis, aka CELTIC LEGACY, a double-Van-Gogh can seriously think media and the majority of the fans the first GRIFFIN cover, something released a fine and highly respectable this sounds anywhere near to the term at the time, one of the very good and not many have noticed). “Crom, count Heavy Metal album, within the norms „great“ or even just „listenable“. When very few bands that could actually the Dead” is the first new song and of classic Heavy Metal songwriting will you finally stop tormenting us be separated from what the industry is a good fast-paced tune, though a and structure, in the likes of DIO, with this lifeless modern studio junk? was turning the audience to, was bit repetitive and more simple than RAINBOW and MAIDEN, enhanced Anyway. In order to get the musical doomed to dissolve after a short the band’s previous material. One with - what else would we expect facts straight: If CHASTAIN can period that sprang eminence and cast thing you notice immediately are the and demand from an Irish band with tighten their songwriting again and themselves back into oblivion. Their weak vocals; I don’t know if it was a such a name - Celtic melodies. The return to writing more compact and “Anthology” CD obviously jolted the deliberate choice or the only one the alum’s worth of 58 minutes of well exciting material while dropping the fans and regenerated interest about band (Howie) had, but it doesn’t work. crafted music with a fine production remaining modern elements and get a BORN OF FIRE, who came back with “The temple of abomination” is a little job and significantly well taken care decent producer they are on a good an inspired album without hearing the more in line with earlier CB material of booklet, nice layout and homage to path that might actually lead them band going off the grid from what we (but still plain compared to the the late Gary Moore in the sounds of back to regaining some of their former were used to by them at all! With Jim previous efforts) and my best of the “Emerald Eye” along with spreading the glory. Right now this record offers Davis finding a suitable replacement two new songs here. “Singing Swords” good word in the social/environmental just a mere glimpse of what might be into Gordon Tittsworth’s voice, BOF by Swedish Heroes HEAVY LOAD is issues described in their lyrics. There’s and can only be recommended half- take on the matter from where covered next and to tell you the truth, a nice atmosphere emerging, gloomy heartedly to those that really adore “Transformation” CD had ceased, I don’t understand why. Music-wise at times but I guess this is a common Leather‘s voice and cannot wait to slightly modernize their sound and it’s ok, no one doubted the technical feature in many Irish bands and a hear her sing again. Nevertheless, I conjure their gloomy QUEENSRYCHE abilities of the band, but it lacks SO major characteristic of the band’s will not give up hope and keep my vision of how to create potent Dark much in what made the original (and style, as it’s lacking power on purpose, fingers crossed for CHASTAIN‘s future Power Metal. The induced atmosphere the band) a legendary cut. This is using melody over it, while it’s not endeavours and try to quickly forget fits their style and I believe it was their passion, passion and passion!!! The short of heaviness at all . I would urge about this one (which is not too hard trademark in the past as well, what next 4 songs are the ones that were people who don’t only care about how to be honest). made them distinguish themselves in included in the band’s first demo terribly 80s music sounds to motivate www.davidtchastain.com the scene, along with their powerful from 1994, “Swords, Sorcery and themselves and buy the album, as due Daniel Schuldt chugging riffs, interesting lyrics and Science”, an amazing release in my to financial problems and according to the formidable songwriting that would opinion. But aren’t those included in the band, there will be no more than CLOVEN ALTAR keep the listener eager. This is one of the “God of Metal” CD (which also the 250 copies initially printed of the „Cloven Altar“ Mini-CD the briefest comebacks but certainly includes Howie’s personal demo from album. Welcome back by the way! (USA, Stormspell, 2014) justifiable and appropriate. 1993) available in CD and for a low/ www.celtic-legacy.com The fact that CLOVEN ALTAR‘s sole www.facebook.com/pages/Born-of- normal price? Yes they are, so what’s Thanos Stafylarakis member Dustin Umberger used to Fire/498173826897778 the reason this is a full length CD and front a straight-edge vegan metalcore Thanos Stafylarakis not a 12”EP (this would be the ideal CHASTAIN band just a few years back may cause format for it…) or Mini-CD? I guess „Surrender to no One“ CD some raised eyebrows in our circles BREITENHOLD the answer is easy, but isn’t a nice (USA, Leviathan, 2013) as well as some eligible skepticism “Secret Worlds” CD one… I would suggest looking for the While other reunions manage to cause whether we have someone here, who (Sweden, Stormspell, 2014) past releases of the band, as their quite a stir in our circles, the return is simply jumping the next band wagon Now that the word “prolific” is given a technical Epic Metal material will be a of original vocalist Leather Leone into by all over sudden forming a classic new meaning, the inspiration volcano pleasant surprise to US Metal fans that the ranks of CHASTAIN has seemingly metal band in 2014. Because hey, let‘s from Sweden named Cederick thought are unaware of them. Until then, this been flying under the radar of press face it: Traditional heavy metal has it’s a good idea to start a new band appetizer is ok, but it makes me a little and fans alike during the course of the become a massive trend nowadays for the hundredth time. It’s no use skeptical for the new full length album. last few months. Freshly reunited with as every ass and his dog come out of enumerating the number of releases If this wasn’t under the CAULDRON the best female vocalist in metal after the woodwork with a 2- or 3-track EP under his belt within a very short BORN name, I don’t think I would pay more than twenty years, the band has including occult cover art and vintage period and despite my belief that this more attention. It has almost nothing almost secretly recorded a new album sounding production, trying their best will not have a happy ending unless to make it stand out from the mass of which is now being released to the to sound somewhat authentic while he can manage a spiritus finis, I have new HM releases, which it’s a shame public on David T. Chastain‘s private inspiration as well as seriousness. The never been disappointed by one of considering how the exact opposite label Leviathan Records. I myself fact that labels currently sign every his offerings in this style so far. On was happening when the band was have been hoping for CHASTAIN‘s only slightly talented traditional metal the contrary, I am glad I have to active years ago… The CD “helps” resurrection since forever, so I must band under the sun does not help review an album I actually enjoyed someone to reach to this conclusion admit my expectations have been the situation either, I was just not a lot. It seems Ced has a hard time when he listens to the demo songs… pretty high after the rather dull aware that Stormspell was riding that abolishing his passion for RUNNING www.facebook.com/pages/Cauldron- releases CHASTAIN presented us with bus as well but their recent strain of WILD but this time, homage is paid Born/162849107066674 over the last two decades. And to cut releases actually makes me wonder if to another Teutonic legend, SCANNER, Kostas Kailiazis straight to the point: „Surrender To their dedication to quality instead of STORMWARRIOR and the likes! Yes, No One“ is indeed a step in the right quantity still remains true to its fullest. “Secret Worlds” is an album you could direction and a return to the more Anyway, let‘s have a quick a look at place next to SCANNER or MANIA traditional metal approach the band what is being presented here: 3-track albums and Ced has profoundly used to follow in their early years, EP (check!), occult cover artwork contemplated on this style of music yet the darker and groovier sound (check!)....you see where I am getting composing, from penning the melodies of the Kate French-era still remains at, don‘t you? And while the band to the charming flaws German singers underneath it and rears its ugly head name may have you thinking about used to have at the time and the time and time again in form of some two legendary british bands (namely characteristic chorals, everything is chugging groove-riff here and there. CLOVEN HOOF and PAGAN ALTAR) very well examined and successfully The real problem though is the fact there is indeed a slightly british tone conveyed to the music. For the that the songs overall lack quite a bit to CLOVEN ALTAR‘s sound, which not apprehensive ones, there’s no sign of of the vigour and the uplifting spirit only resembles the HOOF, but leans repetition yet, as BREITENHOLD is not of earlier CHASTAIN material, making more towards later DARK FOREST immediately connoted with BLAZON them far less compelling. While it is material (due to the slightly folky STONE or ROCKA ROLLAS and of all great to hear Leather‘s voice again influences), yet without being able those trying to offer a similar type CELTIC LEGACY and realizing that she doesn‘t seem to touch any of the ground these of music, I think this one is one of “The Lie of the Land” CD to have lost any of her great vocal bands walk upon. In fact the material the most accurate and genuine! All (Ireland, Eternal Legacy, 2014) abilities with advancing age, the songs presented here is pretty simple in all that’s left to see - and only time can After dissolving and regrouping for just don‘t cut to the point as they did aspects from riffs to melodies and shamelessly tell - is if these bands several times, CELTIC LEGACY have in the heydays of the band. The album while it may be basically solid and that are not his primary are one-off returned with their brand new limited plays along in the background without listenable, it is a rather shallow and ventures. CD output. The band made quite an arousing any greater interest or even unspectacular ride. Considering the Thanos Stafylarakis presenting standout moments/songs. fact, that no one else but Swedish

•27• multi-instrumentalist and conveyor- to be exact, the second half of the CULT OF THE FOX sum of all their citations THE DAGGER belt-songwriter Ced was brought in, album thrives of it. I am sure that they “Angelsbane” CD fail to establish an own identity and to not only play all instruments on the won’t face the appropriate treatment (Sweden, Rock It Up, 2013) to arouse any further interest within record, but to also help with the final from fans and this could affect their When spinning the disc for the first the listener that would take them song arrangements, it should come standing in time because they are not time and hearing the opening title- beyond the point of being more than as no surprise that what we have too much of this or too much of that track with its high-pitched vocal parts just nice background music. Hence here is another pretty standardized and too much of resembling some I was afraid that CULT OF THE FOX THE DAGGER‘s debut will hardly annoy easy-listening heavy metal EP that other old dudes. Then again, they might have taken the fall and jumped you, therefore it is too well executed clearly bears Ced‘s handwriting (which might be distant from these malady the bandwagon of the countless from head to toe, but neither will it unfortunately barely makes it original permeated circles so that they can faceless MERCYFUL FATE worshippers truly excite you as it is hard to feel but rather redundant by now if you retain their viability. Buy and support. instead of the blue collar heavy anything but complacency about most are familiar with Ced‘s other projects). http://crimsonreign.net metal approach they had established of the compositions presented here. I am not saying that CLOVEN ALTAR‘s Thanos Stafylarakis with their debut two years earlier. Yes, they may have the sound and the debut EP (or Ced‘s other project Thankfully the little excursion into look of a glorious bygone era but their releases for that matter, which are higher ranges remains an exception blueprint-like studio-effort lacks the definitely of higher quality than this and singer Magnus Hultmann soon spirit and the energy that the artists release) is necessarily a bad record, returns to his mostly hoarse tenor THE DAGGER like to lean on so heavily but it does not touch me at all as it for the rest of the record, placing were exploding with back in the days. feels pretty far way from the original him somewhere between a cleaner Ergo this record is just another case, arcane art that I consider heavy metal Chris Boltendahl and Jens Börner where seasoned musicians, despite all to derive from and I highly doubt it will of LONEWOLF. Just like with the their experience and musical abilities, prove its relevance by standing the aforementioned Frenchmen teutonic fail to create something unique and test of time. In fact I boldly place a bet influences are quite present in the noteworthy that will stand the test of right here that EP and band will have CULT’s sound but we of course also time and therefore simply becomes been forgotten in a decade‘s time. The get the good old MAIDEN gallop or more or less neglectable. question we really gotta ask ourselves some mid-tempo ICED EARTH here www.facebook.com/daggerofficial at this point is whether we need all and there as well. And this already Daniel Schuldt these quickly constructed home- leads us to my main concern: CULT recording releases from mayflies like CROSSWIND OF THE FOX hardly bring anything CLOVEN ALTAR being pushed into “Vicious Dominion” CD new to the table and are at the the already overflooded market. I for (Greece, No Remorse, 2014) same time unable to compensate myself could gladly live without it, but Finally some good news! A band this fact with a particularly energetic at the end of the day it is a buyer‘s whose album I’d been expecting for performance or youthful drive which market out there, so you get to have a long and it indeed took them long for me makes “Angelsbane” quite a say in this as well. as we speak. Their demos were too letdown when compared with their http://clovenaltar666.bandcamp. classy to have them unsigned and enjoyable debut. In fact the band fails com officially inert, but now their debut to excite in all departments from riffs Daniel Schuldt album is here and ready to conquer! to vocal melodies and often feels as The mastermind behind the band, if they are playing with their batteries Kyriakos Vasdokas, gave up singing only half-charged or holding back and bestowed the demanding task for a climax the songs unfortunately to SARISSA/HORIZON’S END singer never reach. In sum “Angelsbane” is Vasilis Topalides and since both are a solid but rather exchangeable heavy DARK HOUND “Dark Hound“ CD gifted with charismatic skills, we can metal record that turns out to be (USA, Private, 2014) agree that no damage has been done, disappointingly dry in some parts. Yet Hailing from America’s country capital on the contrary, I am sure this can the album occasionally manages to Nashville, DARK HOUND’s self-titled only benefit the band when playing evoke a certain charm in the same vein debut after five years of prior existence live. So even though there was a lot of that ZENO MORF or earlier LONEWOLF fortunately offers no greasy truck stop material usable for a dignified album may do (e.g. “Ready For Eternity”, “My background music and instead finds its in their excellent demos, luckily they Wrath Unleashed”) but unfortunately place somewhere between darker US- chose to use just one song off there, without ever reaching their level of power metal not unlike later DIVISION meaning we have another 8 new catchiness or power. Nevertheless material and the more modern ones to listen to! “Vicious Dominion” fans of the aforementioned bands will power/prog-approach of bands such CRIMSON REIGN is pretty much the same style as we probably not totally regret buying this, as FUTURES END, CORE DEVICE or “The Calling” CD got acquainted with CROSSWIND, just don’t expect it to turn your entire ETHEREAL ARCHITECT. Yet the four- (USA, Slaverider, 2013) professionally played Euro Power world upside down. In general you piece is not shy of looking beyond Salvation will come from the Metal, with great hooks and riffs, are much better off with the band’s genre boundaries by incorporating a underground, I mean the real something like LOST HORIZON with previous effort though. blast-beat here (“One Deadly Blow”) underground, not the kind of claims I melody attached. The band performs www.cultofthefox.com or some MAIDEN-like harmony leads hear from retro bands that suddenly exceptionally well, so much that Daniel Schuldt there (“The Indifference Of Good elevated a movement to a musical style despite the augmented quality of Men”). Overall the album comes or genre! Very nice first appearance by Greek bands the recent years, they THE DAGGER across as a pretty diversified effort the Phoenix outfit, which starts out a still sound out of place compared “The Dagger“ CD with lots of interesting riffs, rhythm bit weaker than what’s about to follow, to most of their country mates. The (Sweden, Century Media, 2014) patterns and good melody lines while in a way that the coming of the storm entire album is balanced in quality, no Another Swedish band, another retort. achieving pretty much the right mix is not predicted. The band grants us a ups and downs really, with Topalides This time none other than Fred Estby of virtuosity and memorable song kind of Power Metal US bands can only being a standout throughout his given - most likely inspired by producing structures bands often lack when display, diverse, subtle, contemporary task and rationally elevating the result BLACK TRIP‘s debut album - gathered injecting progressive influences into and “sophisticated”, in a way that no to stellar levels. If there’s something some other members of the Swedish their traditional metal foundation. direct comparison can be invoked, as that didn’t sound right to these ears, death metal elite hailing from such Helped by a clear and balanced taught by MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE, that would be the use of background legendary acts like DISMEMBER, production job DARK HOUND’s debut SAVATAGE or later ICED EARTH. It keys, which at times are occupying GRAVE and CARNAGE to try their is a noteworthy record from a young seems to be the work of guitarist more space in a song (reminded hands on something retro together. but already confident-sounding band. Titus Medina, composing credits have me of Age of Empires background The result is a potpourri of everything Definitely worth checking out for been ascribed to others in some music!!), mainly because it comes too that was big in the heavy rock scene fans of the aforementioned combos songs nevertheless. This said, don’t loud in the forefront, a problem which from 1970 to 1985. „Skygazer“ is a or traditionalists with an open ear for be disheartened, expecting another becomes especially audible on “Lords hammond-driven RAINBOW-homage slightly modern but keyboard-free shredding fest, the cool guitarwork is Of Deceit”. Apparently they were used (well, who would have thought so?) . restricted to serve the songs’ purpose to enhance the beset atmosphere with additional nods towards URIAH www.dark-hound.com and that only, while the strong vocal but I reckon this idea was rather HEEP, while „Electric Dawn“ picks Daniel Schuldt delivery of Donovan Bosworth should unsuccessful. Of course that’s the up on early JUDAS PRIEST and not be overlooked, as it’s one of the weakest argument to evade buying SAXON. You get BLUE ÖYSTER CULT DARKEST ERA attributes that make the album stand this album, as it’s barely noticeable guitar-harmonies in „1978“ and a “Severance” CD/LP out with his full, masculine voice that when these 9 thunders strike into your mediocre DIO interpretation on (Ireland, Cruz del Sur, 2014) can balance skillfully in the mid-low room. One plea only, don’t take that „Dogs of Warning“. In fact the whole The first full-length of this Irish band, ranges, whereas he avoids screaming long for the next album! album feels like a dusty pawn shop “Last caress of Light” was released on purpose. The mid-tempo pace http://crosswind.gr of borrowed riffs and melody lines in 2011 and I still consider it a very is not enough to distract you from Thanos Stafylarakis that unfortunately do not trigger any good album. I guess their former its listening session and talent is warm and fuzzy nostalgia but the label and a percentage of fans didn’t abundant in a tremendous number worn out feeling of having heard it all share my opinion and it didn’t do so called “Zaccero” for instance and somewhere before - and better for that well, both as acceptance and as sales matter. Truth be told: throughout the

•28• are concerned. Enrico from Cruz del and foremost is above and beyond towards it. Now, the final result is one- seriously save you from spending time Sur (who seems to have amassed an satisfactory. dimensional and boring… researching about their past, had you impressive roster on his label) took it www.facebook.com/pages/ http://dreadsovereign.bandcamp. been unfamiliar with EVIL INVADERS upon him to release their second full Darking/112713178762531 com so far! Paul Baloff styled vocals in length. If you like Epic Doom Metal Thanos Stafylarakis Kostas Kailiazis a squeaky mood and impressive with a melancholic atmosphere similar stretched and adhering melodies is to what bands like PRIMORDIAL, their point of reference along with OLD SEASON or MAEL MORDHA are some gut-busting riffs, this album is doing, then DARKEST ERA are another coherent and sounds so damn good, band to check, if you already haven’t that I feel I need to sigh with remorse done so. I know it’s the easy route to for not ranting too much about it, as throw these names around and in a it was sent to us at the time this rag way it’s accurate (in the feelings and was coming to completion. The guys mood transmitted throughout the LP), deserve it big time, seeing them but in the music department I think play live made me think they can that DARKEST ERA has enhanced pull what they represent off and I’m their music to a point where the final glad we can hear an album with a result sounds very unique and original touch of personality, not particularly within the “boundaries” of the genre. innovative or radical, but their own Check songs like “The serpent and the interpretation of their influences. Shadow”, “Trapped in the Hourglass” DEEP MACHINE ELVENSTORM As a big proponent of originality in or “Blood, sand and stone” and I think “Rise Of the Machine” CD/LP “Blood leads to Glory” CD music, I can surely say that there’s a you’ll get the point. I really liked the (UK, High Roller, 2014) (France, Inferno, 2014) lot of it in “Pulses Of Pleasure” and if new album, as it shows a band willing I am always skeptical when I see This is the second album for the they evade the industry’s traps, they to enhance their sound and explore bands of the early 80s coming back French quartet after the very good will continue to submit us to their new areas, something needed in a after a loooong silence. If I don’t know “Of rage and War” (2011). If you have authoritative pounding meant for scene that tends to be very stale the the members’ background during their heard them, there is NO surprise endless unrestrained headbanging. last couple of years. A great album inactivity, whether they are in touch here, otherwise prepare to listen a We shouldn’t omit giving our thumbs (one of my top-5), in a year that was with what’s happening in the scene, GREAT and highly enjoyable RUNNING up for a mighty showstopper cover quite disappointing concerning great how can I expect them to deliver the WILD/LONEWOLF mix with female art and of course a very nice suitable Metal releases that can/will stand the goods after many many years, when vocals (an interesting addition). I sound they obtained for this album! test of time. For me, “Severance” is everything has gradually transformed? didn’t add LONEWOLF because of the Support! one of them. Well done!!! This gets even worse, since the case participation of Félix Börner (drummer www.facebook.com/evilinvaders http://darkestera.net when a practically unknown band for LONEWOLF in the past brother of Thanos Stafylarakis Kostas Kailiazis with only demo recordings in their Jens; leader of the band), but because inventory come back is not scarce they also have some elements of their FALLEN ORDER at all recently. Thankfully, despite compatriots and not only Rolf’s music “The Age of Kings” m-CD DEEP MACHINE belong to the latter, I in their material. I would suggest (New Zealand, Private/Stormspell, couldn’t say their debut after 34 years the following songs for someone to 2014) of existence is material to be treated have a first acquaintance with the Even though the band is claimed with contempt! The semiotics in the band: “Reign in Glory”, “Black Hordes”, to be active for the last 10 years, it allegorical title “Rise of the Machine” “Sirens of Death” and “Mistress of Hell” was only at the dawning of this year signal a possible perseverance in (with Marta from CRYSTAL VIPER that I heard about them, when they pursuing what they couldn’t in their participating). Note that the last song is independently released their debut EP. youth; that is to rock the hell out, a cover version of “Into the Fire” by US Soon thereafter a deal was inked and pressure for livelihood excluded! Major Speed Metal masters SAVAGE GRACE. the same EP was widely distributed part of the songs are old ones, from There is passion and dedication here, (and repressed of course) by none their demo era, however replayed lots of it! I enjoyed the CD every other than Stormspell Records, so and properly recorded in 2012, which time I heard it. No, it doesn’t have a there’s the chance for the most means they used current sources of place next to old (even new) classics, secluded metal buyer to hear the news. The Wellington outfit performs a solid DARKING technology for their purpose, coupled but once in a while, we all want to and unforgettable kind of Heavy Metal “Steal the Fire” CD/LP with a few new tunes in accordance to entertain ourselves and ELVENSTORM of the JUDAS PRIEST/IRON MAIDEN (Italy, Jolly Roger, 2015) the band’s orientation. I would expect succeed in this. The way I see (and and ICED EARTH kind of smithery with The Italians are back with their second them to lose that feeling but hell no, hear) things WAY better than the vast baritone Hammish Murray handling full-length, 5 years after the well done this album is pretty strong with very majority of current bands out there, so the vocal tasks. Within the 30 minutes “Sons Of Steel” was unleashed and good vocals and classy guitars. This congratulations!!! Latest news is that of this 5 song EP I couldn’t define their comeback is not less pleasant is in fact NWOBHM with a modern the band will release a 4-track Mini-CD exactly their songwriting intentions, than the debut! The band that includes production added. They seem to be later in 2015. there’s a variety range which includes, the original DOMINE guitarist within determined to keep the band going, www.elvenstorm.com gallops, no-holds-barred Power Metal, its ranks showcases a remarkable so I am willing to stay close and watch Kostas Kailiazis long epics, even more simple and interpretation of traditional Heavy their every move from my part! Well Ps. Under Siege Records will take care accessible tunes, well balanced and Metal with an epic overtone an lyrical done. of the vinyl edition (as it happened perfectly delivered for the metallic relation to historical and mythological www.facebook.com/deepmachineuk with the debut), scheduled for release ear to relish! If you like the style of subjects and despite an Italian accent Thanos Stafylarakis at a later date… well-played, direct, partially bombastic, in Marco Miliani’s singing, an accent bridge-tinged Heavy Metal, this is we all secretly seek in Italian bands, DREAD SOVEREIGN hands down for you. Mind you, ensure his vocals are technically fine and “All Hell’s Martyrs” CD/2LP your restraints when the opener most importantly, expressive enough (Ireland, Van, 2014) “Stand Together” breaks out, killer to satisfy the average fan of the style! Those of you that have read the review addictive tracks like this could only Their Heavy Metal perception includes for the debut 12” of the band in the make me ask for more and more pompous mid tempo arrangements previous issue, already have guessed and more! Soon to hear some new or fast/melodic riff combos in their my opinion about this one. For those recordings that is! Bravo! straight-forward tunes and a cover that haven’t, here we go again. This http://fallenorderband.bandcamp. of DOMINE’s classic, “Stormbringer”, is the project of two PRIMORDIAL com members (Alan on vocals and Simon which was originally recorded when Thanos Stafylarakis Agostino Carpo was a part of the band, on drums) and the style is classic with Enrico Paoli as a guest feature! doom Metal that brings to mind DAWN What I liked in this band is that in both OF WINTER, at least to my ears. I am albums, they didn’t try to emulate any not the biggest doom fan of the world, old-school band or behavior, mainly but I have heard quite a few bands/ EVIL INVADERS because Carpo is around for quite releases through the years and I don’t “Pulses of Pleasure” CD/LP some time in the scene and didn’t just think I will like this one more after the (Belgium, Napalm. 2015) acquire his Heavy Metal induction from three times I have already listened to it. A while after their fantastic EP two youtube and the torrents around. But Quite professional effort, with a great years ago and after inking the deal the most adorable part of this music sound and vocals (of course), but the with a label bringing figures beyond is seeing bands with experienced songs don’t satisfy me. Not wanting to what we are used to by labels carrying members adjusting quickly, actually be unfair, there are some good ones a title as “independent”, the Belgian offering to the scene and evolving here, with the closing cut being my lunatics decided to once again shake through and through album by favorite. Omitting the 12” songs would our brains with bolts of ultra torturous album! I find no reason not to support make for a 45 minute record and Speed Metal the Teutonic way! their effort, when the music first then maybe I would be more positive Knowing this is not an 80s band will

•29• to support the length of several songs, ways with the attempt to plunder many beers you manage to get into even though I couldn’t say they last Rock‘n‘Rolf‘s frigate for musical your head before listening to it. Yet too long, ranging from four to six treasures, wenches and rum, GENTRY there will of course still be some wise minutes, but they can literally end LORD‘s approach is vastly different guys trying to declare this piece of junk up boring and dull. The song “Holy from Meriläinen‘s past endeavours. „cult“, „daring“ or „artistic“, but let me Diver” is apparently a tribute to RJ „Signals From The Mystiverse“ basically break it to you one last time: This is Dio, unsuccessfully penned in my sounds a lot like KING DIAMOND and neither progressive nor avantgarde opinion, as the collation of songtitles CRADLE OF FILTH tripping out on nor anything, this is simply a terrible he had sung make no sense at all. I shrooms while watching 70s Sci-Fi- record. Period. Now get your tin foil don’t want to be harsh against them trash - and trust me, the trip is not hats and avoid these signals at all costs. really, however the good moments are a good one, especially not for the http://gentrylord.bandcamp.com very few that can’t justify a purchase, listener. Everything here seems to Daniel Schuldt when the competition is as strong as it pull off into different directions while is in the current scene. Sorry, maybe hardly ever coming back together to next time. form some kind of a reasonable song “Triumph and Power” CD/LP FIRE STRIKE www.frozen-sword.com/fsnew structure. Add to that Meriläinen‘s (Sweden, Nuclear Blast, 2014) “Lion and Tiger” Mini-CD Thanos Stafylarakis thin vocal performance that honestly Seriously guys? This is it? The album (Private, Brazil, 2013) is pretty close to a smurf on helium that‘s been cashing in one top Watching the Brazilian scene grow GENTRY LORD constantly being kicked in the nut sack soundcheck position after the other bigger over time, I tend to fathom “Signals From The Mystiverse“ and you pretty much get the picture in the big metal magazines over the that everything surrounding the music Mini-CD of the musical disaster we are facing last few weeks? I don‘t even wanna per se and integrates a “scene” bears (Finland, Stormspell Records, 2014) here. Now one could of course argue, think about what it means for the similarities with the Greek happenings. GENTRY LORD is a one-man-project that the record could still find a place in state of the metal scene that such a FIRE STRIKE have not much to do by Jori von Meriläinen who some my collection next to other laughable lame excuse for a heavy metal album with this aphorism, other than their of our readers may remember from and ridiculously bad records such as is generating such a hype among Brazilian origin. However, they are a fronting the short-lived RUNNING NITRO‘s legendary „O.F.R.“ that I tend fans and metal media alike. Fact is relatively new band hosting a female WILD soundalikes CAST IRON who to keep for sole amusement, but the GRAND MAGUS were already showing singer and devoting their musical called it quits just after releasing EP just remains an incredibly annoying signs of fatigue with their last output output to the 80s scene, as expected. one neglectable EP in 2008. Parting piece of musical fallout no matter how „The Hunt“ but „Triumph Of Power“ is So there are no surprises overall in their debut EP as we speak, but I can stoutly say the album grew in me over time. Opening with the weaker “Night Fever”, they direct you towards what you think is their ability limits but the ace in the hole is manifested later on with the follow-up songs! The music is well elaborated with nice leads and guitar solos swapping but I can also impute to Aline Nunes’ singing that it’s both the chief asset and a problem at the same time! She literally has a devastating Heavy Metal voice with tremendous skill and aggressiveness when necessary, conjuring and Ann Boleyn in their glory days, but I feel she’s stretching her voice a lot, so much that at times it sounds overwhelming, keeping the range high throughout the entire EP. Another problem, one that probably supports the aforementioned one, has to do with the lack of texting decent lyrics. It looks like there is a specific formula with few syllables in each line, so she sounds as if she is stretching vowels all the time. These aside, this EP thrives of sharp-witted and perky ideas and time after time I play the disc I find it more pleasant. A good release for this new and inexperienced band from the best football country in the world, I hope Heavy Metal bands can carry the weight of delegating Brazil’s fame now that the well-paid sportsmen have been deposed. www.firestrike.com.br Thanos Stafylarakis

FROZEN SWORD “Defenders of Metal” CD (Switzerland, Private, 2013) The debut album of the Swiss band independently released makes me quite confident that there will be no label interest anytime soon, unless major improvements occur in the future! I have not heard their demo that predated this album, but I could swear they are a young band that desperately wanted to release an album and came down to this result, considering that their demo was recorded 4 years before the CD in question. I can’t think how they would sound in their demo, but the album reviewed here sounds at least amateurish to these ears; barbaric Heavy Metal being rough around the edges and an instrument performance of novice level unfortunately. The songwriting is sometimes too simple

•30• quite a few more steps down on the So you’d better listen and decide, as necessary. I could shamelessly say overly complex, no, I’ll give them downward spiral that has taken a hold “Overthrow” is nothing short of good this album is enjoyable enough, the that, but it sounds quite messy and of the band ever since „Iron Will“. ideas! modern elements aren’t repelling and “disconnected” at times. At least to my Everything, and I seriously mean www.reverbnation.com/grossreality for the sake of history, band members ears, maybe people more used and EVERYTHING, about this album feels Thanos Stafylarakis are quite experienced to say the into this style can appreciate it. I have weary and worn-out. It is the flabby least, with participations in acts such to say that the growling vocals don’t upper arm of an 8-year-old showing HERETIC as MIDAS TOUCH, DARK FUNERAL help as well. This is just my opinion; off in front of the mirror counting his “A Time of Crisis” CD or WUTHERING HEIGHTS to name a I am not so much into this music, so pubic hair not the testosterone-driven (USA, Metal on Metal, 2012) few. I am not sure about the current listen and judge for yourselves muscle I expect from an epic heavy Over the last decade it seems to have status of the band and whether they www.hourswill.com metal record. There is no drive, no become impossible for an 80s metal are working on something new or not, Kostas Kailiazis passion, no power. It is just a bunch band to be buried for good and so that’s something you have to find out of emotionless and almost annoyingly there inevitably had to come a day on your own. simple songs that are so blatantly glued when also HERETIC would shovel the www.facebook.com/ together that it makes your average earth from their grave, kick over their thehiddenthrash/info punk band look like WATCHTOWER. tombstone and return to the world of Thanos Stafylarakis Tracks such as „Fight“ (what a dumb- metal. Best known for passing singer ass chorus!) or „Dominator“ (now Mike Howe on to METAL CHURCH while that‘s an even dumber chorus for you at the same time picking up legendary and that middle-part - don‘t even get David Wayne (R.I.P.) and reforming me started!) would be something I under the REVEREND moniker the would expect from a high school band group had lain dormant for more than but not from such seasoned musicians 20 years now until resurrected by as GRAND MAGUS. Obviously the band bandleader Brian Korban in 2011. Past has caught the MANOWAR-virus where aside the 21st century HERETIC have musical ability as well as songwriting a lot more in common with the recent skills decline parallel to the length releases of their labelmates MELIAH HUNDRED of the career. GRAND MAGUS grind RAGE than with their own original “The Forest Kingdom (Part I)” their songwriting-formula of simple material from the 80s or even that Mini-CD singsong melodies, even simpler released as REVEREND. Unfortunately (England, Iron on Iron, 2014) riffs, squeaky and expressionless they lack MELIAH RAGE’s at least New English act, whose young solos mercilessly over the course partially still intact sense for strong HIPERION members have no previous experience of the album‘s 42 minutes duration melodies. Having said this “A Time “Hiperion Rise” CD in bands, at least that I know of. Is so that you basically have already Of Crisis” suffers mainly from the (Portugal, Non Nobis, 2013) this bad? Of course not, if the result is heard everything that is still to come one-dimensional vocals by returning Young Heavy Metal band from the so good. Initially printed on CD-r (and after you managed to get past the 10 singer Julian Mendez who is pretty far rising scene of Portugal, a scene with sold for a high price in my opinion), minute-mark. Where its predecessor away from his solid performance on not as many new comers as Sweden Iron on Iron took it upon them (great at least offered some decent variety the band’s debut-EP “Torture Knows for instance, but for sure some very move!) to officially release it as a in tempo and dynamics, „Triumph No Boundaries” and neither has Mike hopeful ones, that I will personally sliver-pressed CD. I could do with a And Power“ seems to be a single Howe’s charisma nor David Wayne’s add them in my “to keep an eye bigger booklet and lyrics (and probably mediocre upper mid-tempo song stuck power. He simply relies on a hoarse on in the future” list. I can’t say the songs of their first digital demo) on repeat. Now you can cry and bitch bellow to which he is trying hard to add HIPERION qualify my standards for but I guess it wasn’t in their hands. all you want, but this is plastic and I some melody and it quickly becomes the aforementioned list, I am curious HUNDRED don’t surprise and follow will keep on calling it out as long as obvious though, that his range is very to hear how they will evolve, now that on the footsteps of fellow countrymen I am around. In my eyes (and to my limited and he sounds rather thin they are preparing for their sophomore IRON MAIDEN (they have even ears) this is only big because Nuclear on some of the longer notes. Add to as I am informed. “Hiperion Rise” is incorporated three guitars!), while at Blast is pumping tons of money into that the uninspired songwriting full not a bad album, but I feel there is still the same time having very interesting marketing it to a mindlessly willing of standardized riffs lost in more or room for improving. I am blowing hot rhythms and changes to differentiate crowd of consumerist metalheads less constant mid-tempo chug (the and cold with several songs, as while them. The band is a delight to see live that can hardly think for themselves only relief from the constant drag is there are some nice parts in them, (it helps knowing the songs though!), between buying tickets for Wacken the unnecessary re-recording of the some other a bit amateurish appear, be sure to see them if you can. I guess and the new wooden box tour edition band’s self-titled anthem “Heretic”) so I think experience and hard work the next step will be a full length and I of an album they already own. Sorry, and you have a pretty generic modern can do wonders in their case. I could am very anxious to listen to it. but I had to get that rant of my power/thrash record that passes you also do without this kind of singing, http://hundredmetal.bandcamp.com chest. Now back to something more by without any memorable moments. he is stretching his voice too much in Kostas Kailiazis worthwhile. Sadly, this is just another tale of a fields he shouldn’t obviously explore. www.grandmagus.com corpse that should not have been The songs however are catchy, with ICED EARTH Daniel Schuldt exhumed just to shame its legacy. memorable hooks and melodies, “The ” Better spend your money elsewhere. mainly influenced by HELLOWEEN and (USA, Century Media, 2014) GROSS REALITY www.hereticusa.com the European school in general, but Maybe there is no need for such a “Overthrow” CD Daniel Schuldt they should try to avoid fillers or insist review in our publication, but after (USA, Tribunal, 2014) on more integrated songwriting next quite some time that I had given First attempt in the Thrash Metal HIDDEN, THE time, as in an eight song album and up on the band, I decided to listen scene for this new Californian band, “Fearful Symmetry” CD in the style they chose to play, fillers more closely to an album of theirs, an attempt I’d rather distance myself (Sweden, Tribunal, 2014) or filling in a song to expand it are not instead of songs here and there. It from recommending or preventing Here we have a new Swedish band really welcome. But as I said, they are offered me nothing, which I somehow from buying. The main reason for that came together back in the late a new band and talent is there, so I anticipated… The interview last this is that I feel they play a kind of 90’s and only released their first album hope they can prove me right soon issue was a token of our love and Thrash Metal meant to mingle them recently! Surprisingly how, they won’t with their 2nd CD. Nice start! appreciation for the early LP’s of the with the big boys that still go on from offer the typical NWOBHM-ish style www.facebook.com/hiperion.metal band and they sure have our respect the initiation of the genre in the USA. again but what we are dealing with is Thanos Stafylarakis for going strong after all these years. As I’ve said several times, I am really Speed/Thrash with a modern edge but The new album includes 11 songs picky with my Thrash Metal today and with so much influence from the 80’s HOURSWILL (plus an outro), with a duration of an what is of serious importance as a dragged in! Namely, I could mention “Inevitable” CD hour. The usual riffing and aggressive personal liking factor is the production bands like AGENT STEEL, TOXIC or (Portugal, Ethereal Sounds, 2014) songwriting is present, of course NOT job and overall sound and GROSS SLAYER, which are the first that come HOURSWILL is a new band from in the way it was in the past, but REALITY failed to stir me in both to the listeners mind while playing Portugal, this time into progressive you can definitely understand this is aspects. Nothing wrong here, just this album, but as said previously, all metal; at least how it’s conceived by an ICED EARTH album. New singer their approach is too modern for my is showcased in an obviously modern the majority of metal fans. Because for (he has been in the band since the taste and the drum sound too plastic. fashion, which of course is not too me progressive metal is a term applied previous album) seems to have lots of Songwriting wise I find them rather modern to ruin the overall result. to bands totally unrelated between abilities, but the Barlow-ish vocal lines unspectacular for that matter and I should also mention their close them with the main criterion being he goes for don’t help. Even though sometimes the vocals sound unfitted encounter with “the unknown” or uniqueness and attitude towards the music seems to be penned the to this TESTAMENT styled Thrash, at unexplained as a subject matter in the music. “Inevitable” is their debut after way I would like to listen to from the times I could even call it accessible lyrics, as an excuse for the absence of two demos and it’s my first encounter band, after a while it becomes boring Thrash so to speak. There’s nothing an old school approach, but then again with their music. Their bio mentions for me. I don’t know who I should wrong with the band’s prowess, on why should everything be played in lots of different influences from a wide feel bad for; the band ( the contrary they seem to be proficient an old school way? Their music is a variety of genres and it’s correct up to be exact) for repeating themselves enough and their professionalism is technical blend of speedy crunchy riffs to a point, but also a “curse” since I in such a way and coming up with a not questioned at all, it’s just that I with melodies coming in every so often have heard this CD three times and product that is average at best, or the like Thrash Metal the way it was in and vocals surfing both over high and remember very few things. It’s not thousands of people that still support the beginning, raw, fast and violent. low ranges, even rough whenever

•31• some bands. Maybe none of them, not be totally leftfield, it is pretty much or even Greece’s CONVIXION in their we still live in a free world last time I different from what we have heard “rocking” moments would be rational checked, so no more words from me…. so far (and what purists may count but they never come on par with the www.icedearth.com as doom metal). Imagine SUBROSA aforementioned gurus of the style! Kostas Kailiazis minus the sludge and the fiddle or think I am reserved for a more potent CASTLE slowed to a crawl meeting successor next time. ICHABOD KRANE JEX THOTH. But where especially the www.facebook.com/ “Ichabod Krane” CD latter has the tendency to literally break ironcommandheavy (USA, Pure Steel, 2014) songs by losing themselves in fuzzy Thanos Stafylarakis Featuring members of such illustrious jam-parts, IDES OF GEMINI operate American metal acts like ADVOCATE, more song-orientated, creating wide HALLOWEEN and SLEEPY HOLLOW, and dreamy landscapes of longing ICHABOD KRANE’s debut album instead that bear a surprisingly calming certainly looks promising on paper warmth within them despite their and may indeed attract US-power gloomy and darkened alignment. The metal aficionados like moths to a band’s ethereal sound is a wonderful LICK THE BLADE flame. But as we all know, not all that interplay of minimalism and melody, a “The Sun and the Time” CD glitters is gold and this does very much mesmerizing sermon for the explorers (USA, Auburn, 2013) apply to this record as well which of the midnight realms willing to plunge Until this very day you can count on unfortunately is just another entry into the darkness and find comfort in Cleveland’s Auburn Records and Bill into the ever growing list of blatantly its siren’s call. Songs like the brooding Peters to constantly release some mediocre and underproduced US- “The Chalice & The Blade” the trance- quality heavy metal - even if it may Power Metal releases churned out by like rhythm of “May 22nd, 1453” or the not always shake the world in its Pure Steel Records. But let’s start at giant vocal cathedrals of “Fememorde” foundations. LICK THE BLADE’s the beginning: The first thing that easily draw the listener into a parallel second full-length after 2009’s JOHNNY TOUCH solid “Graveyard Of Empires” is no will probably arrest the listener’s world that is best explored with a great “Inner city Wolves” CD attention is the powerful pipework by bottle of red and the lights reduced to exception and has the band refining (Australia, Shadow Kingdom, 2014) their sound which could best be WÜLFHOOK-singer Jeff Schlinz who a minimum. Those that scream trendy Having liked both songs included in bears quite some similarity with James female fronted occult rock right away described as a slightly more mellow past split singles (both reviewed in version of labelmates WRETCH with Rivera circa DISTANT THUNDER- and stomp their feet angrily like little issue 3) I was looking forward to a era. But while his voice may impress children do not know what they are a huge injection of IRON MAIDEN full length album by this Aussie combo. twin guitars. With well-written lyrics during the first two songs, his melody missing out upon. The rest of you lot Hearing the first couple of songs, I lines soon become more and more should give this small gem a try. mainly based on historical subjects wasn’t so excited and delayed it until and a powerful performance by singer redundant, as he is simply changing www.idesofgemini.com sometime back when preparing a back and forth between a rather Daniel Schuldt Mike Kurtz the band carries on one of round of reviews for this issue. I am their strong points from album number pressed rougher baritone and pointless so happy I did give this CD a spin. And single-note screams. I remember (VICTOR GRIFFIN’S) IN-GRAVED one but has improved significantly on a spin after the first and so on… This is the songwriting front, making the 10 James Rivera saying once: “I have a “In-Graved” CD a very nice CD, full of non-stop guitars very monotonous voice with one very (USA, Svart, 2013) album tracks sound more convincing and catchy compositions. There are and memorable than the ones on high note, but I make the best out Victor Griffin is a household name some moments of lower quality, but of it,” which in most parts holds true within doom circles having played its predecessor. The big downside of the overall impression I was left with the record though is undoubtedly the for James’ case, unfortunately it does a substantial part in the careers of is more than satisfactory. Definitely not for Jeff Schlinz. The stump riffs such legendary acts as PENTAGRAM, production job. The sound, though a band to watch for, don’t let the thankfully offering a present bass in and the repetitive songwriting do not DEATH ROW and PLACE OF SKULLS. name fool you. Tracks to check: “The come to his rescue either and while A firm believer in christianity, Griffin the mix, is overall flat and muted as Metal Embrace”, “Lady Stutter” and if listened to with a paper bag pulled there are indeed some fine solos to be had always been one of those rare “Dishonorable Discharge” found throughout the record it cannot examples who was able to speak his over your head. Above the distant www.johnnytouch.com/jt sound-mash however hovers the change the overall impression of flat beliefs through his music without Kostas Kailiazis out boredom induced by the lame sounding missionary or preachy. His voice of singer Ted Anderson which songs. By the time the album reaches latest endeavour under a new moniker is (compared to the rest) too loud in LEATHER SYNN the mix and manages to drown out its lowpoint with the foreseeable is once again no different and while “Leather Synn” EP ballad “Nothing Without You” my brain there is hardly any direct mention of the music almost completely in certain (Portugal, Blood & Iron/Non Nobis, chorus parts. A shame as this album has already flicked the off-switch on god on it, the album is often just oozing 2013) my attention span. To make things with positivity which probably can be offers some rock solid heavy metal Another first appearance for a resembling US and British influences even worse the production is flat and considered an oddity for a doom record Portuguese Heavy Metal act consisting muddy, suffering heavily from clipping but works well in the -driven in equal parts and which should of (in)famous dudes within the local definitely appeal to fans of IRON and unnecessary distortion in some doom rock environment full of heavy scene, RAVENSIRE’s guitar player Ze parts (the middle part of “Unwanted” grooves and tasty licks that Griffin has MAIDEN, WRETCH, RAVAGE or RIVAL Rockhard, Non Nobis and Blood & Iron but is slightly hindered by its weak or the beginning of “Final Warning” built around it. Even if “In-Graved” may owners being some of them. This cool are prime examples of that) making not reach the level of some of Griffin’s production and the lack of dynamics recording despite the Glam oriented and punch it brings with it. If you me wonder who fell asleep at the former bands’ most iconic releases, cover picture offers plain and simple mastering desk here instead of doing songs such as the straight-up doom manage to overlook this particular flaw Heavy metal the way PRIEST showed though, the album holds some very his job. Seriously, who in their right rocker “Late For An Early Grave”, the people how to do it (I wish I could hear mind could have let this one slip out melancholic hymn “Love Song For The nice tunes like “The Grand Inquisitor”, MAIDEN in them just to get into Ze’s “Guns, Germs And Steel” or “Ashes Of of the studio? If you don’t know how Dying” or the life-assuring album-closer nerves though) and is sung in English, to work with compression just leave “Never Surrender” are well worth the The Phoenix” that definitely deserve apart from one track sung in their a bigger crowd. Make sure you check your bloody hands off it and spare us price of admission alone and prove mother tongue! I traced more than the pain. Anyway, given the potential that Victor Griffin undoubtedly still got these guys out if you haven’t already a few good ideas in the great chorus done so. of the individuals involved in ICHABOD, it. Fans of vintage doom and heavy of “Synn Is Inn”, a nice fist-held-high this is quite a huge disappointment for rock as well as Griffin’s work in general www.licktheblade.com part in “Time To Fight”, every song has Daniel Schuldt US-metal fans. should not be missing out on this. something remarkable in fact, I should www.ichabodkrane.com www.facebook.com/INGRAVEDoffical avoid mentioning each part namely, Daniel Schuldt Daniel Schuldt but still there’s something missing at IDES OF GEMINI IRON COMMAND the same time, which I think I located “Old World New Wave” CD/LP “Play It Loud” it in the too standard 80s Heavy Metal (USA, Neurot Recordings, 2014) (Colombia, Private, 2014) songwriting. Other than that, the EP Passing through the last five years it From the resurged South American is enjoyable, nothing groundbreaking, has become more and more obvious scene comes this outfit from Medellin, so if this is just a gathering of friends that especially the heavy and thrash Colombia, comprised by 3/5 females! having fun or a band with orientation metal scenes have become highly Their limited pressed debut of Speed/ and vision will be proven in future oversaturated and more or less grinded Heavy Metal offers no novelty of action. to a complete standstill where most course, but shouldn’t be categorized http://nonnobisproductions. of the new and old bands alike turn as uninteresting either; there are bandcamp.com/album/nnp-005vnl- in constant circles like their left foot ups and downs within the total of 33 leather-synn-12-ep has been nailed to the floor, failing to minutes you will consume listening Thanos Stafylarakis innovate or at least really reignite the to it, but as they speed up they can fire of the old days. Yet it is the doom offer some cool moments, heard LONEWOLF “The Cult of Steel” CD metal genre that time and time again in the sounds of “Iron Command”, (France, Massacre, 2014) manages to surprise me and bring forth “Sentence” or “The Years Of Decay”. Here’s the new (7th) studio album of something worthwhile and enticing. No surprises here, classic influences the French Warriors. I may have been IDES OF GEMINI is one of these rare and audible parallelism with country too harsh or too soft (depending on cases and while the trio’s sound may mates REVENGE, Finnish SPEEDTRAP one’s perspective) on their previous

•32• two albums that they did for Napalm here accompanied by excellent guitar Records (listening them again it may work and the unique (and great) have been the latter), but this one is vocals; certainly an improvement from a real treat for anyone into fast-paced, the previous LP (not that it was bad). I RUNNING WILD influenced Heavy will risk become boring and say again Metal! In my opinion this is their best that I miss the sound and approach of release after their debut (very difficult the first two LP’s. More in line with the to top this) and “Dark Crusade” and “mainstream” sound of Classic Metal of almost every song in this 50 minute the last years, but it really destroys scorcher are a testament to it! Some 99% of them, so the verdict is a 2014 will complain about originality, but highlight! if you listen closely, this is NOT a www.metalinquisitor.de RUNNING WILD rip-off, the band has Kostas Kailiazis been fans for decades and adores the German ex-legend, no doubt, but they MIDRYASI manage to write music influenced by MAUSOLEUM GATE MENACE “Black, Blue & Violet” CD them while still having their personal “Mausoleum Gate” CD/LP “Cosmic Conspiracy” CD (Italy, My Graveyard, 2013) touch. I don’t think many bands can (Finland, Cruz del Sur, 2014) (Greece, Eat Metal, 2014) Having been in the game for more be proud of such a feat, no? Their After an ok demo and a better 7”single, The Cretan Thrashers were than a decade and this being their consistency and stubbornness is what I was anxious to listen to the band’s persistently asked to release their third outing already, I must admit that has gets me every time I listen to new debut, which was another surprise for expected full-length after a highly I had never heard of Italy’s MIDRYASI material from them, this is the kind of me. Those that have heard their single acclaimed demo recorded a year before the release on discussion here. bands we need, how long will it be until will notice the band expanding and ago, so they did and there’s no way A shame, as “Black, Blue & Violet” is you realize it? METAL fans, people that enhancing the 70s elements they had anyone was let down upon spinning it! a refreshing no holds-barred approach live and breathe for this music and not in their sound. As for the rest, imagine The demo showcased potential in the to doom metal. Dark and brooding in the circus surrounding it. After a few a pure HM band with 70s atmosphere band’s songwriting but materializing their main tone, MIDRYASI sometimes mishaps, mr. Jens Börner is back on and touches, but with the Metal the signs of ability to rabid devastating remind me of NOMAD SON but on board after Rolf willingly abandoned element being dominant throughout Thrash Metal is another story, a story a bizarre psychedelic trip, as they ship years ago. Another 2014 highlight, the LP. 6 songs can be found here the dudes here seem to suck and excel incorporate everything from prog well done! and I recommend closing cuts of sides at as a consequence. With RAZOR to or from KING CRIMSON www.facebook.com/lonewolfdivision A and B, “Lost beyond the Sun” and as their guides, they are bound to to HAWKIND into their sound, even Kostas Kailiazis “Mausoleum Gate” (love these MAIDEN trespass your idleness and had you touching punkish territory with “The vocal lines towards the ending) so you been overlooking the genre, you Nuclear Dog” while always clearly MAEL MÓRDHA can understand what we’re dealing can’t escape the grasp of the insane maintaining their classic doom metal “Damned when Dead” CD with. The other (shorter) songs are not riffs and the furious vocals of “Social roots in form of PENTAGRAM and (Ireland, Candlelight, 2013) inferior, for me they’re equally great Control”, “Confessor”, “Full Throttle”, BLACK SABBATH as a solid foundation It’s been 6 years ago and more in a very good LP, it’s just that I feel “Blacklist”, “Menace” and so on! I wish underneath this diversity. The album specifically in the last issue of On the those two stand out and can give you the album lasted more than a mere 38 is drenched in a constant feel of March fanzine that I first read about a better idea of MAUSOLEUM GATE. minutes, which even though it seems lunacy and lurking chaos preying this band. At the time I bypassed them There is atmosphere and personality the right duration for a Thrash album, on the listener’s mind, continuously partly because of being more into aplenty here, do yourselves a favor it flows too well to accept it ended so creating interesting moments of digging old bands, partly because I and listen to one of the best albums soon. I am also glad the sound came musical tension that can indeed be thought “This is another open-minded for 2014! This has nothing to do with better than their demo’s, it would have demanding when MIDRYASI take choice of George, so they must be retro-70s revival acts, be warned! been unfair for such killer songs in any another unexpected and odd turn into another folk-epic-black-metal band”. I www.facebook.com/MausoleumGate other case. This album is a fine chance their twisted world of sound which is was SO wrong!!! Shortly before they Kostas Kailiazis to turn a sworn traditional metalhead brought to life perfectly by the album’s played with PRIMORDIAL last autumn into a raging thrasher without the great organic and powerful recording, I heard a few songs from this album, MEDIEVAL STEEL guilt of being one. Seriously, you that will have you feeling like the but being bombarded with music “Dark Castle” LP/CD shouldn’t miss this one as it’s one of band is jamming out right in front of at the time, another chance passed (USA, Empire/Private, 2013) the very good, not saturated type of you. Howling organs, spacey synths, me. Luckily for me, their AMAZING If anyone would tell me 5 years ago Thrash albums that you profusely find hand clap snares and voice samples show made me listen to them more that the outfit from Memphis would in the market, despite the standard - MIDRYASI are a multi-faceted beast carefully and I have to admit that I return with a full length after a 30 instrumental performance. The guys with no fear of reaching out into many found another great band to listen to! year slumber I would honestly smile have the Thrash knowhow and do directions and have the rare ability to It will be very easy to write down the with contempt. Now if he insisted what they have to do as they should. make it all work together and sound name PRIMORDIAL and get over with they could come back with an album Thank you! coherent at all times. This is greatly the review, but this will be degrading as good as the one reviewed here, www.facebook.com/pages/ helped by the fact, that the band for both bands. MAEL MÓRDHA have that is where I’d stop talking to him! Menace-old-school-thrash-metal- never forgets solid song structures a more classic Metal background, I am not one of those guys that can HELLAS/198149576916144 while tripping in so many directions Thanos Stafylarakis something evident in their sound rant endlessly about how divine their so that the tunes MIDRYASI come and approach as well as their song 1984 EP is, simply because I believe up with always remain memorable structures and guitars overall. I it’s simply good; I am more like a and surprisingly catchy despite all the challenge anyone reading these lines fan of their later material recorded things going on. As you may have to listen to “Dawning of the Grey” and as a demo in 1989, unlike most of already guessed, “Black, Blue & Violet” if he is not hooked, then sorry, he must their fans I guess... but this was way is probably not for everyone but doom re-evaluate what EPIC Metal is about. beyond my expectation so to speak! metal fans that are not afraid to look “Damned when Dead” is a MUST-have Bobby Franklin and the recently late beyond the genre’s boundaries and for everyone into this music, a Metal Chuck Jones are the only original who also adore the great works of form that has been degraded so much members and their long delayed return 60s and 70s heavier psychedelic and the last decade to naïve lyrics about is breathtaking; the songs featured prog bands should find this to be a shining armors, or long, boring pieces are not previously known as older real treat and worthy addition to their of music where you were hearing recordings, Bobby’s voice is almost collection. intact as far as his tone goes, however more effects than guitars with CGI www.facebook.com/midryasi covers. Fortunately bands like this I don’t expect him to reach as high Daniel Schuldt one remind us what made us love this as he did in the last chorus of their music in the first place. self-titled tune of course. The album METAL INQUISITOR MORTICIAN www.mael-mordha.com is really enjoyable, never becoming “Ultima ratio Regis” CD/LP “Shout for Heavy Metal” CD Kostas Kailiazis tedious and even though there are (Germany, Massacre, 2014) (Austria, Pure Underground, 2014) some fillers and some recurring I wasn’t so “hot” for the last album This is the second full length of memories of past tunes throughout of the Germans, “Unconditional the Austrian classic Metallers after its play, I could ungrudgingly listen to Absolution” and when I first heard “Mortician” in 2011, which I had all eleven cuts with pleasure. It’s not a song off the new (4th) studio LP I bypassed since one-two songs I had the epic masterpiece some might wish was skeptical… If you know the band heard at the time didn’t excite me as for, maybe you won’t find an anthemic from the first two releases, you must much as their early material. Judging equal to “Medieval Steeeeeel”, however be aware that this is different. In my by the new CD, it wasn’t a bad choice. there’s a nice balance in quality that opinion the NWOBHM influences the There are 9 songs included with a total keeps your interest aroused. band always had are more evident duration of 42 minutes and apart from http://www.reverbnation.com/ here. This said don’t consider this some (very few) good moments here medievalsteel another album of the “genre”. METAL and there, the final result is so generic Thanos Stafylarakis INQUISITOR know what they’re doing and boring that I wonder how many and they’re doing it GOOD. Mid-tempo, people will like this one. Add to this fast songs, there is enough variety the one-dimensional and aggressive

•33• sounding vocals, the (mostly) mid- performance often resembles an that FALCONER left after “Chapters a roll and truly a force to be reckoned tempo songs and you get an idea. Sure, eunuch version of BULLET’s Matt Hofer. From A Vale Forlorn” (just listen to the with in the present-day doom scene. this is (with a quite Especially when the guy is going for opening riff of “The Dragon Reborn” or The band is a completely unique modern approach), but is it enough? the higher registers (which he does the vocal lines on “Master Of Depravity” entity whose inimitable sound can This is stuff you have heard so many quite frequently) his voice becomes to hear what I am talking about) and easily be distinguished from the flood times in a much better way; both in a hardly bearable screech, a situation furthermore infuse their sound with of mediocre copycats that strut the terms of inspiration and musicianship that is not being helped by his inability hints of mid-90s BLIND GUARDIAN, scene’s catwalk nowadays and this with some songs being simply bad to hold a longer note (just listen to “Glory To The Brave”-era HAMMERFALL alone should be reason enough for you (like “Inner Self”). My suggestion “Taking You Down”). You can clearly (yes, before they became the uninspired to drop this zine and get in touch with would be to avoid, but it’s up to you... hear how uncomfortable he is in mess they are now) and some ballsy your local dealer to obtain a copy at www.mortician.at these ranges yet he forces himself to US-Power Metal. Fortunately, despite once. If not, let me assure you again Kostas Kailiazis go there time and time again - to the the leanings towards the melodic side that this record absolutely rules and distress of the listener and probably of the genre, the guitars are always easily blows 99% of its competitors out his vocal chords as well. So while meaty and pack quite a punch, never of the water. Definitely a personal top 5 NIGHT’s first offering may basically be being buried behind overly-dominant record of 2013 for me. a solid yet uninspired effort and not keys or the likes. NOBLE BEAST www.facebook.com/nomadsonmt come across as pretentious as their successfully manage to extract all of the Daniel Schuldt countrymates THE DAGGER’s debut, positive aspects of the melodic power it struggles with some substantial metal genre with their strong sense for songwriting and performance flaws catchy but never cheesy melodies (in that are hard to overlook during the fact the strongest I have heard in the full playtime. Given the amount of genre since SOLAR FRAGMENT’s debut strong releases the classic metal scene a few years back) while avoiding all of is blessed with at the moment this is the style’s notorious pitfalls like 100- more or less neglectable. man choirs or kindergarten melodies www.heavymetalinthenight.com and keeping their balls in place. Instead Daniel Schuldt we get highly versatile and driving MOSH-PIT JUSTICE guitar work that relentlessly pushes the NIGROMANTE “Justice is Served” CD songs forward while singer Rob Jalonen “Black Magic Night” CD (Bulgaria, Stormspell, 2014) delivers a truly epic performance, (Spain, Shadow Kingdom Records, The band from Burgas is a totally new mainly in the lower baritone registers, 2014) find for me and what an impressive pumping out memorable vocal parts Shadow Kingdom’s newest addition one! With their second full-length (one by the dozens. Even though the album ONSLAUGHT “VI” CD to its roster may hail from Spain EP pre-dated both albums) the band clocks in over 63 minutes (which I (UK, AFM, 2013) but when compared to most of their makes it clear they are here to make usually consider way too long and A hammer blow to the face, a battering countrymates NIGROMANTE take some heads roll! Ushering a wide reeking of fillers), there is hardly a ram to the crotch or simply the album a much rougher approach to their range of influences, they configure single boring second to be found here that EXODUS have been trying to make classic heavy metal style. In fact if their sound in a raging Power/Thrash which is pretty impressive, especially ever since their 2003-reunion would all you can imagine IRONSWORD playing amalgam meant to break your necks. for the debut of such a young band. be descriptions that work very well for NWOBHM dribbled with some hardrock A FORBIDDEN, KING DIAMOND, Well-produced (except for the artificial any of the post-reunion ONSLAUGHT influences, than you pretty much get NUCLEAR ASSAULT, TESTAMENT, drum sound) this is a vigorous, fresh albums and their latest effort simply the picture of what NIGROMANTE are HEATHEN, early ANNIHILATOR combo and simply highly enjoyable record entitled „VI“ is absolutely no exception all about. Its raw and in your face translates in 8 kick-ass tunes with a with BIG sticky melodies, hooks for to this rule. In fact it even manages to traditional metal with some pretty solid production job and rough vocal days and a lot of energy that fans of turn the knob up to 11. This is powerful, good guitar melodies and catchy delivery. Fantastic riffs, technical the aforementioned bands should not relentless and highly aggressive thrash choruses, so you will find yourself yet not extravagant approach with miss out on. Highly recommended and metal that takes no prisoners and will singing along to fist-raisers like “Satan the necessary pace changing is the destined to be a future genre classic! leave every poser with a broken spine Death Squad”, “Heavy Metal Age” or structure of the band’s music, which http://noblebeastofman.bandcamp. in the pit. Make no mistake about “In Nomine Pater” in no time. Kinda does not harass the listener at any com it: the effectiveness of the album‘s like the last WITCHGRAVE record, point and the appropriate lyrical Daniel Schuldt devastating brutality lies in its simplicity. “Black Magic Night” adds some dirt to engagement. If I needed to change There is no super-fancy guitar-wankery the NWOBHM-sound alongside some a thing, apart from the drum sound, NOMAD SON “The Darkening” CD or hyperspeed drum-work - just a big sprinkles of own flavour but it is hardly that would be maybe a more suitable (Malta, Metal on Metal, 2013) bunch of honest and straight up thrash re-inventing the wheel (not that there vocal offering; I like his way of singing Dark, sinister and epic would probably riffs that cut right through the crap and is always a need to do so!). Thankfully (despite some accent problems) but be the three adjectives that best get straight to the point which is making NIGROMANTE are smart enough to even though I’d keep his aggressive describe NOMAD SON’s latest album your head bang and getting the moshpit end the experience at a play time of tone, I’d rather he would practice his “The Darkening” which again takes us a going while Sy Keeler‘s hate-filled roughly 32 minutes, way before things high notes more in order to give the few steps deeper into the dark of the vocals deliver the icing on the cake. His could get anywhere close to tiresome songs a boost to the skies and shine! vault the band had opened with their performance is a truly concinving one or repetitive and therefore leave the Definitely recommended to those who debut “First Light” in 2008 and explored and, as angered as it may be, always listener with a satisfied smile on his have missed a rabid sense of Power even further with 2010’s follow-up “The retains a fine underlying catchiness lips. Simple but very enjoyable! Metal and to all thrashers! Eternal Return”. Drenched in hammond- greatly adding to the memorability of www.nigromante.es organ and filled with massive amounts http://mosh-pitjustice.bandcamp. Daniel Schuldt the songs. If the guy screams „Killing is com of weighty doom riffs the band’s third my aim in life!“ I fully believe him and Thanos Stafylarakis outing feels like a dramatic overture can picture the man jumping right out to an oncoming storm, a pitch-black of my speakers grab me by the throat NIGHT cloud that swallows the sky on a to tear my heart out of my chest and “Night” CD sunny day bringing death and despair ferociously chew on its remains with a (Sweden, Gaphals, 2013) in its wake. Be it the crushing slow- sadistic grin on his blood-smeared face I admit it, I am insanely tired by motion masterpiece that is “The while the band delivers the final blow now: Swedish retro-wave oldschool Devil’s Banquet”, the massive groove with another neck-wrecking thrasher. metal the gazillionth. As you may of “Only The Scars” or the sinister Of course this is no longer the rowdy have guessed NIGHT blend the usual darkness of “Caligula”, NOMAD SON and punkish ONSLAUGHT we know suspects from UFO to IRON MAIDEN are firing on all cylinders varying from „Power From Hell“ nor the melodic into a foreseeable mix of hardrock and tempo and mood with ease, delivering and controlled direction we had seen heavy metal. And while NIGHT’s debut an album that in its intensity and the band take on „In Search Of Sanity“ album after two widely well-received dense atmosphere is nearly unrivaled (even though a re-recorded version 7” singles starts out rather promising by any doom band out there at the of „Shellshock“ is included as a bonus with the anthemic “Fire And Steel” and moment. Above it all though thrones track). ONSLAUGHT 2014 is a different the single-track “Gunpowder Treason” NOBLE BEAST singer Jordan Cutajar who commands entity of its own, more contemporary (by far the record’s two strongest “Noble Beast” CD this saturnine musical carnival like a but still very much worth checking songs) the rest of the material turns (USA, Private, 2014) manic preacher with an absolutely out as the very essence of the band out to be rather redundant and it I have to admit that I am a sucker eccentric performance ranging from is still intact after all these years. To quickly shows that NIGHT lack the for the first two FALCONER albums. sheer despair to raging aggression make a long story short: If you want inspiration and the vigour that actually Unfortunately the Swedes were never and utter madness while spewing forth to hear some oldschool-guys tearing allow a band like BLACK TRIP to make fully able to churn out anything close words of great eloquence once more shit up and easily put 99% of the self- a warmed-up meal from yesterday to their initial duo again, even after courtesy of the extraordinary talented proclaimed New Wave of Thrash Metal taste exciting again. The most obvious reuniting with original singer Matthias lyricist and bassist Albert Bell also of back in their place while teaching them weakness though is the vocal work of Blad again later on down the road. Maltese doom legends FORSAKEN. Just a true lesson in violence then this one is singer Burning Fire (now unfortunately Instead it is US-newcomers NOBLE as strong as its already phenomenal for you. Now thrash!! also of SCREAMER) whose shrieky BEAST who seem to be willing to predecessor “The Darkening” just www.onslaughtuk.com pick up the pieces and fill the gap proves again that NOMAD SON are on Daniel Schuldt •34• ORCHID for a while. If you can imagine a mix worn out. I fear for the latter, but I will so basically everything already put “The Mouths of Madness“ CD/LP of late 80s UK bands (mostly) like have to wait for the next record. Of into words in the last issue‘s album (USA, Nuclear Blast, 2013) SHOCKSPLIT, SLANDER, CLOVEN the 8 songs included, three of them, review can be applied to „The New You can cry and bitch all you want HOOF and the mid-80s sound of “The seed of Tyrants”, “Ghosts of the Blood“ as well. Nevertheless I can‘t but I am sticking to my guns, saying Dutch and Belgian bands, then this is charnel house” and “The alchemist’s help but feel that the songs on this that the whole 70s retro trend is the OUTCAST. I loved all 4 songs here, this head” are very boring that I doubt if EP come across slightly less catchy as best thing that has happened to the is a very nice release recommended I will ever listen to them… This leaves the ones on the debut (which was in metal scene in a long, long time. It is for all classic Metal fans. A more us with 5 songs that are very good, fact just a compilation of a few smaller a breath of fresh air for a scene who expanded booklet would make more but this isn’t what I expected. Only demo releases) and the incorporation seemed to have forgotten all about sense though. the closing cut distinguishes for me, as of samples and soundtrack elements audible bass lines, real drums and https://outcastheavymetal. it’s a brilliant song, well done! If you seemed a little more convenient most significantly a good portion of wordpress.com have heard the band before, there is and thought-out on the predecessor, dirt in its sound for nearly two decades Kostas Kailiazis no change in the style and direction but to be honest this is complaining now. The fuzz is back and I am glad they follow and you know what to on a very high level. This is again a it is. Time for Mr. Sneap to pack his expect. Those unfamiliar (something highly recommended effort from the bags and go play with HELL instead. I highly doubt, since the band is one American three-piece, especially for But let‘s talk about ORCHID: Having of the “hot” names for a couple of the horror-affectionate thrashers out already caught my attention with years now) imagine how ANATHEMA’s there and everyone else that already their 2009 EP „Through The Devil‘s “Silent Enigma” would sound if it had enjoyed „After You“. Make sure you Doorway“ ORCHID has been one of more CANDLEMASS and BATHORY check these guys out as they truly the more interesting and promising (mainly) influences, a few black metal are one of the most promising bands bands of the whole movement for me. moments and an epic, melancholic in the big bowl of mediocrity that is Deeply rooted in the early Ozzy-era tone. This is the disappointment of the nowadays thrash scene. of Black Sabbath some people may year for me, but on the other hand this http://prowlerhorror.bandcamp.com complain that they are just playing is said having in mind how much I like Daniel Schuldt different versions of „Symptom Of the band and the potential they have. The Universe“ (given the fact that this I hope they will deliver an album that REBELLION one of the greatest songs of all times I will enjoy more with their next effort. “Arminius: Furor Teutonicus” CD they could in fact do much worse, for PORTRAIT “Crossroads” CD/LP Until then, listen and judge, but their (Germany, Massacre, 2012) example reincarnating „I Was Made (Sweden, Metal Blade, 2014) previous releases are the place to start Underrated is probably the first thing For Loving You“ over and over again) I am getting confused with these if you’re not familiar with the band. that springs to my mind when talking which may be a bit drastic, but the Swedes… I mean, their debut was into www.primordialweb.com about REBELLION. Being born as the similarities to some classic SABBATH a MERCYFUL FATE/IRON MAIDEN vein, Kostas Kailiazis vehicle for Tomi Göttlich’s and Uwe tunes in ORCHID‘s material can the 2011 follow-up was totally into Lulis’ musical endeavours after their surely not be denied. While this may the KING DIAMOND style (sometimes PROJECT: TERROR departure from GRAVE DIGGER in already have been the true on former VERY close!), while this new LP is a “Conquistadors” CD 1997 respectively 2000, REBELLION releases, the situation has worsened mix of both? This is the conclusion (USA, Pure Steel, 2014) can proudly look back at a respectable with their current full-length album as I have reached after MANY spins. Thanks to a friend, I was suggested track record of five very good albums you can almost pair every single song PORTRAIT managed to impress me to listen to this album and after adding a sixth to their portfolio with to a piece from Birmingham‘s finest once more and they delivered a overcoming my hesitation due to the the one under examination here. albums first four albums. Nonetheless fantastic record worthy of the “name” band name, I decided to play the disc. Having dealt with a large concept it is very hard to deny the extremely they have achieved for themselves Knowing he is fully aware of my taste, about vikings and norse mythology high quality level of the material and indicative of what mastering your I played it and to my pleasure, never over the course of the last three presented here by the band: The influences and not monkey-ing around regretted doing so! Fantastic explosive albums, the band this time turns its musicianship is top-notch and the means. Highlights are “In Time” (what and masculine Power Metal the way focus closer to home by tackling the atmosphere and sound are authentic, a chorus!!!), “Our roads must never dudes from the US can only grant. topic of the Teutoburg battle where warm and organic, making the record cross” (totally MF opening guitars) and Massive, bombastic, energetic riffs, the Germanic tribes managed to believably sound and feel like a long “Lily”, but they are just the standout searing solos and tight powerhouse surprise and annihilate Rome’s entire lost SABBATH record from the 70s. tracks in a killer record that you must rhythm section tied in with Ronnie ninth legion. Starting off on a more But while the songwriting is simply lay your hands on, if you like REAL Stixx’s imposing vocal delivery, a epic and solemn note with “Rest in spot-on on tunes like the title-track, Heavy Metal. The vocal still remain a couple of more melodic tunes can be Peace” covering Arminius’ death later „Silent One“ or the brilliant „Loving drawback for the band in my personal also heard, but I’m sure the reason in life, the bands kicks into gear with Hand Of God“, the formula used opinion, but I am used to them and is just to help your neck recover till the following straight-up headbangers tends to feel slightly redundant by the this is what you should also do. Well you start headbanging again with the “Ala Germanica” and “Prince of the time that „Nomad“ or „Leaving It All done, looking forward to their gig in next one! Not a bad moment to be Cheruscer” that will surely lead to Behind“ roll along. In comparison the Greece late February. mentioned, they can perfectly balance some instantly raised fists among fans album lacks some serious breakouts www.portraitmetal.com their style between JUDAS PRIEST of teutonic steel. With the stomping from the safe zone as they were still Kostas Kailiazis and “Welcome To The Ball” mixed “Breeding Hate” or the melodic “Dusk present on „Capricorn“ (just think with “Digital Dictator” era VICIOUS Awaiting Dawn” the band further „Albatross“) in order to shake things up PRIMORDIAL RUMORS, with a little bit of VILLAIN shows off its versatility and the many noticeably. Nevertheless if you were “Where greater Men have fallen” or ATTACKER maybe. Albums like this facets of vocalist Michael Seifert (also not truly satisfied with what SABBATH CD/2LP are a shaft of light in the Erebus of XIRON, BLACK DESTINY) who remains recently delivered with „13“ this might (Ireland, Metal Blade, 2014) repetition and lack of inspiration the the biggest ace up REBELLION’s just be what you are looking for. I for This was the most anticipated album scene is going through, as they offer sleeve and once again proves why he myself, while thoroughly enjoying the of 2014 for me. Through the last substantial music and well, can tell the is clearly one of Germany’s strongest album in parts, will hope for a slightly couple of years, this Irish band has difference between an influence and singers at the moment. His immense more varied, consistent and overall evolved to a favorite of mine, as they a copycat, simply put! Salvation will presence and the testosterone-fueled more individual result again on the combine many of the elements that come from the US. power he packs into each and every follow-up. the vast majority of the current metal www.reverbnation.com/ line he delivers never ceases to amaze www.orchidsf.com acts lack: passion, great songs and projectterrormetal7 me and once the victory hymn in Daniel Schuldt thought-provoking lyrics. I had heard Thanos Stafylarakis form of “Vae Victis” rolls around it the two songs Metal Blade uploaded has become more than obvious that prior to the album’s release (the title- PROWLER “Arminius: Furor Teutonicus” easily track and “Come the Flood”) and I “The New Blood” Mini-CD crushes every single GRAVE DIGGER wasn’t so excited (now I like them (USA, Slaney Records, 2013) record of the last decade and pisses all more)… Now that I have heard the Having just released their excellent over the washed out and overbloated album more closely and many times, debut album „After You“ in early 2013, sound they have developed since Lulis’ I am quite sure of the opinion I have. PROWLER strike again in the very departure. “Arminius: Furor Teutonicus” Not being too familiar with their pre- same year delivering a brand new EP is contemporary and uncompromised “Gathering…” material (meaning I starring another four Thrash Metal teutonic steel in its strongest form. haven’t listened to them as closely tracks heavily influenced by classic No keys, no RHAPSODY-choirs, just as I would like to…), this is their least 80s horror flicks. This time around a tight band with a kick-ass vocalist good album and especially when it fan favourites „Children of the Corn“, delivering hymn after hymn. Seriously, comes after the amazing “Redemption „The Texas Chainsaw Massacre“, „The what more can you ask for? at the puritan’s hand”. To my ears the Shining“ and „Pumpkinhead“ get www.rebellion-metal.de “recipe” the band had in the previous the PROWLER-treatment. Musically Daniel Schuldt nothing has changed either, as early OUTCAST “Outcast” Mini-CD albums is not working here and Alan’s METALLICA and ANNIHILATOR can still (Australia, Heavy Chains, 2014) (outstanding) vocal delivery alone be seen as the main reference points A real surprise coming from Australia! can’t change drastically the final result. and vocalist/bassist Patrick Best‘s OUTCAST is a classic Metal band I don’t know if this has to do with the voice continues to bear a striking with a sound that hasn’t been heard songwriting, or the style itself has similarity to a young James Hetfield,

•35• REVENGE No, I haven’t grown up and want to some noise around their name ever “Soldiers under Satan’s Command” hear iron-clad-leather-whatever-metal since the release of their debut mini- Mini-CD ONLY, but I haven’t come to know the CD in 2013 and it was fully justified (Colombia, Rata Mutante, 2013) band as to the one I am listening while as they have chosen to play a VERY The Colombian ragers turn out to be listening to this CD. This is a nice and demanding style and they have some of the most consistent dudes enjoyable album (given the musicians pulled it off. Seeing them live many in quality and frequency measures involved, it would be an achievement times I was very anxious how their coming from South America and is it wasn’t), but I don’t think it will more complex new material would certainly some of the best I’ve stand the test of time… After quite a be on an album. “Illusions in infinite heard! This short shot is well worth few spins there are few songs that I Void” answered everything. Imagine buying before they release their next would like to listen to some other time. ANNIHILATOR (a Metal pioneer that album! This time they underwent The band had every right to call this deserves more credit from the Metal a different mixing procedure than album a RIOT album after “Immortal world) and the more technical US their predecessor “Vendetta” for this Soul” and the gigs they played in bands of the late 80s with amazing recording but the tunes are as sharp Mark’s memory, but from now on, they guitars (in all honesty the best overall and lethal as always! If you question must either take up a new name, or I have heard in a Metal record since SALEM yourselves about the high-pitched just call it quits. One can simply look MANY years), accompanied by out of „Forgotten Dreams“ CD/LP vocals that characterized the band in at the albums they played throughout the earth vocals and this is SACRAL (UK, Pure Rock, 2013) the past, they have been completely RIOT’s entire career to understand it… RAGE. This was the easy way, because Exactly 30 years after their last demo supplanted from the previous album Just my opinion though… listening to the band you will find and fading into obscurity for decades, resurrected NWOBHM-veterans already. I am confident with these www.areyoureadytoriot.com yourself listening to so many different guys and I know it’s well spent money Kostas Kailiazis things, so many different influences SALEM release their first ever full- buying their albums. Fans of killer riffs, but blended in a brilliant way that length album onto the metal world. pure metallic solos, jolting Speed/ ROCKA ROLLAS screams personality. EVERY song Already having tested the waters in Thrash and hard pounding you should “The Road to Destruction” CD on offer is a testament to this, trust the three years prior with two self- not miss Colombian REVENGE! (Sweden, Stormspell, 2014) me, you will be shocked hearing this released EPs, a compilation album on High Roller and an acclaimed www.revengespeedmetal.com One down, ten more to go! If Ced LP! EVERYTHING sounds so fucking Thanos Stafylarakis could muster musicians to form a perfect here, it’s hard to believe. performance at 2013‘s Brofest, the proper band for one of his (most Congratulations! band presents a very well-written and productive) projects, then anything http://sacralrage.bandcamp.com filed effort that is buzzing with energy. is possible. In fact, as far as I am Kostas Kailiazis Walking the borderline between their concerned, this was the missing link to obvious NWOBHM-roots, 80s hardrock start taking his band more seriously; and some classy AOR influences the not that I didn’t like his material in band more than once resembles a the previous albums, but prioritizing metalized and British version of Billy his hyperactivity is crucial, plus they Greer‘s SEVENTH KEY (just listen to started performing live. With this new the title track or „This Heart Is Mine“). output ROCKA ROLLAS continue their Including all new songs from the EPs series of very nice albums and I hope except for „Retribution“ and adding the next one (which I’m guessing seven more to that list, the album is will not be far away) will have real indeed value for money even for those drums recorded. Nevertheless, he that already own the private releases. Especially when considering that apart RIDER does a good job and the sound never from the predictable half-ballad „The “Streets of Nowhere” Mini-CD bothers me so much to bad mouth the Best Is Yet To Come“ there is not a (Brazil, Private, 2013) result. Another change would appear single bad song on the 12-tracker given Another band hailing from South in the vocals department, where Ced you like the above mentioned mixture. America, this time from Brazil, a is taking charge instead of Joe Liszt, SACRED OATH From the oriental guitar harmonies country I have associated with more whose voice escorted past recordings, “Fallen” CD in „High Stakes“ to the heavy grooves extreme Metal styles. RIDER is a making it even more adjacent to the (USA, Angel Thorne, 2013) of „Aftershock“ the band shows some quintet from Sao Paulo and their Teutonic school of the early 90s, as if Having missed what would follow excellent songwriting skills, great music is nothing but original, for them the music alone didn’t help enough. their comeback album “Darkness leadwork and a strong sense for big time must have stopped sometime in Every time there’s something new Visible”, I was expecting to hear melodies. Just like last year‘s TYGERS 1984-1985 in England. This is not a ushered in Ced’s mind and that’s what something equivalent to the fantastic OF PAN TANG album the record has bad thing in itself, if it’s accompanied he does to keep the flame of interest aforementioned output; an album an infectious positive energy that by good music. And RIDER certainly burning, this time, along with his if not better than their classic “A is clearly courtesy of some old lads knows how to pen good tunes. 4 high-pitched voice and the chorals, Crystal Vision” from ‘87 that made that are simply (and audibly) having songs lasting 20 minutes show a band we witness the marriage of Euro underground USPM fans cry like babies a bloody good time playing together with abilities and potential for better Power Metal with the late 80s German from the incredible creativity heard again and while at it managed to put things. A very pleasant surprise for me, Speed teachings. I feel though that in it, at least culpable of construing some great hard rocking tracks on wax. I am already looking forward to more this will lead to further association signs of inspiration tanks removed No airs and graces, no bullshit. Very songs and a full length which will be with BREITENHOLD, with both bands from ice and rejuvenated! Despite of enjoyable gentlemen, hats off to you! more indicative. moving within similar fields of activity. the production job that made some All in all, I believe this is ROCKA www.salemband.co.uk www.facebook.com/Ridermetalband flinch, eluding the greatness of such Daniel Schuldt Kostas Kailiazis ROLLAS’ best work to this point, a work was a matter of conscious outmatching all previous outputs. bias. These said, I for once was SATAN’S HOST RIOT There’s also a nice cover on MAGNUM’s expectant of something as good as “Pre-Dating God Parts 1 & 2” 2CD “Unleash the Fire” CD/2LP “Kingdom Of Madness” accelerating as “Darkness Visible” with “Fallen”, but (USA, Moribund, 2015) (USA, SPV, 2014) much as needed to make it last just unfortunately I can’t say the case is I am truly amazed by how competent Seeing this album hailed as an instant above 2,5 minutes. this. There are lots of dull moments, a composer Patrick Evil proved to be. classic and one of the best albums (if www.facebook.com/rockarollasmetal mainly provoked by the heightened Fans probably appreciate the gist of not the best) for 2014, I was VERY Thanos Stafylarakis modernity of the sound and the few this band mainly because the brutal anxious to see if it would live up to fillers within the 50 minutes elapsing. impiety of “Metal from Hell” for the the hype that was built up before its’ On the other hand, you can’t say time it was cast upon the unaware release. And as with almost every inspiration and the acknowledged masses, but after their back to their other similar “case”, it didn’t. Most of talent have turned their backs on roots affiliated style, there’s nothing the songs are based on the “recipe” them, as they obviously can still pen less than top notch material all that RIOT had in the early 80s and not on cool mid-tempo tunes that are nothing SATAN’S HOST did offer! Now they the “Thundersteel”, “The privilege…” close to slender. The dark atmosphere are here again with not one, but and “Immortal Soul” albums, which is besetting the vast expanse of this two albums full of the blasphemous strange considering the line-up that is work generates enough interest to ferocity of ingeniously sprang music behind this one… Fine by me, as this give the album the several chances concocted by unholy powers. The is the period I like the most from the it deserves to grow and although news of these double assault had me band. What about the songs though? buying it is not a total waste of money, incredulously expectant, since their To my ears the final result comes as I doubt I will remember to give it albums after Leviathan Thysiren’s way too simplistic (not plain and some playback time after a while in return were out within a short time catchy, simplistic), while there is a its entirety. Highlight songs as “Dream frame, but every shadow of my happiness surrounding the album that SACRAL RAGE Death” and “Death Knell” deserve doubt got swept away in an instant. I would never expect from the band. “Illusions in infinite Void” CD/LP a special mention though, stating You can hear literally everything in Just listen to the pre-chorus to “Kill to (Greece, Cruz del Sur/Underground blatantly that we are not done with these ultra-integrated albums, from survive”; doesn’t it sound like a left- Power, 2015) SACRED OATH yet! traditional Heavy Metal to Doom or over from an old RHAPSODY album? This Athenian quartet has created http://sacredoath.net Death Metal and stretching it even Thanos Stafylarakis •36• further, Black Metal, without bothering the by now rather boring occult trend more IRON MAIDEN influences than not familiar with their first 2 albums any rivethead that can’t combine I hope SATAN’S WRATH fade into before, but at the same time SAVAGE to be honest but their previous had various genres apart from a few, as obscurity as fast as they managed to WIZDOM sounds original and fresh. quite an impact on me. In the current I am for that matter. The barrage of sneak into the limelight. Mr. Steve Montoya, Sr. on vocals really album, they didn’t follow the beaten riffs fires like there’s no tomorrow and www.facebook. shines throughout the CD and earns track of their precedent success, the seriously, some of them are beyond com/666SATANSWRATH666 a place at the elite of current Metal core of their perspective was not your mortal entity. Leviathan’s vocals Daniel Schuldt singers (and not only!). The remaining altered whatsoever. They shortened are once again stunning, so much that members don’t stay behind, on the the album’s length down to 20’ less after his top performance in the first SAVAGE MASTER contrary. The guitar duo is another than what they offered in the 60’ TITAN FORCE album, I could dare put “Mask of the Devil” CD/LP distinguishing feature here. To wrap it predecessor, they focused mainly in this one if not next, at least at one of (USA, Skol/Van, 2014) up, this is an amazing and professional crafting Power Metal songs and kept his most prominent deliveries without Before even a single studio/demo release from a band that unfortunately the epic subject matter intact, bringing being beset with remorse. There are track was released for people to hear, hasn’t gained the attention of more out a well done album of 9 speedy parts especially in Part 1 that will SAVAGE MASTER was hailed as one of people. Yes, we have mentioned this tunes of mandatory US Power Metal, make you weep at the sound of the the best newcomer bands… I admit many times, but LISTEN to this band mingling MANOWAR with DOMINE in divine melodies-expression-riffing that I may have been very skeptical and NOT the hype that surrounds a remarkable way. I especially liked combo, while Part 2 experiments with at first, even hostile towards them, most of today’s “heroes”. the solo parts and the transition to some privy brutal lines as a part of but when the album was released, I www.facebook.com/savagewizdom them, the band seems to have the his (I am guessing as I don’t have decided to give it a try. The first thing Kostas Kailiazis knowhow of the sine qua non on the lyrics yet in this promo pack) role that you notice is the sound, which Ps. Blaze Bayley participates on “Let how to US-Metal appropriately. Jason playing. The band excelled everything sound pretentious and fake to my ears. it Go”. Conde-Houston’s voice is a distinctive and the instrumental prowess of the Yes, this is the kind of sound CIRITH element to their music but of acquired entire act needs a separate mention, UNGOL had 30+ years ago, but what taste with a particular tone, which I this new output is a musical stride is the need to play like this? Some personally accept and find fitting to in an alternative, future multi-genre kind of tribute, or a way to stand out their fast approach to music. A couple world. I decided to review both and gain points in a “cult-o-meter”? of fillers can’t ruin the overall result albums in one take despite the fact (My guess would be the second). The either, they are only inferior to the that they will be out as 2 ventures (female) vocals are limited in range greatest tunes in this album, albeit you (simultaneously though), not just and abilities, but Stacey pulls it off wouldn’t skip them while playing them. because this is how the promo kit I very nice with her vocal lines. So, Very good pick for Sword & Chains’ was emailed was sent, but because what’s left to comment on, are the Records as a first CD release! both sessions were recorded close by actual songs and music. And none of http://trueskelator.bandcamp.com time wise, so this could have been a the 8 (mostly short) songs made me Thanos Stafylarakis long album released as one in other return to them. I would gladly see circumstances. Oh, I almost forgot, them on stage or listen to a song or SKEPTOR „United we Stand... there’s also a redundant cover on one two somewhere, but that’s it. What Together we Fall“ CD of the most broadcasted underground really bothers me is the praise this SHADOWBANE (USA, Private/Stormspell, 2014) superhit songs, GRIM REAPER’s “See Kentucky quintet has been getting. “Facing the Fallout” CD It is the year 2014 and metal‘s You in Hell” that I bothered listening I don’t know if it’s because of their (Germany, Pure Steel, 2014) treasure chest has been plundered to just once, I guess it is pretty good. image or the fact that they try really Being around for a relatively long time, over and over again by now. We had Necessary purchase in my opinion that hard to sound like CIRITH UNGOL, a SHADOWBANE only recently managed dozens and dozens of bands that you won’t regret and will never be band neglected for more years than to fulfill the task of a full-length and try hard to sound like their favourite relegated to public reproach. what underground maniacs of today signing with a label, which is quite band from the past and revive their www.satanshost.com dare to admit, or that people need to strange as they have not much short very spirit from the glorious days Thanos Stafylarakis support what’s “in” and approved by of other bands the Metal mags feature gone by. All with varying success of the people that know (with or without in their pages. The mix of US Power course. By now we have seen all of SATAN’S WRATH quotation marks) and not what their with the Teutonic sound on offer here metal subgenres - even those many “Aeons of Satan’s Reign” CD ears and hearts tell them to. This conjures ANGEL DUST’s return with thought should have better stayed (Greece, Metal Blade, 2013) album is not bad (I would rate it as their “Border Of Reality” CD with dead forever - have their renaissance, Considering the small hype that has average), there have been way worse the melodic elements lessened, the yet there is one blind spot on the recently been making the rounds bands and released polluting our ears massive (modern) production job, the map of metal that has rarely been about this combo from Hellas I was the last years for sure, so listen and instrumental prowess can all fit in the touched for decades since its short expecting something more than the make your choice. repertoire of someone who liked or lived heydays at the end of the 80s: luke-warm blackened thrash metal www.facebook.com/ grew up listening to bands promoted technical thrash/speed metal. And I savagemaster666 I got and which was nearly entirely by wide circulation mags in the late am talking about the real deal - the Kostas Kailiazis stripped of aggression and believable 90s. There is a lot of originality in good stuff! I am speaking of break- attitude. The in my eyes two most the songwriting and even though it infused thrashing madness, rhythm vital aspects to this genre. From the is not an album that will accompany changes by the dozen and high- first minute on the band tries so me forever in my everlasting journey pitched vocals that would melt your hard to sound occult and evil and - to discover the Heavy Metal truth, it is face right off. I am thinking about acts truth be told - fails miserably at it, enjoyable enough to propose to those like TOXIK or WATCHTOWER and I am making them end up feeling like a tolerating contemporary sounds. But of obviously thinking about the mighty washed-up version of BEWITCHED heck, I can kill myself trying to figure REALM. Now if the sole mentioning of or NIFELHEIM on half the necessary out which band presented the same these names already got the juices speed. Even when finally slightly riff with “Tear down the Walls” and flowing in your panties then you got increasing the tempo with “All Of Us how good a tune is “Shadow Of Grief”! quite some acoustic pleasuring coming Witches” instead of plodding around www.shadowbanemetal.de your way in form of SKEPTOR‘s debut at constant mid-tempo-bore the band Thanos Stafylarakis album as it has in fact just got it all: sounds immensely tired and toothless. From insane breaks to ear-splitting Especially vocalist Tas Danazoglou screams and lyrics filled with political (who some of you doomsters may and social criticism. It‘s all there, just remember from swinging the drum SAVAGE WIZDOM as if it the genre had never really sticks in EIGHT HANDS OF KALI “A new beginning” CD faded into obscurity. The best thing and GREAT COVEN) often seems (USA, Private, 2014) about it though is the fact that band as involved in what he is doing as Another band we like a lot here at never sounds like a mere copycat or a a depressed American housewife Steel for an Age is back with a new lame tribute act to a bygone era or act. on a month’s dose of Prozac. His CD and guess what? It’s a real ripper! Instead “United We Stand…” is full of performance seriously lacks energy SAVAGE WIZDOM proves that their energy and true enthusiasm. I will not and the grimness needed in order debut was not just an “accident” and waste any more words here as there to make this sort of music halfway that they are a force to be reckoned truly is nothing more to say besides if working. Not even mentioning his with in today’s scene. This is not you are into some serious tech thrash/ phrasing, which in some parts is just another fast-paced, monotonous affair speed you need to buy this record downright terrible (e.g. “Satan’ Blood, to be consumed like a bottle of beer as right away. It will make you forget Lucifer’s Fire”), as he has a hard it’s the sadly the case with what most about all the wet dreams you have SKELATOR “King of Fear” CD time squeezing the words into the people call Heavy Metal nowadays. been having about „Mathematics“...at (USA, Swords & Chains, 2014) bars. To be honest and to make this The band takes their music seriously least for a while that is. Consistency pays back and it shows quick: Throughout the whole record (and their fans/people that will spent www.facebook.com/pages/ in the fourth album of the US armada. I was unable to shake the constant their money on the CD) and this is Skeptor/222677677742874 Their previous album “Agents of Power” feeling of witnessing some artificial evident in ALL 62 minutes “A new Daniel Schuldt was well received by reviewers and clown parade performing POSSESSED beginning” lasts, despite a few inferior the echoes of that consent reflected leftover material instead of a serious moments here and there. I listen band. Trying hard to ride the waves of in “King Of Fear” as expected. I am

•37• SKULL FIST compare me with someone else, they FEW bands that manage to arouse me “Chasing The Dream” CD have earned this I believe. In case you when it comes to this sub-genre. On (Canada, NoiseArt, 2014) have bypassed this band, or prefer to the other hand, from the first songs you Second full-length for the Canadians stick to their earlier material, “Digital listen that these Germans know how to and the band picks off right where they Resistance” is a great recommendation. play and they really love what they’re left us with their first album „Head Öf This is a CLASSIC Metal LP, period. doing, at least this is what I am getting The Pack“. Highly energetic, mostly Those that may oppose this based on every time I hear this CD. Mostly fast- up-tempo heavy metal bordering the release date, too bad for them in paced songs, typical for the style vocals on speed with high-pitched vocals my opinion. The Metal world will keep (but very convincing to my ears), this and shredding solos. So far, so good. spinning. is a band to watch out for if you and And while the first half of the record www.sloughfeg.com your friends can never go to a party with songs like „Hour To Live“ or the Kostas Kailiazis without the thrashier EXCITER, TANK, title track seems to live up pretty MOTORHEAD and the occasional IRON closely to the band‘s by now well- SORROWS PATH MAIDEN pieces of wax built reputation of strong melodies “Doom Philosophy” CD http://speedbreaker.bandcamp.com combined with a full speed ahead (Greece, Iron Shield, 2014) Kostas Kailiazis SPACE EATER attitude, the second half clearly falls SORROWS PATH’s 2010 debut album “Passing Through the Fire to off and it becomes obvious that SKULL sounded more or less like a mix of STORMRIDER Molech” CD FIST‘s songwriting formula is rather material that superior doomsters “The Path to Salvation” CD (Serbia, Pure Steel, 2014) limited and seems to run out of steam like HEATHENDOM or MEMORY (Germany, Pure Steel, 2012) Serbia’s SPACE EATER were in my with advanced playing time as tunes GARDEN had left on the cutting If you believe that ICED EARTH have opinion the best band to emerge like „You‘re Gonna Pay“ or „Mean room floor puzzled together to form seriously lost their balls and dwell in a from Eastern Europe within the last Street Rider“ miss that final touch of something that never managed to pool of their own mediocrity these days, decade, yet the change at the singer magic and inspiration to elevate them sound consistent or rousing and then STORMRIDER always offered position after their second album left above the level of just being decent was further weakened by an over- a welcome antidote by resembling me worried about their future. I was pastimes. Considering that in the end ambitious but flat vocal performance especially the earlier sound of Jon particularly fond of vocalist Boško „Sign Of The Warrior“ turns out to and embarrassingly pretentious lyrics Schaffer’s band while spicing things up ‘’RNA’’ Radišić’s (R.I.P.) charismatic be the strongest track on the album about prostitutes and S&M. For the with some IRON MAIDEN influences voice and the teaser tracks presented (and it being a re-recorded tune from sum of its parts it was an overdone, and a touch of straight-up teutonic as a bonus on the Stormspell release SKULL FIST‘s debut EP), it becomes effect-laden modern doom record that power metal ala PARAGON. Album of their last record introducing then- quite clear that the band may still not failed to spark any greater interest number three sees the band take on guitarist Luka “Tower” Matković as have lost their touch completely, but is in me. In fact I found it to be quite a concept based on Dante Alighieri’s the new singer could not quite live not up to par with what they delivered exhausting to listen to. This year’s “Inferno” stretched over ten songs and up to the regular album tracks and when the first line-up was still tearing follow-up “Doom Philosophy” sees while the new compositions may not therefore failed to generate any things up together. Fact is, SKULL the band take another shot at doom immediately sound as accessible as excitement in me for things to come. FIST need to watch out not run out of metal glory with new material and a some of the band’s old smashers like To be honest, I found it highly likely ideas and breath. In the end youthful new record deal under their belt. The “Blood Will Follow Blood” or “Let Metal to see another band with loads of energy alone is not everything. So far first thing that hits you right off the bat Reign”, they instead have a tendency to potential vanishing into irrelevance a I can still half-heartedly recommend is the fact that the record’s production grow with repeated listen and show a few years down the line due to losing „Chasing The Dream“ to anyone who is extremely dull with the vocals being band that has really matured with each one of their significant trademarks and liked the previous releases, yet it too far up front in the mix, putting consecutive release to a more complex, failing to replace them properly (see cannot be denied that it is by far the an unwelcome emphasis on Angelos versatile and sophisticated songwriting. also VOLTURE). Oh boy, was I wrong. band‘s weakest output to this day. Ioannidis flat, shaky and partially The songs are packed with great riffing, With “Passing Through...” SPACE Oh, and lose those autotune vocals askew vocal performance while the countless licks, fine melodies, enthralling EATER continue just where they left please. Those suck big time. If you rest of the music seems to drown in lead work, varied rhythm patterns and off with their last album: A barrage are not able to pull off your falsettos a pool of sub-bass mud. Songwriting- a shitload of little details that will only of fast, precise and razor-sharp riffs, or other over the top vocal acrobatics wise the band has managed to tighten reveal themselves to those willing to blistering solo work, drums pounding go get a fucking instead some screws though, making the invest some consecutive spins into the at break-neck speed and breaks that of trying to take the listener for a ride songs in general sound more coherent record in order to really see it shine and will twist your mind. It is thrash and it with lame-ass and fake studio magic. and the diverse elements making their prove wrong all those who just try to is speed, it is snappy and it is driving That‘s just pathetic. appearance in the 11 tracks feel less stuff STORMRIDER into a corner with and it doesn’t let up for a single www.facebook.com/skullfisted out of place. With better integration the hordes of simplistic teutonic power Daniel Schuldt of the various musical elements, song second of the 42 minutes it last. The metal bands. I understand that vocalist structures do appear much more album is buzzing with inspiration in Stefan Hebes with his low baritone voice memorable and appealing than on the every minute and filled with incredibly comparable to Matt Barlow mixed with debut. Nevertheless there are again versatile and on point songwriting. the theatrical dramatization of a Bruce some downright terrible moments Matković operates with a more hoarse Dickinson may for many still be a love- on the record like the embarrassing and dryer tone than his predecessor it-or-hate-it thing about the band, I for attempt at a Pete Steele imitation but comes across much more varied myself though will always take a truly on “Everything Can Change” or the and confident than he presented individual and accentuated voice like unintentionally comically howling himself the first time around. In fact Hebes’ over another squeaking Mickey on “Dance With The Dead” which he proves to be an immense asset Mouse clone everyday. The man does sometimes makes it hard to take the to the band’s sound in the end as he an excellent job in lending the song the band and their material seriously. is enhancing the relentless musical dark and dramatic tenor they need in When compared to the large amount onslaught by offering the listener order to do the topic justice and bring of amazing doom records we have something to hold on to, always the story to life. Powerful, voluminous seen over the last couple of years striking the perfect balance between and blessed with great presence he is SORROWS PATH, even though melody and aggression creating many the icing on the cake of what is overall memorable moments. For Fans of SLOUGH FEG improving significantly, again fail to STORMRIDER’s strongest offering so achieve major league access. early HEATHEN, OVERKILL but also of far, but which will require a few more “Digital Resistance” CD/LP bands like UK’s DECEPTOR as well as (USA, Metal Blade, 2014) www.sorrowspath.net repeated listen to truly open up to the Daniel Schuldt thrash and speed maniacs in general, listener. Highly recommended! It will remain a mystery why it took this record should be a revelation and so much time for the Metal world www.stormrider-metal.de a source of sheer endless joy. Fresh, Daniel Schuldt to appreciate this band. And I am inspired and rousing this is definitely referring to EVERYONE involved, material for a top ten position in my SUNLESS SKY media, fans and labels alike. Their 2014 top list. “Firebreather” CD consistency is something spectacular. www.facebook.com/SpaceEater (USA, Pure Steel, 2014) “Digital Resistance” is their 9th studio Daniel Schuldt From the holy metallic land of Ohio album in over 20 years of life. comes this newfound act hailing Personally speaking, it’s been a while SPEEDBREAKER with their debut album to seal since I enjoyed a record by them “Built for Speed” CD/LP their admission in the Power Metal so much, but you can’t go wrong (Germany, Dying Victims/Destruktion, scene, however this is not a band of with any of the songs included here 2014) inexperienced juvenile musicians! All and most notably “Habeas Corpsus” Take a look at the cover, band name the members appearing in this release (a really sick and dark tune with and album title. Yes, you guessed have been in several acts I admit I am an unbelievable rhythm), “Magic right, another 80s influenced Heavy/ unfamiliar with, apart from vocalist Hooligan”, “Curriculum Vitae” and Speed band. So, the question is: will Juan Ricardo, whom many of you have “Warrior’s Dusk” (a nod to the past…). I listen to anything different from heard in numerous local configurations, SLOUGH FEG are so unique and have the host of bands that play this style namely RITUAL, DARK ARENA, ATTAXE, proven with many records that they nowadays? Maybe I am not the most RITUAL OF TORMENT to name a are a BIG band, so don’t expect me to suitable to answer since I find VERY few! SUNLESS SKY is no continuation

•38• of any of the aforementioned acts TORMENTER in the trite rehashing of music heard nevertheless; their perspective is “Phantom Time” Mini-CD before. I had once concluded in the contemporary, quite modern I’d say, (USA, EBM, 2013) notion that a band whose members heavy and mid-tempo with melody This is the second recording of this have a wide variety and knowhow of being present but not defining their thrashing Californian quintet and guess the Underground, their fruit will be style. Of course, the horrible artwork what! They didn’t try to reproduce ripe and savory. That of course, before should not attest the quality of the what was once revolutionary, but they the flourishing of the scene with music of the album; although there do their own thing to a certain extent. uninspired opportunists that wanted is not much to be denounced, the 14 Of course, there’s nothing off the wall to (re)produce music in a fast food tracks nearing an hour are too many or extremely radical in their Thrash fashion. New Bredford’s VERSCYTHE to start with, making the inclusion delivery, but in the underground are not the guys that have listened of lesser tracks inevitable. Also, the field I am currently associated with, to every obscure band from youtube, songwriting is pretty much predictable, discovering personality is like hunting they are not the band that know which leaves no space for surprises truffle without a dog! 5 songs of every 80’s demo recorded but not or unexpected parts to sound. There modern edged Thrash, crunchy at the ultimate classics and it shows! V/A are enough tunes to complete a work most and melodic at times, with the Out of the ashes of KREAGEN, St “Condenados al Olvido” 2CD worthy of appreciation, had some addition of METALLICA’s “Motorbreath” Pierre brothers formed this outfit and (Spain, 80s Records/Iberia been left out, the more isn’t always as a cover at the end of this EP, serve managed to record some ultra-potent Metalica, 2014) the better anyway. On the other the purpose well enough and even original Power Metal music, an album I have a soft spot for compilations hand, I can’t overlook the competent though I am not a fan of their notion to brag about draining every letter of with demo and unreleased songs musicianship and the songwriting of how this style should sound like, I the word to surmount their humility! and it’s something that is missing efficiency in the quality tunes such can’t say it’s bad; well done playing, One of the best albums I’ve heard for from the current scene. So I am very as “Fear”, “ Solitude” or “Grind You powerful production and decent some years now from a newcoming “vulnerable” when it comes to new ones, Down”. A cover of GOLDEN EARRING’s songwriting are all present, it’s just act, there’s not a single flaw in their as was the case with this “Condenados “Candy’s Gone Bad” for instance could that I am a weirdo with Thrash bands debut CD-R , which by chance you al Olvido”. I checked the promo video be omitted and instantly improve today. Those who can’t take anything forget to stop once you push “Play” the label had online with very short the situation. To sum up, the album other than 80’s bands may need to in your stereo. Exquisite songwriting, samples and decided to give it a try. comes about pretty good, I was not listen first, those who don’t care a lot songs with mind-embossing melodies, And I am happy I did. Those that will bored every time I played it, the tough about regression can go for it. successful vocal lines, mind-blowing do the same will find songs from the question lies in the timelessness and http://tormenter.bandcamp.com riffs, powerful bass and drumming, following bands: DYSSIT (1990, 4tx), future impact of the album, as is Thanos Stafylarakis these rookies know how to US-metal WAYOUT (1989, 3tx), ESTRELLA the case with many recent releases. damn well. They tried and managed NEGRA (1990, 3tx), MAD CROWD Then again, all praise to them that the simplest thing, to deliver some (1990, 4tx), BLACK SWAN (1989, 3tx), they started a new band indeed and original music from the heart that KEOPS (1990, 4tx), XADA (1989, 4tx), do their own thing in the first place, any wannabe just can’t do. My only PIRULETA DE HORMIGON (1984, 3tx). instead of doing what a past legend concern is that they have already set ARIADNE (1989, re-recorded in 2013, did and survive as a parasite. the bar too high and I expect them to 2tx) and ATHOR (1989, re-recorded in www.facebook.com/SunlessSky overcome the impediment of a killer 2013, 2tx), 10 bands and 32 songs in Thanos Stafylarakis album. I would definitely call this total! I will admit I didn’t expect the album of the year, if I was allowed by very good level of the bands in this TOLEDO STEEL the nonessential restrictions set by the compilation, given the big number of “Toledo Steel” Mini-CD release date. Just do yourselves the average records coming from Spain in (United Kingdom, Private, 2013) favor of facing their music and you’ll the 80s. And yet, you will find some The new wave of NWOBHM on never regret it. I just hope we had great demos and even the bands you speed (or NWONWOBHMOSif you more bands with this work ethic... will not like as much have a certain like) continues not only on Europe’s http://verscythe.bandcamp.com quality… I would LOVE to be able to mainland and the Americas, but also Thanos Stafylarakis TRIAL read the detailed booklet, but since rages on in heavy metal’s birthplace. “Vessel” CD/LP the possibility of me starting Spanish Newest participant in the field is VOLTURE (Sweden, High Roller, 2015) lessons is minimal, an English one TOLEDO STEEL, formed in 2011 by “On the Edge” LP TRIAL has been a favorite of mine ever would make more sense. ESSENTIAL five young lads from Southampton (USA, High Roller, 2013) since hearing their debut in 2011. In for 80s Metal Maniacs (most bands play and now debuting with this privately After their first appearance with their a way I was disappointed from their Heavy/Power Metal), congratulations released 3-track EP. As you may “Shocking its Prey” EP back in 2011 show in Up the Hammers last year, but for such a killer CD set! have guessed already TOLEDO STEEL and a single a while later, the Virginia “Vessel”, their second full length erased [email protected] play brisk and strongly NWOBHM- act unleashes a full length recording, this memory with ease. This album is [email protected] influenced heavy metal somewhere leaving behind their previous and now amazing, what a way to start 2015! Kostas Kailiazis along the lines of the usual suspects Their style hasn’t changed much, dissolved label Heavy Artillery, as well like JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN or but this time I am hearing less US as their vocalist Brent Hubbard, who SAXON but performed with the vigour Metal influences and a more intense got substituted by Jack Bauer. However, of more recent bands like SKULL FIST. MERCYFUL FATE touch, almost twisted this not being enough of a change for The songs offer some nice guitar work and deformed, even incorporating the band, they moved to the subtle with very smooth legato, precise black metal elements and moods addition of a second guitarist, heard in double leads and memorable vocal in many parts. And no, black metal the chords of Dave Boyd of TWISTED lines by singer Rich Rutter who shows doesn’t automatically mean blastbeats TOWER DIRE fame! As I hear the quite an impressive range throughout and growling vocals, so (luckily) don’t album, I could only conclude that this the course of the EP. All wrapped expect to hear them on this LP. Those is quite an improvement compared to in a warm and organic oldschool that will accuse the band of following their debut EP; it is no secret that the sound this EP, while surely bringing the wagon of MF/KD “worship” should initial vocalist had a better skill in his nothing particularly new to the table, be very cautious because TRIAL singing, but his voice was so common successfully manages to give you manages to present a highly original that made his participation actually that cozy and enticing feeling of the and unique record, a record only big unnoticed, holding back in turn a band good old days when heavy metal was bands can deliver. Steady and carefully whose songwriting is the typical old VERSCYTHE youthful and the bands and fans were they have evolved into a Metal Beast, school Heavy Metal recipe, based on “A Time Will Come” CD hungry still. A task not many new listen to ANY song off “Vessel” and guitars and vocals! You need dynamics (Private, 2013, USA) bands manage to live up to and so it is hear for yourselves. Be in search for in that case and these dynamics are It is an undeniable fact that the 80’s due to their energetic and convincing the 7” that preceded the full length found in Bauer’s unprocessed, naive gave us some unforgettable and performance that TOLEDO STEEL (reviewed elsewhere) for an exclusive approach, which even with the flaws unrepeatable moments, music that come out at the better end of what has tune. (even reminding Brian Thomas of it will be really hard to find a match become an overcrowded niche with www.facebook.com/TrialHeavyMetal HALLOWEEN in “Deep Dweller”), you to compare with, let alone surpass it! little to no fresh impulses reeking of Kostas Kailiazis can tell it suits the band’s ENFORCER stagnancy. As of now this EP is a very The Heavy Metal scene has reached and SKULLFIST like energetic delivery solid start for the band but TOLEDO new levels of acceptance, bringing much better. There are some really STEEL have yet to prove their long- it to a significant size on par with its uprising riffs in here, cool choruses term relevancy and song crafting skills past glory. It makes sense seeing and vocal melodies that render the on a full-length’s duration. Definitely a newer bands attempt to emulate their album more memorable than the band to watch. heroes’ miraculous deeds, this is not debut for sure and you with your www.reverbnation.com/toledosteel what we often encounter whatsoever; brows up with an expression of Daniel Schuldt a closer look to the majority of the approval! NWOBHM is all over their underground bands and you will realize songwriting, but delivered the US way, their desire to actually emulate the I’m thinking they should be a great live product of 80’s bands per se, not their band with several crowd favorites and goal as we would expect, resulting sing along parts to become one with

•39• the audience and that’s probably what opinion and the fact that there are the band’s willingness to experiment about until recently. They have a they want to do; in that sense I can almost NO interesting vocal lines here and push beyond the genre’s self- 7”single (released in 2013) with both say they succeeded to some extent, is something you notice very soon in imposed boundaries but it was not until songs included here (I guess one is a when you want to play some good the CD. This is something that should their fourth and latest release at hand new recording and the other as it was music while you’re at home is another concern the band. The music on the “IV: Empires Collapse” that the band included in the 7”). Nothing out of the story though and your choice wouldn’t other hand, has a very interesting and finally managed to break the chains of ordinary, another NWOBHM-“revival” be VOLTURE for that! unique approach with Greek traditional genre conventions that seemingly held act, like so many around. Vocals are http://volture.us rhythms (bringing to mind SARISSA, it back and evolve to a real beast of below average and ruin any good (very Thanos Stafylarakis no coincidence “Marathon” is covered), its own. “IV: Empires Collapse” sees few actually) moments that are to be aided by the great drummer that has WARBRINGER retain the thrash metal found. Listen and act accordingly… some amazing ideas throughout the core of their music while focusing on http://witchfyre.bandcamp.com CD. WARLORD and MANOWAR fans their strengths and opening up their Kostas Kailiazis will be more than interested to check sound towards multiple influences them out. I feel that they should add gathered from other genres ranging a little more variety in the songwriting from hardcore punk (“Iron City”) as well, since the CD doesn’t flow as to black metal (“Horizon”) or even easily, despite its’ duration (45 mins). doom (“Leviathan”). Thereby the All in all, this is a very good Epic Metal band sounds almost relieved and CD from a band that has character and seems to audibly enjoy their new class, no one can deny this. The vocals found freedom, showcasing a much really keep this lower than what the leaner and stripped down approach actual music should put “Wrath of the also present in the album’s much Ages” though. more organic sounding recording. If WAR DANCE www.facebook.com/WarDance.Metal you can imagine a straighter version “Wrath for the Ages” CD Kostas Kailiazis of DECEPTOR (UK) with a broader (Greece, Eat Metal, 2015) range of influences you pretty much After some delay that I believe hurt WARBRINGER get the picture of what WARBRINGER the band, as the demo-CD was out in “IV: Empires Collapse” CD in 2013 are all about. Purists may WOLF “Devil Seed” CD/LP late 2011, in the meantime the band (USA, Century Media, 2013) give a shrug and shun the band for (Sweden, Century Media, 2014) performed with WARLORD on their The thrash revival of recent years has its open-mindedness but I for myself The Swedes are back thankfully and first Greek concerts and something brought forth quite an impressive must say that I embrace this individual I am glad I can review an all original should be heard earlier from them. amount of young bands that try hard and extremely well-written effort as a band, despite their obvious influences, I don’t know the reasons for this, to revive the spirit of former days ray of light in the ever-repetitive sea that have the privilege to bear the title maybe they felt like this was the but who, for many reasons, remain of mediocrity that has become today’s of one of the most important bands for time, which I respect since I am not mostly faceless in their generic and thrash scene. the survival of the traditional Heavy the one composing and recording. uninspired approach towards the www.warbringermusic.com Metal sound! Consistent to their series But I am someone that really liked genre. WARBRINGER’s debut album Daniel Schuldt of quality releases, their new album is what he heard in this demo and finds “War without End” was one of the no different style-wise to what they that this debut CD doesn’t live up early releases of the reborn thrash WITCHFYRE always played and not short of any to the expectations they built. The movement, but fell short of being “Legends, rites and Witchcraft” eminence than their previous full- main drawback is the vocal delivery. much more than a decent pastime. Yet Mini-CD lengths. Of course, they are not all of Sure, there is an intense Eric Adams their sophomore effort “Waking Into (Spain, Infernö, 2014) the same level, however I somewhat flavor, but is this enough? Not in my Nightmares” already showed signs of A new Spanish band I knew nothing know for sure that I can’t expect

•40• an enjoyable mid-paced track, heavy anything less from WOLF than an at and catchy with nice guitar solos first official release after a demo in least very good album. One thing I can again; I would grade this single as 2010 and they hope to move on to a forthrightly say about their music is well above average but not sure if this full-length soon (which will probably that they have their trademark sound. is the type of release that the average come as they signed with Inferno Albeit it’s not common for them to add buyer would give several plays long Records if I am not mistaken). I liked a lot of diversity in their music and all after its purchase. And the problem is both tracks featured in this pre-taste of their previous works almost sound that this is only a single with actually recording quite a lot; they are not as if they were written from a session one song, making it impossible for another one-of-the-same typical copy/ not far one from the other, they have me to envisage whether I should be pasting metal bands, notwithstanding the ability to never sound tedious or alert for future releases. The single is their imperfections, their energetic repetitive, which in my mind means limited to 300 copies. Heavy Metal modus operandi can be awareness of potent commercial hook- www.facebook.com/ very well hailed by the fresh batch laden music, guaranteed to etch the dragonskissband of fans that champion the style; at melodies deep into your brain. I mean, Thanos Stafylarakis least the band in review apparently you can’t just listen with apathy tunes stays in touch with a major factor for RIDER “Inquisition” CD-single like “Back From The Grave”, “Dark GUERRERA “Guerrera of Metal” 7” a remarkable effort which is called (Brazil, Obskure Chaos, 2014) Passenger”, “Frozen”, “Surgeons Of (Greece, Anger of Metal, 2013) “songwriting”. Don’t expect reinventing The newest release of this Brazilian Lobotomy”, I could mention the entire This alleged Argentina act consists of the wheel or off-the-wall compositions band is not a full length CD as I had album to be honest. Seeing a band 3 Greeks (2 of them heard previously here; an adequate amount of the likes expected to, but a two-track CD- with several releases being coherent in METALMORFOSIS) and the female of the NWOBHM movement can be single, which may be a teaser for their and consistent, without loading their voice of Romi Guerrera, so go figure heard in the speedy “Lady In Black”, upcoming debut? Hope so… Nothing albums with fillers is important and the band’s origin yourselves. Debut while my favorite “Snakebite” on the has changed much here, same to me that’s a qualitative indicator. As appearance with a 3 track single B-side is the song to open some doors approach as the “Streets of Nowhere” usual, you will hear slow dark tunes, of almost 8 minutes of pretty good for them, being slightly commercial, Mini-CD with a few more obvious powerful dynamites as well as melodic Speed/Heavy Metal that could actually the way 80s bands used to when they IRON MAIDEN ideas and parts. Refer Heavy Metal anthems, all narrating be a lot better had the vocals been less wanted to broaden their audience to the Mini-CD review for more, this a horror experience that you might disheveled, but they have their charm instead of just attracting a few chicks, is a band to watch for and personally have to face some day! The only as well I guess. The music brings as it was common back in the day. Nice speaking far above the norm of equally thing that has changed over the years instantly in mind METALMORFOSIS, guitar solos here and there and decent sounding bands. Well done! is the production job in their works, especially of their debut 12” era, female vocals by lead singer Fatima www.facebook.com/Ridermetalband which to them apparently means since credited as the songwriter is Natthammer complete a promising Kostas Kailiazis improvement, but I can only translate their mastermind Nick Banger and if picture that deserves some attention it as “modernizing”, not to a pesky you can stand mediocre vocals with in the future to come. Let’s see... STAINLESZ extent whatsoever. IRON MAIDEN, a keen accent and dig traditional old https://soundcloud.com/mandr- “Ruller of the Sword” 7” JUDAS PRIEST and MERCYFUL FATE school Heavy Metal, then you’ll most gora-heavy-metal (Cyprus, 616 Records, 2014) all aligned to lecture their apprentices, likely dig GUERRERA’s output too. All Thanos Stafylarakis Another young band from Cyprus who as every aspiring successor should 3 songs lasting below three minutes in their Speed Metal outfit with their do, they try their best to achieve equal are short enough to be memorable, first vinyl appearance is out and greatness in the Pantheon of Heavy simple structured and merry, without ready to raze anything on sight! Two Metal history; in WOLF’s case, with disorientating you so that you lose songs of Helstar-ic mentality ascend one more album like “The Black Flame” your interest. Only 500 copies were from the grooves made exclusively they’ll be very close to that point and pressed but listen before adding it to for headbanging purposes, as if they whereas the album in question is not your cart. have concurred with your nearest their current one, this consistency www.reverbnation.com/GUERRERA orthopedist. Torrential riffs with in handing down good music they Thanos Stafylarakis constant pounding and high screams, showcase in frequent intervals can this would appeal to any US Metal only mean that they might not be far LEATHER SYNN fan! Direct, in your face and to the from there. If you have a turntable “Honour and Freedom” 7” point, these songs are meant to be go buy the vinyl version of the album, (Portugal, Non Nobis, 2014) played live, making it clear at the which includes a CD with 2 bonus After a few line-up changes, the same time that they have no intention cover tracks, a nice J.PRIEST’s cover band is back with a really neat single, to make friends with your parents. of “Rocka Rolla” and a weaker one in featuring a new number and a cover RANGER “Shock Skull” 7” Pure and clear sound render this my opinion of Q5’s “Missing In Action”. on a legendary Portuguese song! What (Finland, Ektro, 2014) single applicable to these ears so I Keep on howling loud! is of my interest is their own original, The Finnish Speed violators strike back am eagerly waiting for another one of http://wolf.nu a tune that clearly shows improvement only a short while after their debut EP their offerings, hopefully in the near Thanos Stafylarakis from their first installment. Their shocked metalheads worldwide and future to come. Get it before they style is enhanced with melody, still another, as the title implies, shock will run out of all 300 copies they pressed. in the JUDAS PRIEST norms they find you out! Two brand new songs, Very nice entree lads. SINGLES demonstrated in their debut EP, “Shock Skull” and “Omen Of Doom” are www.facebook.com/STAINLESZ summing in a catchy tune with a bridge the objects in discussion here and you DRAGON’S KISS Thanos Stafylarakis that it’s quite hard to forget. However, shouldn’t expect anything the least “Somewhere Up in the Mountains” if you expect high screams you will speedy, intense and power infusing 7” be disappointed, as the baritone than the offered material on their EP (Portugal, Non Nobis, 2013) vocals are practically a distinguishing “Knights Of Darkness”. The 80’s are DRAGON’S KISS is the project of Hugo attribute LEATHER SYNN possess! everywhere in their music, thanking C and Adam Neal of DAWNRIDER On the other side you can hear the early WHIPLASH for their contribution and THE HOOKERS/SAVAGE MASTER band’s version of ALKATEYA’s “Face in the Thrash Metal scene, alongside respectively, bands I’m fully unaware To Face”, a titanic song written by my filings of the hideous OUTBREAK of their music to be honest (except for favorite 80s Portuguese band, so I at times and IRON MAIDEN for a S.MASTER), but after a small research I might be a little bit strict saying that good melodic measure. Both songs could understand they have nothing in it sounds weird, just because it is not reap, slash, slay and thrash, so vinyl common with the music reviewed here. my beloved ALKATEYA version. Bands supporters should get it while the rest DRAGON’S KISS is a Heavy metal band are not being tested on how good they should buy a turntable first and then with quite original sound, as I can tell can perform covering other songs get it. from this single, but this said with nevertheless, so I suppose they didn’t http://rangerheavymetal.bandcamp. hesitation since their full length should fail the exam with their own original. com be out by now and there’s only one TERMINAL I need to hear a full-length now to Thanos Stafylarakis of their originals included in the single, secure my opinion. “Heavy Metal Lokomotiva” 7” the title track being a cover of the www.nonnobisprod.com/leather- (Sweden, Electric Assault, 2014) well-known MARQUIS DE SADE tune! synn#!__leather-synn “This project is a tribute to the heavy The said cover got me questioned at Thanos Stafylarakis metal of the eighties from the first, I didn’t think it would appeal to European communist block”… This is me but somehow I find it well done, MANDRAGORA “First Attack” 7” how the band (no info here, apart from heavier than the original of course, (Peru, Inkas Noize, 2014) the fact that this is another project missing in atmosphere but they gave Heavy Metal South America, a whole by Tobias Lindqvist of ENFORCER it another perspective in that aspect, new chapter in the world scene that etc fame) describes this effort. And with cool guitar parts all over the is a rather neophyte being in the they are quite accurate, aided by the second half of the song. This is the retro frenzy we face the recent years Slovenian (!!!) lyrics, both songs are first time I realized also how silly and and has alerted for getting pandemic amazing with the fast-paced “Heavy naive the lyrics are in that tune, always outspread throughout the Southern Metal Lokomotiva” being the ideal regarding it as an epic one, oh well... part of the continent! MANDRAGORA’s A-side track. Things change on the Side B and “Your Time Will Come” is “First Attack” refers apparently to their B-side, “Slovo”, with its’ melancholic

•41• rhythm and full of nostalgia vocal lines sounds better than their previous DEMOS finally won my preference after a few efforts, an easy task you might say, still spins. The layout is plain (I guess on full of NWOBHM elements all around purpose) and this limited to 500 copies and quite clumsy again, this seems single is already sold out by the label, to be a “let’s try to sound as old as so take a chance online or on a distro. possible” attempt, with the songwriting The initial form was on tape, but this being kept on the background, as a is sold out as well. I would like to hear secondary obligation. Everyone is free more from TERMINAL, that’s certain, to play whatever music they want of well done Tobias! course, this is why I won’t question http://ljudkassett.bandcamp.com/ myself with rhetorical speculation album/heavy-metal-lokomotiva such as “why do such bands exist”, Kostas Kailiazis but this makes me wonder about the audience’s perception, when they belligerently lust the antiquity. ELDORADO is probably a new band, AGRIMM DOOMHAMMER BLACK TOWER the origin of which is a total mystery “The day thy fall is the night we “Demo 2013“ Digital to me and I believe this is all they Doom” Demo-CD (Canada, Private, 2013) have recorded up till now. This tune (Germany, Private, 2014) Hailing from Ottawa, Canada this saves the day actually, with its obscure German newcomer, this is their first three-piece plays a great unpolished MAIDEN-esque grasp, cool melodies release and I guess will be sold out by interpretation of classic Heavy Metal and a dark old school vibe prominent, now, as it was released in a mere 100 that sounds pretty much like a it’s that intimate kind of Heavy Metal copies just to test the waters. I have roughed-up blend of DARK FOREST, that you nevertheless are never bored a hard time categorizing this quintet. NATUR and GOAT HORN while adding to listen to again! Nothing outstanding At times they bring to mind early some rowdy but very melodic punkish in their music, it’s just the inexplicable TROUBLE (“By the sacred radiance of vibes here and there that tell of the parallelism with the bonds that tie the Sun”), but they are mostly into members‘ origins from three different you with your 80s beloved hearings, fast-paced, yet quite heavy songs local punk acts. While the demo may not offer a real standout-track the TRIAL abut to the primary source of Heavy which sound quite familiar, yet at the songwriting is overall very good with “Where Man Becomes All” 7” Metal inspiration. Listen and support same time quite original as well… The strong melodies, great hooks and a (Sweden, High Roller, 2014) responsibly. production takes away a lot from the rousing drive. Highly recommended The reason this single is being https://heavychainsrecords. final result, but since this is a demo, for all fans of the aforementioned reviewed is that pre-dating their bandcamp.com/album/scalare- it’s justified in a way. I have to say bands and everyone else as well, as second album “Vessel”, apart from the eldorado-7-ep that I found the vocals the flaw of Thanos Stafylarakis the demo is currently up for grabs at same-titled tune that will also appear this demo. I can’t say they’re average, no charge on Bandcamp. in their sophomore, another exclusive in my opinion they’re bad especially when they try to hit higher notes. They http://blacktower.bandcamp.com song was penned to be used as the Daniel Schuldt B-side, the brilliant “Introspection”! are saved by the convincing delivery I deem TRIAL are the best Swedish and interesting ideas. Check the band act today, plain and simple. Their at the link below, this is definitely a stunning debut spin after spin reached band I will watch for and I really hope enormous levels of musical value for that next time the vocal problem will the scribe, overshadowing not only be fixed. bands of a similar style but most of the http://agrimmdoomhammer. new acts all over the world! Obtaining bandcamp.com/releases a dark atmosphere with musicality and Kostas Kailiazis eluding the commonplace pitfalls is a remarkable achievement to say the BAT „Primitive Age“ Tape least and seeing them progress and (USA, Tankcrimes Records, 2013) evolve release after release meant BAT is the latest side-project of quintessence of the contemporary WALPYRGUS “Walpyrgus” 7”/CD MUNICIPAL WASTE bass-player Ryan sound. “Where Man Becomes All” (USA, No Remorse, 2014) Waste. This time teaming up with none continues from where their previous Newcomer from the States, but a other than former D.R.I. drummer Felix single stopped, fast with an intricate closer look to their resume will reveal Griffin and bringing in guitarist Nick CHALICE structure, distraught coherence and that this bunch is not another new Poulos from VOLTURE (Ryan‘s third “Raise Your Chalice” Demo-CD-r several breaks; it is a fact that the kid in the metal ‘hood. Having played actual project arisen from the ashes (USA, Private, 2014) band has evolved to stellar levels and tons of bands, most notable with of the mighty IMMORTAL AVENGER) What a relief, a young band forms I crave to hear how the new album will OCTOBER 31, WHILE HEAVEN WEPT to complete the line-up, the 5-track with vision, originality, personality sound. Their exclusive tune however and TWISTED TOWER DIRE, they DEMO TAPE at hand showcases a in the forefront of what we call “the is a sublime piece of artistry! Kicking are what someone would call (and raw and filthy mix of heavy metal, package” to confront the challenging off with a powerful introductory riff, with a good reason) veterans of the primitive speed, punk and hardcore task of surviving in the scene, a goal restrains tempo and a superb vocal scene. So, with this said, expectations that may have some people screaming desired by everyone, not in the sense melody is heard, narrating a macabre are higher as well. Initially released MIDNIGHT right away, but when of making it big but more as the esoteric story; it’s scarce to see a on tape (with a song not to be found listened to more carefully BAT not pleasure of approval of one’s work. band overthrow the instigators, while in the “official” release, “Doomed by only incorporate slightly more melody The Vermont quartet with the unique coming just after the initiation of a the living Dead” originally performed in their fretwork they actually also go voice of lady Hagthorn asserts that current! TRIAL is undisputedly there, by Danish masters MERCYFUL FATE), a bit further in their broad range of they deliver Heavy Metal, I would just I hope for long and consistent to the you will find three songs here that noticeable influences than Cleveland‘s add Epic Heavy Metal with Medieval great art they profusely produce. really didn’t arouse my enthusiasm. filthiest do. The obvious VENOM- overtones and honestly, they do a www.facebook.com/TrialHeavyMetal Well-written and performed (it would worship of course finds its place in fine job! Hagthorn’s performance is Thanos Stafylarakis be strange if it wasn’t that way), but BAT‘s sound (just listen to „Rule Of uncanny, off the beaten track, which they lack that little extra to grab you The Beast“) but it sits right next to is crucial to designate the haul lines V/A - SCALARE/ELDORADO and make you listen to them again and numerous, but slightly less obvious, between the band and the hundreds of “Caught By an Evil Spell/ City of again in anticipation of a full-length. hardcore and punk influences from female fronted acts that had erupted Gold” 7” Some more happy/cheesy melodies vintage D.R.I. to CRO-MAGS and the lately. The diversity showcased in (Germany/?, Heavy Chains, 2014) don’t help either. Take a listen; I melange undoubtedly works like a this demo does not allow to specify The year is 2007 and 3 guys, formerly am sure this band will attract many charm, making BAT a primitive metal their exact style yet, as among the having a Black Metal band called people… I just couldn’t identify myself powerhouse that is highly enjoyable worldly upright material you will find WHITCHSLAUGHTER, record a demo with their songs and attitude. My especially when played on maximum a newly arranged traditional tune, (which I haven’t heard), which is stand-out track would be “We are the volume. If you like your metal rough, conveyed in the medieval perspective released right the next year. In 2010 Wolves”. I need to mention the great raw and old school make sure you pick of “Gaudete”, whilst an 11 minute the band manages to find a label work done in the No Remorse edition, this one up. epic follows in the sounds of “Merlin’s and release their “The Wine of Satan” a 7”single in a gatefold sleeve plus a http://bewareofthebat.bandcamp. Lament”, made to take you into an single, which is a funny attempt to CD with all three songs. com adventurous journey to castles and play Heavy Metal with occult and evil http://walpyrgus.com Daniel Schuldt dragon caverns. The concluding tune lyrics, roughly delivered, sounding Kostas Kailiazis can very well be proclaimed as a live unrehearsed and pretentiousness favorite, with a sing-along chorus abundant, where a ROCK GODDESS good enough to motivate the laziest cover had turned to a disaster! 4 years gig bums to stand on their feet and later, the band achieves to record the join the crusade! Wisely enough, song in review here; admittedly this their token of inspiration was given

•42• a rough, primitive essence which is effectively, I’d even take the risk to SENSE OF FEAR consorting with all that is heralded by elevate it to the grandiose caliber of “Sense of Fear” demo-CD the bandname and cover art. Thumbs a “Mirror Of Sorrow”! Production job (Greece, Private, 2013) up for taking care of the packaging as is finely adjusted to the band’s vision This is a band from Thessaloniki, well, that despite the DYI approach it and McCoy’s voice is over the top, which I knew nothing about, until they transpired appealing and witty; mind boosting the overall outcome directly played in Athens quite some time ago you, the demo will soon be released to the elite, making me wonder if (maybe late 2013?) and afterwards in tape and 10” formats, but I’d rather this is really a demo with all this bought their demo CD. They play a see them work and release new professionalism showcased here! I modern Power Metal hybrid (mid- material in the interim. haven’t seen the band active enough paced) with a quite aggressive tone in DEMON BITCH http://raiseyourchalice.bandcamp. though, so I hope we’ll see more from the vocals. This is classic HM though, “Death is Hanging...” tape com/album/chalice-ep MIR soon, it would be a pity if we don’t expect pseudo-aggressive (USA, Dying Victims, 2014) Thanos Stafylarakis didn’t! stuff here, just updated sound and Fast forward, due to lack of time http://majestyinruin.bandcamp.com approach. Thing is, the songs are not making it to the deadline before I am CRYPT SERMON Thanos Stafylarakis as inspired as I would like them to be sacked, this is the second attempt “Demo MMXIII” tape in order to make myself playing them by the Michigan act climbing up the (USA, Dark Descent, 2013) over and over… Apart from their three ladder of exalted artistic echelons, What can I say about this phenomenal original songs, there is also a cover to which reminds me of the already demo really! All of a sudden, you “When the night falls” from the ICED too long absence of my beloved and come across some band’s site offering EARTH debut, a band they have been supreme BORROWED TIME. DEMON their music for free and selling their - influenced from since there are some BITCH come back with four brand now sold out - tape there and before parts here reminiscent of the once new tunes of satanic Heavy Metal you even realize it you find yourself amazing US act. But the cover itself artistry, continuing in the same vein dazed, thankful for detecting a beam lacks the power and aggression the as their debut tape, only improved of a redemptory light! The US group original had. To sum it up, an ok demo, and integrated in the songwriting. consists of members of several other a next one will be more indicative of Similar sound and production, bands not associated with the Power the band’s potential… Until then, this similarly distraught vocal melodies Doom Metal style I tend to name is the way to contact them: and fantastic guitar solos, create an acts in the likes of CANDLEMASS www.reverbnation.com/senseoffear atmosphere worth praising that will or SOLITUDE AEUTURNUS, exactly Kostas Kailiazis make this piece of work distinguish what CRYPT SERMON espouse in eventually. They use a wide spectrum their preaching. All three songs range of influences, even going into Black within reasonable time frames for the Metal territories at times musically untrained Doom listener, which is good and it is exceptionally surprising how for me as I am a fan of this kind of this fact won’t put you off! Brilliant approach in the style, hence I believe work that will stick in your stereo and this fact combined with the high class it is about time for someone to care songwriting should not intimidate and properly release their recordings, anyone not too keen of what is RABID BITCH OF THE NORTH past and especially future, on a more described as their musical direction. “Defending Two Castles” tape accessible format, for more people The most astonishing though is the (N. Ireland, Sarlacc, 2014) need to hear this! band’s talent in penning extraordinary Contrary to the axiomatic credence www.facebook.com/demonbitch solo sections, so much that you could that new 80s sounding bands from Thanos Stafylarakis swear it was Perez turning back a Great Britain emulate the style huge favor! Trust me, these already NWOBHM bands used to play, the trio from Northern Ireland (exactly as perfect songs are elevated to stellar STARBORN TERMINUS did) decided to embrace levels due to the guitarwork presented “Born by the Wind” a personal sound far from the trends, here. I had insignificant complaints tape/digital so far that they actually secluded by very few friends about the vocals (UK, Sword and Chains, 2014) themselves from a larger audience. which I found unsuccessful as Debut release for this UK act and Their second official release comes comments, since a vocalist like Lowe you will be surprised by their sound… in a limited edition of 100 tapes (first that everyone expects to hear in such Their label suggests them for fans batch is already sold out so there’s an offering would only hurt C.SERMON, LOST HORIZON, BLIND GUARDIAN another limited number pressed) and as they would have to suffer with and FALCONER. They are not off, on includes 3 tracks of, as the band name the accusation of a substitute of the the contrary. If you have missed this implies, live-in-studio recorded rabid Texan legends, a charge absolutely sound (which gave us some amazing Heavy Metal! And when you read unsuitable for these guys. I find albums!), STARBORN are a band to rabid, this is RABID, sharp, rough, the vocals as one of the strongest watch for. There are two drawbacks galloping, cut-throat riffs with quirky assets CS showcase, as they are both that you should have in mind. The MAJESTY IN RUIN vocals and drums hammering you on expressive and distinctive. Soon the vocals are average to good; a really “All Light Shall Fade” the wall! They kinda reminded me of new album will be out and from the great singer would take the songs one Demo-CD the mighty RAVEN on their furious few samples they’ve shared in public step further for sure. I don’t know if (USA, Private, 2014) moments. According to the band, this there are slight differences audible the band aimed for this particular MAJESTY IN RUIN is new band in time with “Defending Two Castles” from this demo, an expected turn of sound (maybe they tried to sound as the overwhelmed Doom Metal scene they accomplished a production events as we speak. I will relish on “live” and raw as possible?) but for me featuring John Gaffney of SINISTER result more suitable to their demands their sermon till the next one, you do a clearer sound would work better. I REALM fame, united with Rich McCoy compared to their previous EP, “Outta the same and delve into the realms of focused on these because I really to handle the demanding task of a The Kennel”, but I personally can’t find Epic Doom. enjoyed this demo and would expect http://cryptsermon.bandcamp.com competitive vocal delivery. Their first something serious to say against the new material from them. I guess Thanos Stafylarakis demo release limited to a mere 100 predecessor, even though I prefer the that the demo version (limited to 50 copies flaunts 3 tracks running in a sound of this one featured here! If I copies) must be sold out by now, but total of almost 23 minutes, which is had to report something, I’d speculate do yourselves a favor, visit the band’s pretty acceptable for a Doom band by I could do better with one more guitar page and take a listen. Chances are the die-hard fans of the genre and at recorded, but that’s wild guessing until you will not regret it! the same time absolutely bearable for I hear the actual outcome. Listen to http://starbornpower.bandcamp. all of us that think some of the style’s this thing carefully, overtake your greatest could do with a little shorter com/releases political correctness on how a singer Kostas Kailiazis songs! The opening “Mother of Desire” should sound (I am sure everyone is a straight forward answer to what has his share of weird sounding dudes kind of Doom they deliver, that is the in your repertoire), Joe MCDonnell is way masters of the style paved, the one reason the band stands out, after SOLITUDE AETURNUS way! There’s the straight forward frantic delivery of a fair amount of CANDLEMASS steel! You must be insane to overlook appreciation also, as any sane Metal highlight songs such as the same title fan should possess and blatantly tune. Why aren’t you recording an express, but their approach resembles album for bitch’s sake? Heavy Metal more to the Texan giants. Massive for the few, as in the good old days, rhythm section and killer solo parts, as always! poetic lyrics and an anthem found http://rabidbitchofthenorth. under the name “Remembrance”, a bandcamp.com lament that can devastate you with Thanos Stafylarakis all the pain and suffering infused so

•43• convincing all the time. Still, this vocal lines and most of all, he uses a total of 7 unreleased songs, which is a very interesting release from a technique you scarcely hear in Heavy sound so mighty, I only dare to think promising band that all metalheads Metal by Western singers, influenced how they would sound with a proper enjoying raw heavy metal spiced up by Eastern amané and automatically recording. Congratulations to the Cult with some extras should lend an ear to. distinguishing himself from another Metal team for such a release, amazing www.facebook.com/TriforiumDawn Tate copycat. Beautiful CD overall that stuff, hard to be called an Epic Metal Daniel Schuldt if I am not wrong, was only pressed fan and not having this gem in your on a mere 500 copies, so if you got to collection. There is also a bonus DVD UNDERGROUND know about this release by this mag, with LOTS of songs, but unfortunately “DEMO 2014” CD-r you can impute accountability to us for I can’t comment on it, as I didn’t have (Slovenia, Private, 2014) taking too long for the 4th issue! the time to see it yet Another surprise for 2014! Out of Thanos Stafylarakis Kostas Kailiazis nowhere, this Slovenian quintet delivers a fantastic three-track demo BELLICOSE “Love on Ice” CD leaving me craving for a full length (USA, Arkeyn Steel, 2014) SOON! This is what CLASSIC Heavy Band name, album title, and cover art Metal is about people. Bands, labels all act as subterfuge and contradict and fans alike have many things to with their Texas origin, but don’t be learn by spending 13 minutes of their harsh on them by just listening to precious time. “Burn in Fire”, “Texas the opening song also. Pushing play chainsaw Massacre” and “Horrors of on your stereo will surely rise worries the Past” (my fav!) are songs I have whether you just bought a Glam SUMERLANDS listened to MANY times ever since album but that’s all you can blame “Demo 2014” digital release I got hold of this demo. With vocals BELLICOSE for, one Glam song. What (USA, Private, 2014) bringing to mind the best deliveries of follows afterwards of course could not Project band consisting of Phil Kai Hansen, while the guitars rip all be a metallic powerstorm, but still Swanson (google up the countless the way through, there is not a dull their potent melodic Heavy Metal is bands he has been a part of), Justin moment here and despite the short classy enough to put them into the DEAF DEALER DeTore (bass on MAGIC CIRCLE, length, there is enough variety and Texas metal lobby. Yes, it’s melodic “Journey into Fear” CD/LP drummer on these songs), Arthur attitude to make me hope for the Heavy Metal, since the use of the (Canada, Cult Metal Classics, 2014) Rizk (guitars, handles drum chores on best result possible. The production is word “melodic” as a genre defining tag Cult Metal Classics records made a ETERNAL CHAMPION) and a second another plus, you really can’t tell this is apparently wrong and as a matter of decisive comeback in the business guitar player, John Powers for whom I is a demo. There is a drawback and referentiality, which older ones ignored, and simply released the best album in couldn’t find any info. There are three this is the poor packaging of the demo it is of high importance to be precise Heavy Metal music of all times, the best songs available and they show a very (just a CD-r on a sleeve), but let’s be and simply separate genre from tone; and most adventurous to release due to promising act, especially in the first serious, this demo kicks so much ass, i please use it as an adjective. This copyright obstacles. Yes, in a few words, two songs, “The Guardian” and “Blind”. almost forget it! reissue contains their only private this is what DEAF DEALER’s unreleased Expect some sort of Epic Doom Metal http://undergroundofficial. release “Love On Ice” from 1989, as and up to this date supposed a never to with excellent vocals, TROUBLE layers bandcamp.com/releases well as 7 more bonus tracks, in detail be released album is, plain and simple. and HEAVY guitars. This was supposed Kostas Kailiazis their first demo from 1984 and a Integrated Power Metal with every to be released by Jason Tarpey’s couple of other tracks off different Cyclopean Records, but still no sign single player being in an artistic frenzy recording sessions. BELLICOSE’s and the distraught bass guitar lines of it. In my opinion the band charges sound is characterized by the strong too much (7$) for the digital download setting new standards in the steady and REISSUES vocal delivery of Joey Darcangelo mundane theory of guitars/vocals way of the songs, efforts as this should be combined with MAIDEN/’RYCHE guitar free of charge until a physical copy of doing Heavy Metal things. This is the rhythms which conclude in prominent one and only truth Nietzsche was after, appears for sale. Check them out songwriting for the US Metal fan, even though, another great newcomer from the above statement! If you disagree, in their early days they showed good your stereo will burn down to ashes. the States! potential which later on evolved to the http://sumerlands.bandcamp.com/ Then again, I’m sure you consider band’s final approach, quite accessible “Journey Into Fear” as the best Power releases but never cheesy, that would end up Kostas Kailiazis Metal album at least. This is the in their only release. The guitar duo perfect gift you can do to yourselves unfolds skillful parts and overall I can TRIFORIUM DAWN and the record to turn your wife into a safely say fans of the style will be metalhead (and grow your collection)! “Morningside” Demo-CD pleasantly surprised, despite all the (USA, Private, 2013) The album with no imperfect moments, aforementioned ominous factors. At the album I’ve listened to more than When doing reviews we are often least for me, I discovered another eager to stuff bands, for good or for anything else! The best album of all band never to regret buying. times, nice and easy. Now I need to worse, into musical drawers and make Thanos Stafylarakis fitting comparisons to other bands in practice my air bass guitar playing. order to give the reader an idea of BASTILLE “Electric Animation” CD Thanos Stafylarakis what he or she is to expect from a (USA, No Remorse. 2013) record. Yet in some cases a record or a BASTILLE was an unsigned band HAMMERON band defies all comparisons and when hailing from the American goldmines Wired For Sound” CD/LP talking about TRIFORIUM DAWN’s it of San Diego, CA, that came just a (USA, No Remorse, 2014) would be much easier to name the little too late in attracting label interest. One of Chicago’s premier underground metal subgenres that they are NOT This compilation CD includes their first acts returns after a long silence with drawing any inspiration from instead demo by 1989, as well as their tape LP their second album! Well, not exactly of doing it the other way round. While “Electric Animation” from 1991, plus a a return, as they seem they’ve gotten the band’s core sound is clearly rooted live bonus track, making it to a total of away with it unlike almost any other 80s in the more obscure vein of classic 15 songs. Their style is what would be band. HAMMERON are not once again heavy metal it is thrown into a blender roughly described as a QUEENSRYCHE active, but “Wired for Sound” is an with loads of thrash, raw oldschool influenced band, vaguely and in a unearthed album from the vaults of the death, crushing doom, unexpected generalizing manner, but in my opinion band’s archives. Actually, I believe it is breaks and tempo changes as well BASTILLE is a lot more than that, as not even an unreleased album, as word as the occasional black metal tremolo lots of the bands unfairly described BLIND ASSASSIN of mouth claims, but probably a large riffing or blast beat which find their as such. The first demo is pretty good, “Put to the Sword” CD/DVD part of what it was destined to be their way into the songs. This often slightly without standing out, offering 3 good (USA, Cult Metal, 2014) sophomore, plus a second demo; the chaotic mélange channeled through songs but nothing sine qua non. The This is a release I never expected to difference of the production job from an archaic sound works impressively culmination of their artistic inspiration see. The BLIND ASSASSIN demo was a point on, on my vinyl is pretty clear, well at some points (“Morningside”, comes in 1991, with a concept (as one of the first I happened to listen whereas you can tell there’s a slight “Let Salem Burn In Hell”) and far as I could understand) album in a to when entering more underground difference in their musical orientation sometimes feels a bit awkward (“Gimp style similar to a melodic “Operation paths. All three songs of the original as well. The band got apparently Canetapper”), making this Mini-CD a Mindcrime”, but without the pop demo (1986) rule and their Epic Metal famous more from the insane rarity of bit of a mixed bag. There are some production the ‘RYCHE decided to give sounds so great after all these years. their debut rather than the music per great ideas on display here and I to their output, severely weakening Wait until you listen to the bonus se, which is utterly unfair if you ask would strongly encourage the band to the guitars. Roger First is something songs though! 5 rehearsal songs with me; they had everything to make it continue on their path of combining so you need to listen to, as with his a raw sound (did you expect anything quite big at the time, even if their debut many influences to create something spectacular performance boosts the else?) but very good compared to the “Nothin’ To Do But Rock” (re-released interesting of their own, yet they album to stellar levels. He is the reason quality of songs that have been added by No Remorse also) is not one of my still have some work to do in terms for every melody heard in the album, to similar anthology efforts in the past. all time US favorites! In this album of making it all sound coherent and he is to blame for some exquisite 2 live songs are included as well, a you can tell the band was obviously a

•44• step above the average band of the from the instigators of the NWOBHM listen to a glorious moment in Metal time, with professional performance movement. The two bands have lots history! If you liked the debut, which and accessible songwriting. The first 6 in common, apart from two songs that you should if you consider yourself songs of “Wired For Sound” start just Ole carried with him for the “Fit For sane, their “Unreleased Sessions” will from where the debut had landed, with Fight” album (“We Will Be Strong” was finish you off! The songs featured a slightly heavier approach as far as renamed to “Rocking The Night Away” here come about a bit more mellow songwriting goes, while they stepped and the masterpiece “Alien Savage”, than those in “And The Battle Begins...” up on heaviness on the remaining 3 which surprisingly, other than the but if that counts as drawback, that’s songs of the next recording session, production job and the performance the only one you could find in here. even using some Bay Area elements, due to the line-up change, the song Literally, the band evolved so much in staying away from the Thrash regions was equally heavy!!!), there are the songwriting department and not though. Fans of US Power Metal several riffs that you hear in both only this, Ed Snow’s vocals are stellar, should think no more about the bands, as well as another one that rendering yourself riveted as you album’s quality, as I could trace songs you could guess that a Danish dude listen to his passionate performance. that surpass every other included with an involvement in the scene Only one song off their debut is re- in “NTDBR”; Troch’s voice is class A, MANDRAKE as a teenager could have liked and recorded and there’s no comparison guitars are screaming helplessly and “Breaking Out” LP/CD borrowed, a certain Lars Ulrich namely, sound wise, as this time they obtained the pounding goes on, imagine a (Denmark, High Roller, 2014) for their “Jump In The Fire” number. both a proper production job and little worse “Journey Into Fear” DEAF My first thought at the moment I am Overall the recording is above average synchronized arrangements. Excellent DEALER (of course not quite as good playing this record is that yes, reissues standards and the sound decent, given job overall, there’s nothing to complain as the best album of all times) and are sometimes mandatory! In this that we are talking about a very early about, with songs as “Hear Their ! Unfortunately case, MANDRAKE is a band almost 80s demo, but this is minimal when Cry”, “Father”, “Enter The Silence”. the last 3 songs are holding back the nobody knew about and actually the composition quality is so high! I’m “Solutions” would make our lives better. overall outcome, not allowing it to step this name aroused interest after a glad we have the chance to listen to Thanos Stafylarakis over their debut. What bothers my WITCHCROSS interview got published this gem; this could have easily pass mind though is how the hell did they at Snakepit mag a couple of issues ago. unnoticed and lost through the ages, SAVAGE CHOIR decide to go to harder territories at The relation between the two bands is as it was up till now! Relic lovers grab “Winter of Probator” CD the dawn of the 80s when everybody that mainman of MANDRAKE is Ole it responsibly. (USA, Tribunal/Divebomb, 2014) was softening their sound, taking in Hamilton Poulsen who after breaking Thanos Stafylarakis To be honest, I was about to write a mind their already commercial past up his brainchild, joined what was completely different review than the and how the hell did they miss the later to become one of Denmark’s REBELLION one that follows, but there are some success wagon when they delivered finest! This release is Ole’s legacy “Unreleased Sessions” CD facts that justify my change of heart. everything the industry wanted from a before WITCHCROSS, which includes (USA, Cult Metal Classics, 2014) “Winter of Probator” is a concept sci- metal band, while they did the job so a 7” single (which was a demo under Cult Metal Classics is back with a fi album about a man from another effectively? Well, rhetorical questions the name ZYNDACYCLE before they vengeance and their barrage of planet coming to Earth wanting to that answering them won’t change switched it to MANDRAKE) and another serious reissues that would bring share knowledge that would solve history a tiny bit, just get both albums 9 tracks on the LP, all of them being them back in the game continues with famine problems once and for all now that they are on reach and blast MANDRAKE recordings, dating from the resultant of REBELLION’s debut under certain circumstances, which it! USA for the win! 1979-1982, when they disbanded. The cassette LP on CD for the first time. It were not eventually accepted by Thanos Stafylarakis dates should not intimidate anyone, was mandatory for this line-up of the greedy inhabitants of our withering as what you’re going to hear is top- band to see their material officially planet. The story is immensely notch early Heavy Metal the way it was pressed on a functional format and interesting and reflective of plausibility displayed in WITCHCROSS recordings US Metal fans have the chance to but I shouldn’t elaborate more on and the dominant influence deriving

•45• that sector. Musically, their style is SUPERSTITION album starts with an in-your-face and a few demo tracks circulating, in my suitable for a sci-fi adjacent band, that “Anthology (1987-1990) CD storm that imposes you to “Surrender” opinion ZONE ZERO was one of the best is showcasing prominent playing all (USA, Stormspell, 2014) and the intentions are clearly shown. bands to emerge from the huge Swedish around, modern production job, insane From the glorious Chicago scene I Not much melody in these tunes and scene of the early 80s. If this sounded Alan Tecchio style vocals constantly proudly present you SUPERSTITION, I don’t believe they cared about it like an exaggeration with only those few singing in high ranges, odd-time a band whose name, cover art and at all, they sound as if they focused songs to showcase, this 2CD package with structures, jazzy Thrash Metal riffs as Melodic Heavy/Power Metal moniker on writing direct crunchy material 21 songs (one is included in two versions) an upshot of a 17 year old guitarist’s could degrade what’s been recorded aiming at their live transmissibility is a proof of what this band could vision (at the time he joined the band) in this disc. I had never heard about that would force a crowd to tear a achieve had they recorded and released and an album of certain complexity, the band before and it’s really strange, venue to pieces; they sound good a full length back then. The majority of enough to render it not memorable as this is US Metal par excellence and at it no doubt! So if you do not seek songs comes from 1981 to 1983 (demo, in the end. Fans of WATCHTOWER, should have been quite popular at unmatched instrumental expertise or live and rehearsal ones) with a 4-track TOXIK or even MEKONG DELTA would least. Principally, the compilation CD songwriting complexity, but repeated sessions from the 2004-2008 and I will find all the aforementioned attributes includes all the music created by 2 straight forward Heavy Metal punches, not mention any specific ones despite alluring and will surely dig the SAVAGE bands connected one with the other, you should check out this enjoyable some being better than others. If you CHOIR stuff. Now what was the reason SUPERSTITION and another local effort that came about a bit later than like early European Metal and bands like I changed my mind? Simply ‘cause act where 3 out of 5 members share scheduled. HEAVY LOAD and GOTHAM CITY, then add what I thought it was a new release reminisce and experience, LABYRINTH, www.facebook.com/pages/Victim- another name NEXT to them. ESSENTIAL! by another bunch of sci-fi lunatics the latter being a flick heavier than Heavy-Metal/144628248970884 www.facebook.com/zonezeroswe that wanted to Thrash out proved to the former. With direct references to Thanos Stafylarakis Kostas Kailiazis be a 1988 unreleased album by an act QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING formed by Steve Ferrigno, aka Steve and discreetly consorting with the Michaels of DEATH MASK fame (yes sir, likes of very early the one with “Split The Atom” under (MAJESTY maybe?), KINGSBANE or their belts). “Winter of Probator”, the MANTA RAY, this should leave none way it was offered in this release, it indifferent if you like your metal classy was NOT re-recorded. The rest are up and delicate. Other than the self to the reader to figure out! The only explanatory eminence of both vocalists, thing that’s certain is this album is by Danny McCartney (SUPERSTITION) no means dated! being suave and stylish while Darrel Thanos Stafylarakis Lorenz (LABYRINTH) bestowing a cultivated roughness, I can express my awe at the penning of the solos especially in the SUPERSTITION demo, that are a class of their own inspiration wise. A true gem, either in the rough ZONE ZERO form of LABYRINTH’s recording or “The lost Legacy” 2CD in the polished accessible form of (Sweden, Shadow Kingdom, 2014) SUPERSTITION, this CD is a worthy After a big delay, a VERY important asset in every music fan’s regime and reissue sees the light of day. Despite exemplifies succinctly the preeminence only having a 7” single back in 1982 and graveness of the majority of the musicians there, as well as the affluent talent. Thanos Stafylarakis

STRATEGE “Stratege” LP VICTIM “By the Neck” (France, Memoire Neuve, 2014) CD Time for one more undiscovered gem (USA, Stormspell, 2014) to be brought to light and these words VICTIM is the band better couldn’t be combined better with the known to collectors for French origin of the band, the country their two private LPs they which has indubitably offered some released in 1983 (“Power undisputed gems in the Heavy Metal Hungry”) and in 1985 genre. STRATEGE is nothing less than (“DMN”) and drowning that, a band that never surpassed the back into the depths of demo stage, but by the first spin of nothingness ever after, the record you realize that they were leaving little to remember made for much bigger things. Totally them by, as despite the unknown till recently, they are indeed dynamic Heavy Metal one of the best French bands that heard in their recordings, never released anything and if this they never managed album would have been out in their to achieve a cult status heyday, this would have been up there (well, their albums never next to SORTILEGE and VOODOO reached insane prices in CHILD I believe. Tremendous dealers’ lists, the main songwriting, all the ingredients French cult-creating reason metal had been known for are aplenty today). This release is in an adequate balance; digestible their never released 1984 songs, catchy yet fantastic choruses, album, which includes 5 unbridled soloing at the right place in unique songs and 4 that the right quantity, capturing melodies were previously used in and riffing, epic grandiosity and most their albums, infusing of all, a bewitching singer that boosts short but powerful Heavy the already unbeatable songwriting Metal mainly influenced to another level! Both of the band’s by JUDAS PRIEST of the demos are featured in this limited vinyl 80s! In fact, they state release (8 songs sung in the French that they were taken for language), the 3rd Heavy Metal PRIEST when their tune installment Memoire Neuve puts out, “Victim” got in the after TNT and the mighty TENEBRES. local radio stations, but It’s a pity STRATEGE never went any that would be a figment of further, even in the underground the most vivid imagination, circles they remained obscure, but given that Halford’s voice this utterly professional band should could outmatch anyone definitely be acknowledged and I at the time, but it’s true should be held accountable for my that their style bears short-sightedness. TOI? significant similarities with Thanos Stafylarakis PRIEST in their simplicity. Actually, VICITM offer a severely more dynamic and heavier delivery. The

•46• Do you intend to record and release It was just a few years ago a demo of some songs? What will be the purpose of this demo, do you just that someone referred to a want to hear how you sound on studio or new band named SHADOWS will this also be the decoy to attract label SANCTUARY that played the old interest. Are you in talks with any label by 90s style of US Power Metal with vocals the way? We are very interested in recording a demo and have had of the Tate school and some killer songs in discussions with several studios. Once we find the right fit for their demo. Soon after its release, the band the band, including a producer that will push us to be our dissolved and an immensely hopeful sign of best, while capturing the live sound we produce, we will move enlightenment died that day. Later on I saw forward. Our goal is to use this demo to promote the band and attract label interest. We have been approached by a number Shawn ‘Bushy’ Boucher active again, having of local and national labels, but we do not feel ready to accept joined forces with Jack ‘Lynx’ Lincourt in the any offers at the current time. shape of SHADOWLYNX, another Power Metal Have you performed a lot live, locally or nationally? What band sharing the same style mentioned above are the reactions of the audience while listening to a new band that is not playing the modern crap the fad orders? and affluent passion to stand out in the USA We have played some local shows, including a local Metal Festival and overseas. Let’s hear Jack, using the helping and an upcoming Metal Fest, and have had great reaction to our hand of Shawn, disclose some of the band’s visions music and stage performance. We gear our shows to play for metal and goals to get there before they dash with their crowds, so we have been successful. We have been successful with our combination of progressive sound, Shawn’s soaring vocals, and sing-along gang first demo. The least we can wish is good luck and a quick vocal chorus’ and the crowds have reacted well and vocally as they sang along to involvement in the scene, they are needed! songs they heard for the first time those nights. It’s been quite exciting What is the scene like in New England? Are there bands sharing the same Hail guys, welcome to our pages! SHADOWLYNX is a new band that rose style as SHADOWLYNX to generate an interest and a core of fans to help the out of the ashes of SHADOW’S SANCTUARY. The demo you released in scene perpetuate? Is there a future for bands like yours, as I guess it’s not 2010 was great but since I don’t know how much it was promoted, I can that easy to book a venue for a live show! speculate the reviews were rave. Why did you call it quits and how did The metal scene in New England is not what it used to be, but it is still alive. We haven’t you move on to the formation of your latest venture, SHADOWLYNX? had much trouble booking shows, but it is always a struggle to find a combination {Jack} SHADOWLYNX was brainstorm collaboration between Shawn and Jack in of a good venue and good local metal support to play shows with. There are times early 2012. We both wanted to work with each other for some time, but the where you find the right combination of bands, along with their fans, and the right timing was never right with us being in our own separate bands. We decided to venue that can support a good metal sound and stage area, and when that happens, do a recording project together when Shawn would supply vocal harmonies and a magical night occurs. There will always be metal in the New England future. lyrics and Jack would provide all of the music (guitars, bass, drums, keys, backing Are you working on a full length with the band? Is there enough material vocals, additional lyrics). After a few songs were composed, we felt that the to fulfill the needs of an integrated album? Share your future plans with us, music was very strong and we should share these compilations with others. For if any! the first time we were both available (not in another band) and decided to form Between Shawn and Jack alone, SHADOWLYNX has enough material to record 10+ a full band so we could play these songs live. Thus, the birth of SHADOWLYNX. albums. As for songs in our current live catalogue, we have enough songs to record Give us please some information about the background of the 1 strong album, while working on new material and incorporating former songs from SHADOWLYNX team. Where did each band member play before joining our previous libraries into the band’s repertoire. in? I understand it might be too early for that, since you decided to go for a Jack “Lynx” Lincourt started out as a teenage song writer and composer. He was demo initially, but is there anything planned about the album that you the lead vocalist to the bands LYNX and POETS & MADMEN, while learning to can share with us? I am sure there will be a vision for example, regarding play the instruments that formed the music around his lyrics and harmonies. In whether it will be a concept album or not, the style the band will present, 2007, Jack joined the IRON MAIDEN tribute band BEAST OVER BOSTON and has maybe something to surprise the fans or even the cover art, is any of these played both guitar roles in that band. Jack has recorded over 200 original songs discussed or imagined for that matter? over the years and was overjoyed when hooking up with Shawn Bucher in 2012 We plan to make some initial recordings of our music where we can capture the as he finally found the voice to go with his musical compositions. Shawn “Bushy” true essence of our sounds and structure of our songs. Each of our songs are Boucher Formed FROM THE SHADOWS, an original LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN, very different, but all capture the heart and soul of this band. We don’t follow any RUSH, influenced Heavy Metal band, written & helped choreograph over two singular formula and we only aim to touch our audience/listeners with our passion albums worth of original songs, it’s a rare fact, that ,we threw in, a few covers, for creating music. The initial recordings we make will not be studio professional, but of all those legendary influences, into our live song set list. As time slipped by will hopefully capture our live sound and display the power and soul that we intended FTS band members, goals & dreams began to change”. No one was on the same to deliver with each note. Bushy is a gifted artist who will handle our cover art for page anymore “Shawn And Jim Clute(Original FTS Drummer) were the only any/all demos and full albums. original members, left after about four to five years. We went through a number There is an incredible trademark drawing the band uses, depicting several of guitarist & bassists. Shawn & Jim, decided to give it one more shot. Change figures that are special to the band. Can you elaborate and reveal tothe the name, Shawn insisted it was practical to hold on to our symbolic call sign readers some hints concerning that drawing? “Shadow”. After a careful search through the internet ,SHADOW’S SANCTUARY This drawing, as well as the band logo, was a concept created by Bushy. Each figure was copy written, So the birth of SHADOW’S SANCTUARY, brought our blend of in the drawing depicts an important symbol from each member of the band. classic metal & with a number of new guitar influences, we tapped into Power Is there a specific subject matter SHADOWLYNX undertake in their lyrics? Metal. After a large number of live performances & a professional recording What are the issues that would usually inspire you to write a few lines? How studio experience, it was time for to call it quits. Shawn was out of the band scene do you work on this section of the song by the way? Do you write music on for about two years, then did a favor for a friend who asked to help him, form a the lyrics or the other way around? band to play live. So he did. Recruited Mike Harris for bass, played a few shows, The lyrics in our songs come from life experience and life goals. Some stem from nothing serious. Shawn, then recruited new friend & striving bass player Mike. poems written about everlasting bonds. Others outline how we interpret the metal When Shawn & Jack’s SHADOWLYNX project was ready to be a band. scene and the Destiny of our peers. The songs have been built in different ways. Most What are your main influences as a band? SHADOWLYNX have adopted a songs have had lyrics and concept created by Bushy, who hands off a melody and sound and style that is overlooked nowadays and set aside for the new some lyrics to Jack, who then creates all of the music for the song (all instruments). retro bullshit and I particularly like, bringing in mind the glorious 90’s That interpretation is shared with the band and we build a SHADOWLYNX song from US bands that struggled to keep the Heavy Metal flame alive, falling upon there. Other songs have been built from a simple jam session in rehearsal that deaf ears! Is there a specific vision style-wise that you wish the band to turned into a kick-ass song. accomplish sooner or later? It is true that being underground in the US makes it a pain in the ass to get Our influences range greatly. Musically we are heavily influenced by the Power some recognition and you need to struggle quite a lot to get the coveted Metal scene, with bands such as HAMMERFALL, QUEENSRYCHE, VICIOUS attendance; what are some plans you are thinking to implement so that RUMORS, and HELLOWEEN, but also have a true love for great vocalists and well you get national and international acknowledgement? Europe would be a constructed harmonies of artists such as JOURNEY and Elvis. Of course, metal is really fertile ground for bands of your style to flourish, maybe not that much the core the band and there are strong influences from PANTERA, METALLICA, to make a living out of it, but definitely a kick to have you recording and and METAL CHURCH. performing for a prolonged period. So SHADOWLYNX have been around for quite a while; along with some In the US, there are a lot of metal bands, as well as clubs to play, but the scene tunes from your previous bands that you carried, have you already has changed so dramatically over the years that the only people still attending local written some new ones? At which stage is the band at the moment as shows to support the scene tend to be loyal friends or the bands, and other musicians. far as productivity goes? Only the metal big wigs (Platinum selling long standing acts) fill up the SHADOWLYNX is constantly writing and creating new songs. clubs in the US, but that doesn’t mean that the people that attend Between Shawn & Jack, we have an extensive library of shows are not passionate. The metal fans are still loyal, loud, songs to use from our past that have never seen the and insane in the US. There just is not a big enough scene stage or a recording studio, but it is important to the to spread the madness as far and thick as it was 20+ band that we continue writing brand new music years ago. where each member of SHADOWLYNX has the Thanks for taking the time and partaking in opportunity to put their stamp in on the writing our mag! Last words are yours! process. As for as productivity, we are never Thank you for giving us the time and attention in satisfied, so we continue to perfect the songs your most excellent metal mag! We appreciate we have, while working to create new music. everyone in the metal scene, and we thank you We are studio ready and stage ready. for helping to promote SHADOWLYNX! www.reverbnation.com/SHADOWLYNX Thanos Stafylarakis

•47• Anxiety”, “The X” and “Useful Idiot”. “High Anxiety” deals with my battle with panic/anxiety disorders, which really seemed to rule my life at the time. This has the energy and drive of that Era and I’m very happy with GENOCIDE and HENDRICKSON are two obscure names/ it! “The X| is a love song (not), albums when it comes to 80s US Metal. Despite the time dedicated to everyone’s ex-wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend... I will let you fill in span between them (1982 and 1987), they are both the the gaps. “Useful Idiot” goes way back to the GENOCIDE days but was brainchild of guitarist Gary Hendrickson, who returned originally called “Rhonda”; a song about a Catholic nymphomaniac. I was not in late 2014 with a private CD under his name... A great comfortable with the lyrics at this point in my life, and chose to write new lyrics guy and dedicated musician, Gary’s story is one of the most expressing my complete distain with our narcissistic dictator President, and the clueless automatons that support him; The American left. “The Hydra” was interesting we have presented in our pages. Be sure to written by my daughter Amy Hendrickson, and is actually a 4 minute acoustic check out his old releases and give ‘Signs of Life’ a chance. song. I always loved this tune, so Amy was good enough to allow me to create a 10 minute metal opus, and did a fantastic job doing the vocals. Very heavy, Hello Gary and welcome to Steel for an Age #4… It’s been so many colorful track. “Time takes Time” is a look at my daily recovery from alcoholism, years that anyone heard from you, that it only makes sense to ask what and was a personal musical challenge. I wanted to see if I could write a song have you been up to after the “Maestro” LP and how did you decide to that was under five minutes, no electric guitar, no guitar solo and fades out at return with a brand new CD? the end. I think I succeeded, and the video turned out very well also. “Wishing Thank you for this opportunity; your fanzine is fantastic and I’m honored to you were Here” was a 70s love song by the un-metal band CHICAGO. I always be a small part of it! It’s great to still be rocking after all these years. I’ve had thought it would be a great heavy song, and I wanted to honor Terry Kath in a pretty cool life, but like everyone else, ups and downs. After supporting the some small way. Very happy I was able to do it. “The Seven Rays” of course is “Maestro” album release, HENDRICKSON was together until 1991, then I just by Todd Rundgren’s “Utopia” and was floating around in my head since I heard decided to disappear. The grunge scene from Seattle and the pop-indie scene it in 1975. A great musical challenge, I took pleasure in attempting to recreate was killing , not just metal. Along with alcohol and drugs, this was the song in total. The entire record comes in at about 50 minutes, and I am the perfect storm… I just pretty much gave up on life itself. In 1998 I was given very proud of it. After 27 years I had a lot of trepidation, but happy I can still the gift of a second chance at life and at 37, clean and sober, started to rebuild. produce at 53! I worked in Alaska for many years, and then lived in Seattle. I was traveling to Although it may be too early to tell (as the CD was released late 2014), Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean, hiring university students to what are the reactions? work in Alaska. I traveled 200 days a year and made a shitload of wonderful It’s really early to comment on sales, especially with friends and family buying friends! In 2009 I moved to Florida and spent a year working with my daughter it. I expect sales to be very small. I am very realistic about the music business, Amy Hendrickson’s band touring the east coast of the USA, Then came back and sales are difficult; especially physical CD sales. That is my wish… to sell to California in 2011 where I still am today. I spent 20 years not thinking of physical copies. The sound quality of MP3 is terrible and FLAC is a step in the music, or even owning a guitar. I finally had the financial means to slowly put right direction, so the actual CD represents the music best. Of course, vinyl together a recording studio. I rented an old office building and converted it into is back and that is wonderful! It sounds phony, but sales are not the reason Hendricksonyx Studios which is where I live and record; Very handy having I do this; if it was I would be crazy. It is a personal challenge and expression the studio so close to my bed! I bought some guitars and started “noodling” because I love it and it is a part of me I’m sharing. If you’re trying to get around…testing the waters. rich in music in 2014, you might want to reconsider your career path! I am The new CD is called “Signs of Life”. Tell us a few things about it. very excited about the play that “Signs of Life” is getting on Spotify, Slacker, Last year I had quite a few tunes recorded, and they were sounding really good. Rhapsody, and Yandex. This to me is what it’s about; having people hear the It took about a year to develop a decent work flow with the Superior Drummer music. This was impossible 20 years ago. software and the DAW set up. So I started sending rough tracks to friends and What were some of the first bands that initiated you to rock music? family and the response was really powerful; everyone was wondering if I was My first influences were imbedded by my 3 older brothers. Brian was listening going to release a new record. So I decided to go in that direction. In May of this to JETHRO TULL, SANTANA, Bowie and BLACK SABBATH. David introduced year I had a heart attack and ended up in the hospital; the doctor put in two me to THE BEATLES, WINGS, BREAD, CHICAGO and Elton John. Dale gave cardiac stents, so now I can proudly claim to have a Metal Heart!!! I remember me Frank Zappa, THE DOORS, CREAM, Jean Luc Ponty, LED ZEPPELIN, Robin seeing the EKG monitors and my life signs beeping away. The album title “Signs Trower and FOCUS. One night I heard DEEP PURPLE’s “Highway Star” blasting of Life” came from that, and is appropriate. Every track on the record represents out of a friend’s room…I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! DEEP PURPLE was an important part of my life and it all came together from there. the first band that truly inspired me as a guitarist. Ritchie Blackmore was doing Are any of the songs older ones that were rearranged for this release? things that no one else had done, and with Ian Gillian’s vocals giving us the Tell us a few things about the recordings. first real “metal” voice, I was smitten. The mid-seventies brought an explosion Yes, three of the tracks were re-worked GENOCIDE/HENDRICKSON tunes: “High of rock music! I was enthralled with Hard Rock and . Trying to improve my guitar chops, I destroyed countless vinyl records in an effort to learn my favorite riffs. This is how we had to learn guitar back then; no videos, or Star Licks DVD’s. Just scratching that LP to death. I never took a lesson in my life, which is why I have such an odd fingering style. When did you decide to form a band and play your music instead of just listening or even playing cover tunes? 1975 was the first year. My first bands were performing at local schools, church functions, and on my neighbor’s porches or in their back yards. Ritchie Blackmore, Terry Kath, Jan Akkerman, John McLaughlin, Robert Fripp, David Gilmour and Steve Howe were my guitar heroes at that time, and I was obsessed with their individual styles. On July 18, 1975, my life changed forever when I saw YES and Todd Rungren’s Utopia live. YES was supporting their “Relayer” album and it was my introduction to the “Huge Stage Production.” They had lasers, and the giant Roger Dean Crab-things floating around on stage and the fog and lights; I was hypnotized! But the real impact was UTOPIA’s third song in their set which was “The Seven Rays”. This song would be the impetus of my musical future, and would be in my brain for the next 40 years, until I was able to record it for “Signs of Life”. Again, everything changed in 1979 when the first VAN HALEN record was released, and it lit a fire under me, and most guitarists. The approach to guitar playing changed overnight, and the guitar world exploded. Along with VAN HALEN, I was obsessed with bands such as KANSAS, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, SAXON, KISS, TED NUGENT and RUSH, along with the guitar playing of Neil Giraldo, Roger Fisher, Gary Moore, and Brian May. Was this act GENOCIDE? How did you come up with the name? My bands had various names at that time, and we were playing the bar circuit which meant anywhere from Salt Lake City to Long Beach California. We were opening for touring acts, and I was writing original material but we were playing mostly covers. Most of these groups were three-piece which was rare. I was writing furiously striving for the perfect blend of the progressive rock I loved, and the hard-edged rock that would become heavy metal. SAVOY BROWN’s road manager told me one night to get off my ass and start playing my own songs, or I’d end up in the bars forever. I took that to heart. I finally grew tired of the stupid band names we were using, and the direction we were going musically. I was really into PRIEST and MAIDEN at the time, and no one else in that area was playing heavy rock, so I knew this was the direction for me. In 1980, the band members met after rehearsal. I remember that I had 3 bottles of Chivas Regal and said “we are not leaving this room until we have a new band name, and finish these 3 bottles”. I was listening to “Unleashed in the East” by JUDAS PRIEST at that time and suggested the name GENOCIDE because it sounded so heavy and bad ass. The band loved it, so GENOCIDE officially became our name. A lot of people thought that there was some underlying, insidious political statement being made; that was all bullshit. The name just sounded really cool.

•48• “Too Long” was released in 1982 from your own label. If I am not mistaken you relocated from Utah to New York to record the album, but also to try and see what you would do there as an aspiring new band, right? We never officially relocated to New York. Our home base was always Salt Lake bands did was record a demo to pass around. If you had the means, some would actually go to Los Angeles to do this, but most recorded in their basement. I was thinking, “I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. How can I be different?” I didn’t want some candy-ass . I wanted to do a real album! So I convinced the band members at that time (Ritchie James was now our keyboard player along with Bill Clark on bass, and Bob Sutton on drums) to beg borrow or steal money to make this happen, and we did! But also where do we go? Everybody went to L.A.; I said fuck L.A., we’re going to New York where the real bad-asses are. L.A. at this time was all punk and , though VAN HALEN finally did break out that year. I did research on the recording scene in New York, and made a deal with a studio that was owned by FOGHAT’s guitar player. We raised the cash, and in January 1982 went to New York. When we arrived, we went to the studio and found a sheriff’s notice on the door saying the property was closed or condemned; something like that. We were crushed, and I remember some serious discussion in the car about taking the $6,000 we had raised and buying a shitload of cocaine and beer… Just party until we ran out of money! Luckily, I had a backup studio and we contacted them. This was Fred Guarino at Tiki Studios, and he took us in and tailored the record that is still great to listen to today. Fred is a Why there was never a 2nd album from the band? pro and was a Godsend, and I worked with him again last September when we Many feel that “Maestro” was GENOCIDE’s second album, and in a way it was. mixed and mastered “Signs of Life” at Tiki Studio’s in New York. So the four of “Too Long” was officially released in the summer of 1982. It seemed that the us lived in a motel with a frozen toilet, and recorded GENOCIDE’s “Too Long” in band at that time was cursed. After getting back from New York, all of our gear about a week. After we ran out of cash we went back to Salt Lake. I did name was stolen from our rehearsal loft, and I was having a “Spinal Tap” issue with the label Genocide Records and still use that moniker today. our bass players. We lost two bass players to vehicle accidents, and Bill Clark How did you see the New York scene at the time, despite the short time disappeared a few years after the release. I just could not seem to hold onto you spent there? Definitely one of the strongest scenes in the States bass players. A stripped down version of GENOCIDE was very successful from with bands like TWISTED SISTER, OVERKILL, ANTHRAX, MANOWAR, 1984 to about 1986 as a full-fledged metal trio. This was a very fun time; we THE RODS, VIRGIN STEELE and RIOT being the most known over many were very aggressive, loud, and sported the leather, spandex, and chains of more upcoming acts. First of all, how do you see the mentioned acts? our heroes. We did a video for “Sunday in Utah” on a skyscraper helipad in What were some of the ones you distinguished while being there? downtown Salk Lake for MTV’s Basement Tapes, but never released it because We had to borrow a lot of gear to record the album, so Fred hooked us up with it was so terrible! You can see this video on my YouTube channel. We played his friends in the scene and they helped us out. These guys took us around to originals (that ended up on the HENDRICKSON record), and a nice selection of experience the New York scene and it was overwhelming! Your right when you obscure SAXON, SCORPIONS, LOUDNESS, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and say the strongest scene; disco and punk were was starting to fade, and the rock KROKUS covers. Bob Sutton is a true road warrior and stayed with me through scene was exploding. New York was hard and raw, whereas L.A. was polished all of this. He is an incredible guy, and a drummer that has balls as big a church and slick. The big acts at the time were TWISTED SISTER still unsigned, ZEBRA, bells. We just could not seem to sustain this without going in a slightly different ELIXIR, MAZARIN and the GOOD RATS. RIOT came a little later on I believe, but direction. GENOCIDE officially was disbanded in 1987 when I took a break, and we had the chance to open for them years later. OVERKILL was across the river started thinking about different options. in New Jersey and I would have killed to see them. They are one of my favorites It took 5 years for the release of “Maestro”, this time under your name today! MANOWAR was always in a league of their own; still are. We played a set you with and Bob Sutton the only two members. First of all, why did with MAZARIN in a club on Long Island which was a trip; 4 Salt Lake white boys you relocate to Utah? Was it frustration and disappointment from the getting up on stage with some heavy-hitters was a great experience. NY scene, or something completely different? And why didn’t you How many copies did you print of this LP and where did most interest continue with the previous band name? come from? Did you send any copies to record labels? I suppose yes, so GENOCIDE turned out to be a liability in the end. Hair/ was taking over I would be curious to hear what their replies were. and our leather and stud approach was pretty much old news. HENDRICKSON We pressed 1000 copies of the LP and actually sold quite a few. We put them basically was a solo record, but had the same energy and hard/fast riffs we in the stores, and nobody knew we were a local band! It really shocked the were known for. Spandex was traded in for denim and tee shirts. I was having status quo. The musicians were pissed! You can’t do that! It must be a 4 song a very difficult time personally. In 1986 I was diagnosed with an acute panic/ demo cassette recorded in a basement! No Fair! (Two other local bands released anxiety disorder. The problem was, in 1986 no one knew anything about them, vinyl records a year later). We sent records and tapes everywhere. Record so the doctors doped me up with every anti-depressant, benzodiazepine, and labels would not accept vinyl, so we sent cassettes to them and never heard MAO inhibitor on the planet. I was a complete mess, and alcohol & cocaine just a word. So we shipped them all over the west coast, and it really helped to made it worse. I felt like I was dying, and I was. Reading the liner notes in the build the following that we needed to get work. There were a few reviews, and album is very depressing to me, to relive that sadness and negativity. But it independent radio play. The theme seemed to be “music ahead of its time”, made for heavy music! but some of the individual performances were criticized. I was often criticized The style of this LP was more in line with the current because, GENOCIDE was…me. Guitar, vocals, wrote and arranged all of the Metal scene and included heavier and songs. Why did I bother with using a band name when it seemed to be all: faster numbers with great sounding Gary Hendrickson? This would be a big part of the “Maestro” release years later. guitars. Was it a choice you made Did you feel that the musical style of the “Too Long” LP was getting dated at a time when everyone was pushing for a heavier and faster approach? No, it seemed to be the opposite. It seemed that RUSH and KANSAS were about the heaviest “Prog-rock” around, which isn’t very heavy. (I will not mention STYX). I wanted to combine the Prog and metal elements together, much like a heavier DEEP PURPLE. I remember hearing DREAM THEATER for the first time in the 90s and thought “damn, they sound like GENOCIDE would have if we had kept going.” Plenty of Progressive bands but Progressive metal did not exist and all of the clubs wanted STYX, JOURNEY, ZZ TOP, and maybe some KISS… very lame. I was very proud of that record and what we accomplished. It seemed to be loved or hated, but is still a hyper collectible to this day. Yes, you’re correct in this part, I was thinking of a “comparison” between your LP and the then rising Heavy/ Power Metal scene with METALLICA, ACCEPT, IRON MAIDEN etc. Bands that were getting harder and heavier… It is very strange to think about, but in 1982 there was no internet, no iTunes, no Facebook. We had Circus, Hit Parader, and Creem magazines, and bought records at the record store. Most of the bands that broke in the early eighties like METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and so forth were still unknown to us. It was all word of mouth. We were lucky in that the major tours would cycle through Salt Lake, so we could see these bands, but it was still very underground for metal. TWISTED SISTER and QUIET RIOT broke the rules that year by having “We’re not gonna take it” and “Metal Health” played on am radio which was a big deal. Salt Lake was generally 2 years behind the rest of the country; it still is…

•49• before writing songs Both records you for “Maestro” or did have released are it come naturally? wanted from both What about the lyrics; fans and collectors. what were some of the How and when did themes that you saw you become aware fit to put next to your of the interest in songs? your music? How This was the natural did it feel to have progression from the people interested three piece GENOCIDE in what was just a trio Era. It was a lot more box or two in your aggressive and powerful. basement? The songs and lyrics It was incredible! I mostly were from that was first contacted by time; frustration, anger, an American company and disillusionment in the mid 90s, about with life in general. As getting ahold of the with the GENOCIDE GENOCIDE record. I record, my lyrics were could not believe that usually centered on my this was happening. life experiences, my Then requests from adolescence, and my Greece, Germany, childhood. Anyone that and Italy came asking grows up in a Mormon about both of the albums and I did what I could to get these records to them. It family in Utah knows that all we thought about was sex, sex, and more sex. was not until probably 2000 that I started seeing the online vinyl places selling Anything that was forbidden became fodder for a song. “Sunday in Utah” these records for a crazy amount of money. I am contacted at least once a displays this perfectly. “Babette” is a true story about an inflatable sex-doll that month for vinyl, or information about the records. Sweden lately has been all one of the caught when David Lee Roth kicked her off the stage at a over it, and Russia has a few buyers as well. It is an amazing feeling, and I’m show in Boise. We patched her up with bicycle patches and took her everywhere. very grateful for all those that love the music. There is bootlegging going on She was our “Ed the Head”! We even tried filling her with helium to float above obviously, but in my position that’s very positive; people are listening! the drum riser. (This did not work). “Counting on a Fantasy” was also about sex. There is also a CD version for both albums you did, from Retrospect “The Red is dead” lyrics were written after the Korean Flight was shot down by Records. How was the deal between you made and are you satisfied the Soviets in 1983; it really pissed me off. “Phantoms in The Air” was about with the final result? losing my two children to divorce who were 3 and 4 at the time, “Don’t Ask Me This is an awkward question; I hate to talk shit and they are very nice guys. The to Dance” was written for all of the musicians who bust their balls to write music, relationship with this company can be summed up in one word: strange. They and perform it giving 100% energy, and some moron on the dance floor is upset contacted me in 2008 about releasing both records and I agreed. I knew full because they can’t dance to it! “When Worlds Collide”, “Human on the Run” and well that companies like this play on your ego and re-kindle your thoughts of “Bent on Self Destruction” were my Epitaph in a way. I was really convinced that Glory Days, and it worked. But I felt good about it at the time, and had nothing I was not going to live much longer; the anxiety/panic attacks and drug and to lose. I wanted all of my proceeds to go to the Make a Wish Foundation which alcohol use were taking their toll. I am glad that did not happen! is a great charity that helps terminally ill children receive a wish. I was taken “Maestro” was another private pressing (1000 copies if the info I have back when I saw that the CD cover of “Maestro” was changed, and every time is correct) for you. Does this mean no labels were interested, or maybe I asked for a sales update I was avoided. Eventually, they just fell off the radar you decided to do it on your own to retain as much control as possible? and I stopped asking. I am disappointed that the charity funds have not been Mostly it was my impatience with the way things were “supposed” to be done. dispersed, but other than that I don’t really care. I wanted to play, and get a following, but also express myself in the studio. If Understanding that this is just a passion for you, but on the other you are going to take the time and money to record, why not do it for real? Also hand you take this seriously from all aspects that concern your music you mention control, and yes that’s a big part. Courting record companies is a (recording, packaging, promotion…), what are your future plans? full time job, and usually a big compromise happens. I just did not wait for the My goal is to re-mix and re-master both early records by 2016 and re-release dream, I made the dream. on vinyl, and CD. The master tapes need to be “baked” and transferred to a Did you have a distribution company pick up the LP (as many digital format, then I will return to Tiki in New York and have them mixed and independent bands had managed to do back n the day), or was it just mastered. I have begun drum tracks on a new record just a few days ago, and you and a small circle of friends that did the work? am very excited once again to dive into new material, and recreate some of It was just us. Finding distribution in the 1980s was just as difficult as getting the old GENOCIDE catalog. Also I have been doing video experimentation and signed to a label. They would distribute if you had radio play, but you couldn’t hope to release a few videos for “Signs of Life”; I have 2 promotional videos get radio play without distribution. Catch-22. So we did all of it through mailing, already, but would like to do something real. And finally, at some point I would or giving to friends that would travel, and we would go to the record stores and love to do the new material live; possibly resurrecting GENOCIDE…who knows? do a consignment deal. We just wanted it out there. The sky is the limit! As there is little info on the band after the LP release, please let us Gary thanks for everything! Close this extensive and detailed feature know how the following years went for you and the band. any way you like! Greetings from Greece! Yes, very little information. With the age of the internet, more and more Thank you again for this great opportunity! I am humbled by the passion in information has come out. I really did not get involved with the internet until which collectors and metal fans around the world have shown in regard to my 2002, and even then I could find little information about GENOCIDE and music and records. If it was not for you, and fanzines like yours, this would have HENDRICKSON. The Encyclopedia Metallum and other collector sites have all disappeared decades ago. METAL! \m/ been all over it though. Recently, I have been releasing old videos from the http://hendricksonyx.com HENDRICKSON Era, and the GENOCIDE video fiasco. There are new videos as Kostas Kailiazis well. My website is getting larger every day with information so I hope to keep that current.

•50• to stop, and get something transfixed we could be proud of. I think in 1995, I trademarked the name MINDCAGE and decided no matter what, we had to have an independent release that was the best it could be, and get it out there. So, this is demo for “Encapsulation” you are referring to. It was only a demo to shop to labels at that time because, again, it was not quite finished. Three years later, in 2000 you release on your own the “Encapsulation” CD, including both songs from the tape. Are those recordings the same and added as bonus songs in addition to the ones you had written/recorded at the time, or entirely new recordings? “Encapsulation” was written very quickly… all from new ideas and not looking back at anything. I just wanted a fresh start for MINDCAGE. But, as I touched on, it was not quite complete from our recording sessions and we ran out of money. A couple of years later I became rather fluent in digital audio recording and editing on a basic level and was able to properly finish up songs like “Outrage” and a few others. It was just the icing on the cake things and a few edits but back in the late 90s we were playing with digital tape formats and just getting familiar with accessible computer based solutions. Rising Sun picked it up in Germany as a distributor, and actually they were very excited and pushed it all over Europe. It was, to our surprise, very well received. I was grateful to them, and glad I pushed to get this done. I was then positive it was necessary to do whatever you must as an independent artist to get your music realized and out there to the world. The band made a comeback 13 MINDCAGE has been around for many years. In fact, their (yes, thirteen!!!) years after with “Our own Devices”. I think that the first question is obvious. Why the HUGE time span between those two debut CD, “Encapsulation” was released in 1997, while its’ releases? Did the band break up or was put on hold? follow up, “Our own Devices” in 2013… Some may say that In my quest to get music done independently, I had developed some skills which they are another band that makes a come-back to jump lead to a career in Digital Media Technology. It was an awesome experience, but it was no longer a day job type of situation. It was a very demanding and fast on the wagon with hopes of getting some of the fans’ and moving career and incredible opportunity. It did become the main focus of my life media attention. Well, this is definitely NOT the case. There for many years and it simply was very difficult to find time to be active with a band are two ways to realize it. One is laid out in the following and record. At the same time, in the US, it had become pointless to me to play pages with the words of Dietrick Hardwick, guitarist and live venues around the Bay Area to the same fans and friends. It was frustrating, because I also worked directly with the major record labels with my career and mastermind of the band. The other is to buy/listen to their I realized how extremely unlikely particularly in that time period it would be to albums and especially “Our own Devices”, the ambitious get signed by a major label. So, the emerging indie market was the only option first part of a trilogy that will be completed in the band’s and it had to be done when there was time to be creative. Unfortunately, it took a decade or more of putting my music secondary to everything before I following works. became very sick about it. I literally had a break-down in my life, where my spirit had reached its lowest point and I had become defeated by alcohol and Welcome to the new installment of Steel for an Age. Since MINDCAGE is depression. It was that low point which was the touchstone to realizing music is a relatively unknown band, could you please give is a short bio to begin a very spiritual and powerful thing for the soul… especially for people who must with and the main line-up changed that have occurred in the 17 (!!!) express themselves creatively. It could not be denied or secondary, and it was years since you first appeared in the Metal scene? actually essential for me to live, thrive, and be healthy. So, I emerged out of years I joined a group of musicians that went to California to “make it big” in 1986; of futility into some light and began doing rather than just dreaming. I forget the name… we changed it many times. But I became the only guitarist “Our own devices” is released by Kinematic Music, what I understand is a in time and main songwriter. In a way, as a single guitarist coming out of a two band-owned label/company. Congratulations for the AMAZING work that guitar band... I was forced to find a unique approach to playing both parts in the you have put through in all aspects. Did you try to shop the album to any earlier material. So, that way of thinking in terms of two complex chord voicing independent labels before? If yes, were the reactions negative or maybe and contrary motion, odd intervallic passing tones, etc. cemented my current the conditions weren’t to your liking? odd approach to composing on one guitar. The other guys came and went and it was always me regrouping and always me composing all music after 1988 or so. In songwriting, I have to make the bookends of an arrangement and carefully discover the journey in between. I took music very seriously always, whereas others seem to see it as more of a form of recreation. That was frustrating, because it was my medium for artistic expression. I grew up with artists and musicians in my family and the guitar just happened to be my paint brush, or pen. There was one drummer and one bass player who really helped define the sound and style of what became MINDCAGE and were the best chemistry, we kind of found that sound together and so even though they have come in and out of the band, I still credit bassist Brian Howell and drummer Craig Nudo as helping me to create what I now am the vanguard of; the signature sound of MINDCAGE. Was MINDCAGE the name of the band from the beginning? How did you choose it? Is there a meaning behind it? I had changed the name simply because I had been through several record deal offers under earlier names, all of my choosing, and always someone left or there was another problem or argument over a name. And the reason was also because the name always appeared in my life since I read a book as a teenager with the title and it symbolized the idea that we feel trapped or oppressed… but maybe the cage is unlocked.. we just have to open the door to feel the air of freedom in our lungs. This is what I write about, the human condition and its struggles. So the name suits the music, too! So, I made MINDCAGE for that reason. Your first release was the 1997 demo tape; was this recorded to “test” the waters in a studio for yourselves and maybe shop around (what was the feedback if you sent it around)? Was this commercially available and if yes, how many copies did you print and sell? I produced many recordings since I was young. Some were very good. But I was not happy with the outcome of it, usually it was either unfinished or the vocals were not working, it would be embarrassing. Ego can get in the way, we had no third party producer or so to tell anyone their part did not work well. Also, it was harder back then, and some band members really felt performing live was more important. Or to keep writing more songs so we were not bored. I felt we needed

•51• Kinematic Music was actually not a band owned label at all. We simply had made In 2012, a Maryland based act, BURNING SHADOWS (we have interviewed a Kickstarter campaign to finish our record and were approached by a company them in our previous issue) released a similar concept CD based on called Kinematic Entertainment which is primarily interested in making movies “Gather, Darkness!” by Fritz Leiber. Do you know this release and band? I and comic-con events. They liked our concept and were metal fans, but they am sure you will like them! did not have an established music label. So, I think they viewed us as a creative No, I do not! But I will certainly check them out!! property that could be developed and our concept could carry over to the graphic World-class producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY, DOKKEN, novel, screenplay, and other opportunities they loved to do. Unfortunately, if you MEGADETH among others…) is responsible for the final mix. I will not do not have a very experienced and established position in the even ask if the final result satisfies you, so how did you decide to work today it is very difficult. Ultimately, they supported us very well and produced our with him? How was working with him? A great learning experience? video, allowed us to headline their inaugural comic-con event as our debut and As I mentioned, I knew Michael from years earlier. And of course, I was a huge did a lot of great things. But were unable to do what is most necessary, which is fan and it had to be put aside not to bug him with all the questions about his work to get us into a real physical distribution chain and with the right promoters for and ACCEPT, etc... But he was always a very down to earth, very gentle person touring, etc... They were very good to us, but it takes very strong connections, to talk with. And you wanted to be around him because he exuded that energy management, and PR to get everything going. They decided that the music of the metal kid inside and at the same time he had incredibly high standards he industry was not where they wanted to be, and if you look at the state of it, it held everything to. Very detailed but effortless, and it inspired me just to be in is perfectly understandable. The industry is still tied to antiquated and archaic his presence. It made me want to aspire to that ideal which was exceptional and business models, and it is suicide for most business professionals without the meticulous about the work and care in all things… down to even the quality of right inroads and established alliances to try to start up today. life things like… one of our favorite shared passions… good sushi. The demos of It’s been over a year since the CD has been released, so how have the the music we brought in were recorded well in many aspects but particularly, the reactions (and sales) been? Both from the press and fans? Did you see drums were recorded with a room sound and lots of mic bleed. So, Michael did that the long break you took “hurt” the band in a sense? have some challenges. But he is simply brilliant and if I told you how much work The break was fine. The name MINDCAGE is well known, if not from the band he does just to make one minor detail, much less fix a whole messy drum mix, then from my participation in the metal community with Perpetual Motion and I would have to kill you. Or he would kill me for divulging trade secrets. But he helping other bands from outside the US become known here. I believe helping basically re-recorded room sounds and glued it all together using his instincts and others is most important then if and when I can do what I love, I hope the music any anomalies in our demo were handled. We actually had 75% of very workable touches others too. I am not too concerned about the outcome, but sure I hope tracking so, we finished the album by recording some more guitars and solos, for success and am dedicated to achieving at least a workable professional career and all vocals… and Michael mixed it. It is a dream come true to work with him. so I can keep creating music. I believe you have to do the work, pay the dues, Now, we have just done two songs which he recorded from the ground up and and incredible willingness to endure the hard road of music. It is amazing to me produced completely. It is an extension of “Our Own Devices” for a Special Edition. that bands have success in today’s economy, they work very hard. I am ready I have written the story as a trilogy, so we do hope to record more with Michael. to do whatever it takes. These other bands like PAIN OF SALVATION and PRIMAL Whether it is more of this saga or something totally different, he is the MAN. He FEAR and so many who work so hard and do not compromise, they are my heroes gets what you are going for and just makes it look easy taking it to unexpected to show me it can be done. You cannot buy your way into it or do anything other and higher levels. than work hard and follow your heart and intuition. At least, for true artists who Without wanting to enter “gossip fields”, the combination of the mixing have something that may not agree with the current trend or flavor of the month. credits, the promotion that the band has and the overall professionalism We are happy that Michael Wagener was able to make our music more accessible surrounding the band, make me think that you are either millionaires or to mainstream with just some refining of our sound. We still retain our sound, it simply believe a lot in your band. I admire this, but don’t you think that is even more concentrated and potent… so I have learned less is more and we do almost all new bands have a huge disadvantage before even entering not play prog for prog’s sake… we want to create art. the “arena”, this being the state of the scene nowadays, with thousands “Our own devices” is a concept dealing with a dystopic society… A quite of new bands, tons of old acts reuniting and the labels (even most of interesting subject, so what’s your opinion on the following books the smaller ones) cashing in any trend they can? (well, this has always that each to its’ own became the cornerstone for this kind of fiction? been their job, no blame here). If you think about it, don’t you think that “1984” by George Orwell, “Brave new World” by Aldus Huxley and the despite your efforts, making the next step may be in vain? less known “We” by Yevgeny Ivanovich Zamyatin (written in 1927!!!)? Well, you are right. There is a glut of bands and it seems unwise to throw money Where did you draw inspiration from? Really, do you think that there are into these things. We had certain advantages. Kinematic certainly supported us, twists in this “theme” that haven’t been yet written? and having some history with Michael Wagener is a great thing. Ultimately, you It just came out very quickly; I never thought I would write a story or a fiction cannot buy your way into the hearts and minds of the fans. If you have a big, of any kind. I always thought it would be real subject matter about the human experienced label with a long term roadmap then you have a real advantage. condition, like “Encapsulation”. But I was attracted to the prophetic vision of H.G. But we have never had that. In light of the last record, and the debut… there Wells and the olde world visceral technology of Tesla and Jules Verne from my is some more notability but maybe it does not amount to much unless you can youth. I often described the MINDCAGE sound as something like one of these go out and stay active and be in front of fans, sweat and bleed, and play your cantankerous contraptions with whirring gears and both patina and rust and hearts out. It shows me that unless you have some great gimmick or luck, it just gleaming metal. Like in the Myst games from way back. I also wrote all lyrics for takes what it takes. So, in that case, we will keep making noise every chance we my music but I wanted to work on material I had not written lyrics for and trust can and keep playing every chance we can. It reminds me of FATES WARNING; in my new singer Jeff. So, I had already started thinking of the story around my they had so many albums out. Some were very poorly produced, but the music journey and translating it to fiction. And I thought, it would be interesting for the transcended that and they remained true. They still have not realized the success character to be a woman they deserve. Why is that? Who knows the answer? KINGS X is another band. because, I think women There are probably thousands of great bands we will never hear anything from. are very powerful and still So, we do what we whatever we can and stay true to ourselves, and we are in society often treated as grateful if we have anyone who appreciates what we achieve, and support us! second class citizens in One thing that someone quickly notices in MINDCAGE are the great vocals some cultures. I found out of Jeff Hignite. Would you agree that he shares quite a few common I had a personal connection points with the late Michael Grant? (CRESCENT SHIELD, ONWARD among through my love for Sci Fi many others…) to a writer who had, as a A friend here in my town kept telling me about Jeff. And he shares many area kind of tongue in cheek pun, friends and it is a small metal scene here but always he talked about gear and coined the word Steampunk guitars. We talked on the phone many times about meeting up but I was so busy in answer to a journalist… working on music and I did not want to spend money or be excited about guitars to describe his modern or gear. He sent me some songs and I listened and I thought, yes, it is good… it book Infernal Devices. It sounds different than my style which is very purist. It sounded quite processed was just a momentary like a Rockman or so… even the vocals. But the vocals had this quality I had to thing he said in response, finally ask Jeff. I said, man… you are a great player and the songs are cool demos, thinking about William we should jam and maybe do something with twin guitars for fun sometime… but Gibson’s Cyberpunk genre. who is your vocalist. He said “Ahh. That’s me. I do what I can, man.” And my jaw Re-imagining the world dropped. Because he did not seem to think of himself as a vocal force or I totally with Victorian ideals having missed that aspect. I freaked out, because I immediately knew he had a special evolved on alternate power gift in there… potential… but he had to be willing to have help with it. And he was such as steam. Then it hit a very humble, nice guy… and it turns out… brilliant closet guy who simply was me, there was a name for as frustrated by the idea of hopelessness in the scene and maybe lacked some what we sound like, what confidence or something. When we met it just all evaporated into the aether… we my story was… and so, I both knew we were on the same page and wanted to write epic music. He has thought... well then maybe his ideas of how to create and I have mine so there is some creative tension but this album is Steam-Prog. we struggle with it and great things happen, and that’s the magic. For me, he is I, too, am tired of Goth the voice I have always searched for, for my music. And I think it will be great to clichés of vampires and the write together specifically to his voice. The potential is enormous for what we can whole mystical dragons and do, but as always… you have to leave it to faith and chance. I do not analyze or demons stuff. This was new. contrive or pre cog (excuse the pun, lol..) songwriting. Whatever will be, will be. I sent my ideas about each The promo sheet states MINDCAGE as a progressive Metal band. I am song from start to finish by not into labeling every band there is, but you have to admit that it helps text, along with adjectives, some times. In your case I would say that is not so accurate and doesn’t lyrics, story, etc. and Jeff help the band either, since progressive Metal is SO distorted a term for would send me back a demo many years now (ever since almost every band decided to copy “Images with lyric. We would adjust and Words” and the band that recorded it lost track and never managed it and go... there it is! We to record something even similar to the first two LP’s), that when a are making something new, progressive metal fan listens to the band will be “disappointed” since and brilliantly flying along your musicianship is not of the “show-off” kind and on the other hand on pure faith. We were in a more “neanderthal” metaller (like us) may not even give the band a the zone, it all happened chance based on the “progressive” metal tag… Your opinion? very fast. We finished the My opinion on that is, as a fan of clever music like RUSH and even ACCEPT… demo and two months more in the realm of tasteful and quirky hooks and riffs, it is always there. I later we were in Nashville think, whatever I write even the simplest thing will have something quirky. I don’t with Kinematic at Michael really set out to write progressive metal. As a musician, of course I am dazzled Wagener’s studio. by the brilliance of prog and admire bands like CIRCUS MAXIMUS and FATES

•52• WARNING who can do so much with it. I think we are closer to FATES WARNING reaction to the over-produced LA crap at the last days of metal. The industry or QUEENSRYCHE where we just want to embellish our songs. I also studied had set its sights on Seattle as new mining turf and though college alternative, with some great players who happened to live in my area in California and were zeppelin-esque, Neal Young fans, and the very interesting stoner metal of ALICE neighbors or friends. It was Shrapnel country so Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, IN CHAINS had absolutely nothing in common but we were told… hey… that is , Doug Doppler, Satriani, Tony MacAlpine, Michael Lee Firkins… all GRUNGE… and it is the new sheriff in town. It was bullshit, contrived big industry these guys were in this small community and I really hit it off with Marty Friedman stuff. So, Perpetual Motion was born. I titled it with a progressive sounding and spent a lot of time sitting with him on his couch just talking and playing name… and subtitles “A Gathering Place for Fans or Powerful, Progressive, and unplugged, I have to say out of anyone he is the guy who took my brain which Intelligent Music.” Who knew… people came. People who loved Prog, who loved was stuck in the church modes and boxes and patterns and theory and showed the new moniker for true metal spearheaded by HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY… me there are absolutely no limits or rules. No boxes. You can master the rules if Power… and just ... maybe not intelligent, but not completely inane hokey BS. you like and then throw out the book. So, when I write or compose… I follow that Somewhat intelligently conceived music. Not saying PM or my vision started idea and try to subliminally or through intuition find which ideas “marry” together. anything… it had really very little to do with me, someone else was gonna do It has resulted in a lot of non-formulaic songs and the bass and drummer going it. In fact, they already were but, you see, I cut the trolls out and kept it on crazy because I don’t count it, I feel my way through. But then of course… I topic on the passion of music. They called me the Chainsaw, but a small group ultimately end up having to figure out the time signature. Also, I believe the of bands and fans around the world started there and I have no doubt it had a melodies and lyrics from the vocals are integral to a piece. So I usually wrote very prominent role... these fans and bands connecting… in bringing the voice around that or with that in mind... the music conveys the idea presented in the back to the people. The fans actually sponsored and paid to have these great lyrics and feel of the melodies. It is crucial. I cannot throw odd bits and bobs European bands like EVERGREY and PAIN OF SALVATION, as well as our own around a room at random and be happy; though there is a time and place for who could hardly gig in their own country… those people through that and we will probably try more of that spontaneous chemistry ... there are their love of music started something. Today, we see kids with their parents at NO RULES! As for the progressive niche, I think already we don’t satisfy prog RUSH and IRON MAIDEN and even the new bands from the past two decades. To purists… we are kind of homeless in terms of genre but thankfully people hear sum it up, Metal to me is the Classical music of our time. It has the power of the familiar things from our early influences and we have been called Classic Metal symphony and the opera and drama and spirit of the great classic works and the with a prog twist, which to me is quite an honor. I don’t really care about this. I ass-kicking abandon of Rock and Roll, and rebellious thing… all in one package. called it Steam Prog, kind of tongue in cheek… we may do something completely It encompasses things we all relate to, and I certainly didn’t watch Lawrence different next. I think we will always sound like MINDCAGE whatever we do. And Welk with my parents… maybe Hee Haw… but kids today who are in their early because the music tends to get the singer out of a droning key and impose some teens know more words to IRON MAIDEN songs than me. That is a helluva scales and drama... of course, we get the comparisons to the few bands which statement. We are living in a great time for Music, and Giants have walked the play this kind of off-kilter metal like QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING… no earth again. I hope it will carry on and has not peaked! It is a very large canvas. matter what singer and how far he is from Geoff Tate I have always heard we Do you try and transfer the atmosphere of the concept on stage when sound like QUEENSRYCHE. I love those bands, but honestly I was doing far more performing live (You seem to dress like this in the CD promo shoot)? progressive stuff when I was 18 long before I heard them and then it was RUSH Please describe us a MINDCAGE show. Do you play live often? Have you and IRON MAIDEN. So, people have to draw a comparison. I do the same thing. It “formed” a core of people that follow the band gig after gig? What about just is a pet peeve to know it’s not my first rodeo and I am approaching 50! Sorry, newer fans? I had to rant a little, hehe… The video concept was kind of like we were doing a pirate radio transmission as The band hails from Florida, a state that was very important for the US characters in the story. We do not do this on stage, it would feel ridiculous! We Metal scene throughout the years. How are things there nowadays? Any go and play for the fans, and we do not try to be too theatrical. I think, if the bands that share the spirit and passion with you that you would like to band were bigger and we had some huge budget and fanbase who really wanted recommend to us? Do classic Metal bands get the chance to perform in the experience of the concept of record and were begging for it then we would club shows in a frequent basis? Has MINDCAGE shared the stage with any look at how we could do justice to that without it being hokey. It would be great bigger, local or international acts? to create the environment of the dark to light curve of the album, with set and Decades ago, in earlier incarnations we played with bands like QUIOT RIOT, wardrobe changes. It would really have to be successful and done properly. I VICIOUS RUMORS, SAIGON KICK, FATES WARNING, SAVATAGE, even KIX. We think TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA can do things like that, and it is awesome! were always told great things and we were a marquee act destined for greatness We are not on that playing field… yet! bla bla bla… but we were playing in venues where you have to pay to even play. I recently read and by the time the interview sees print will be a reality And we were drunk or high, at least after the show and no idea about being that you plan on releasing a special edition of “Our own devices”. What professional. But I always took the music very seriously, it was not a party or to are the reasons and differences? Don’t you think that in a way it’s a “get chicks”... it was my life’s work and passion, like breathing… I had to compose. unfair for the people that bought the initial CD version? Not all others I worked with felt that way, and it was more disposable I suppose I do not think it is too unfair, as the first edition was truly a concept album in for them. Those were great times, I have all the videos. We were on fire, but the old school sense where it had a very important beginning and end. The new I cringe when I see it. I want all those videos burned, haha… The hiatus really songs and art are meant only to be an extension of the complete Pt. I work hit the reset button and I am ready to start paying my real dues with a clear for the fans that really want to get deeper into the whole concept. The second, head and good and healthy people around me. In the MINDCAGE incarnation, we special edition is a digital release with two bonus tracks entirely produced by played with EVENT and FATES WARNING. That is it thus far. We are starting from Michael Wagener from the ground up, which is definitely added value. So, the square one after a long hiatus. songs are basically a sequel to the next chapter in the story. USA had a huge scene back in the 80s, but everything almost stopped What are your future plans? Should we expect a new release soon? Are in the early 90s and the scene seems to not have recovered yet. Your songs being written/recorded yet? thoughts and how could it get bigger and better, in a similar way to how I am writing and producing some other amazing projects, and focusing on it was? There are dedicated fans and supporters of classic Metal, but they building up my studio and label from a business perspective in order to be seem to be rather scattered across the states… able to do what I love to do more effectively and without being limited. From It was very discouraging but maybe meant to be, the industry and the US hair AetherWax Music, the next MINDCACE album entitled “Charting the Unseen” in metal and everything with MTV had been drained of all merit. It was just a free for late summer 2015. This is Pt. II in the Earthchime Trilogy. The album is already all, to hammer out silly sexual innuendo songs and poof your hair and go do stuff almost complete in preproduction and is on hold, while I work on another great that was not even near on par of cock rock or glitter from the 70s. KISS already project of completely different music. It is with singer Chris Salinas (POWER OF stomped on the bands coming out in the late 90s and the real and true talent OMENS, ZERO HOUR and MINDCRIME), and the band is called SILENT SENTIENT. in metal was pushed into obscurity. So, no big surprise. But this was before the So, I will be very busy and I hope sincerely that we can make it out on the road advent of the public use of personal computers and internet. Maybe there was a with MINDCAGE and SILENT SENTIENT. It is our dearest dream to tour, and we bulletin board in DOS land or so... but the internet opened things up. If you recall know that Greece is a special place filled with love of metal and prog fans. We those days, there was a lot of division amongst hard rock and metal fans. You will keep our fingers crossed and hope to see you! either were a Thrash, Speed, Heavy Metal, LA Glam, or GUNS ‘N’ ROSES person. Thanks for your time; we wish you the best for MINDCAGE and we’re I played in a cover band just for fun called DR. SAWBONZ in the mid-90s. It was looking forward to the new CD. The last words are yours… so discouraging to look at the market and touring bands and radio play … but Thank you so much for asking very frank questions, and allowing me the time we all got to pick 5 or so songs in this cover band and it was everything that we to answer them in the same context, I absolutely loved this interview and to all thought was dead. AC/DC to THIN LIZZY, to early DEF LEPPARD and JUDAS speak from the heart to you and the fans about our journey and plans. Hope to PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, the offbeat stuff like FASTWAY and my faves like UFO and see you! Cheers! RAINBOW; a real muddle. People went apeshit… they came out in droves. All the http://mindcageofficial.com while everyone was moping about thinking their music was dead but you see, Kostas Kailiazis we were more alike than we were different. That set me on an online mission to build a community and take back our damn music from the garage band lo-fi

•53• a song from QUEENSRYCHE from the “Rage for Order” LP called “Chemical Youth” and when I heard the chorus (We are Rebellion) I knew I had the name and it remained until the end….. What were your influences, both as individuals and as a collective force? KISS, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, QUEENSRYCHE, MOTLEY CRUE,DOKKEN,DIO, well most of the 80s greats. Especially the Progressive metal scene, I just loved the dynamic changes in music as opposed to just a It wasn’t until the last couple of years that another US straight forward rock tune, we all for the most part loved all the same music, Metal gem of the late 80s/early 90s was unearthed and was more greats like HELLOWEEN,GAMMA RAY, MANOWAR; well I’m sure you get made available on various downloading sites and blogspots. the idea….. There is a good and bad side to this phenomenon, but for Was the Christian message delivered through the lyrics a deliberate choice, or to put it better, was REBELLION a vessel for your ideas or the time being let’s focus to the subject in hand; one of it just felt easier to sing for what you believe(d) in? Even that way, these recordings was the 1991 “… and the Battle begins” MC, REBELLION’s lyrics shared very few common points with the ones, by USA/MA band REBELLION. In late 2014 their cassette- bands like STRYPER or BARREN CROSS for example had. LP, their demo, as well as unreleased recordings have been The Christian aspect was the fans and the industry interpretation, we have tunes that support that regard and I don’t have a problem with it, we also have dark reissued in two great looking CD’s from Cult Metal Classics. songs as well, in the later years we focused on more positive messages and a I had a great time talking with Chris st. Pierre (keyboards), more progressive style… Well we are not very much like the bands you mention, hope you find the following interview interesting as well. but don’t have anything negative to say about their style or message…… Let the Battle begin! As I understand it, Ed Snow’s departure was related to this, so if you could please give us some more info… Ed Snow was always out spoken about his beliefs. None of us had a problem with that; He would sing “Die by the Sword”, “Demons of Darkness”, “Fallen Hello and welcome to the new volume of Steel for an Age. Recently, Angel” and also vocally shined on a song such as “Enter the Silence”, a song your 1991 cassette-LP (“… and the Battle begins”) has been reissued, undoubtedly of faith and hope, which can be interpreted in different ways accompanied with another CD release including the “Does anybody depending on one’s personal interpretations. Ed did meet a person at his day care” EP and the 1991-1993 recordings sessions as bonus, both job that changed his belief in metal and to this day I still don’t understand releases out from Cult Metal Classics. How did this deal come through? how he made a quick decision to leave when we all worked so hard to create Manos Koufakis from Sonic Age Records/Cult Metal Classics discovered my a following and bring a positive experience to the fans, and our fans were the email regarding correspondence about REBELLION and asked me if I would be loudest, most faithful a band could ask for; THANK YOU!!!!! interested in a re-release of the REBELLION EP “Does anybody care” and the What was the feedback from your first tape, “Does anybody care”? Was “And The Battle Begins..” LP, as well as the 1993 unreleased sessions and the it available for sale and if yes, how many copies did you manufacture short lived 2000 reunion, from which the “Dream Again” EP was born from… We and sold? Did you send copies to any labels at the time? have provided Sonic Age with the D.A.T. of our cassette-LP, so that the audio We initially printed 500 and they sold out in a week. The response was great for result is the best possible I could provide them with. the time and taking into consideration the financial restraints in its’ creation… Are other members involved/interested in this? In less than a month we had moved 700 or 800 if I remember correctly. At that Rarely are we in contact with each other, for the most part they’ve moved on point we decided not to manufacture anymore. Right now, I think differently, to other ventures other than music, I do speak with my former bass player and but back then our priority was creating more originals and concentrating on our lead guitarist on occasion… No one is opposed to my authority to do a reissue, live shows, since this is where we were at our best and both we and the fans but sadly they are not interested in participating…. loved it… As for sending copies to labels, no we didn’t send any, as I, as well as Did you have offers from other labels? other band members thought that we can do better and wanted to focus on the Yes, we have, and most offers have been reasonable, and one label that I will live shows and creating more originals for future studio ventures. leave nameless decided enough material wasn’t available to them for a re- Did you play locally or even in other states at the time to promote its’ release. They were looking for a full band participation which music? If yes, can you name some bands and what were the gigs like? as I stated before wouldn’t be Yes, we performed locally and also in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, possible at this point. and New Hampshire. We performed with some great bands like HAMMERSMYTH, Let’s go many years back, MATHIAS STEELE, XCALIBUR, EMISSARY, SANITARIUM ANGEL and TOUCH, to when the band started name just a few. Some clubs we played in, were the famous JRs Fastlane in off. How did you come Providence R.I., Gallery 2, Campus club, Club Baby Head, Confetti’s, also in together, what were the Providence, The Channel in Boston, MA, Kennedy Park, Club Kurfew, Westport founding members and Fair, The Car Palace Witch which ultimately became our home base, so many to what was some of the list Derringers, Brockton Mass, El n’ G in Connecticut, Faces, Full Moon Saloon early line-up changes (if etc. Just about everywhere; Escape club in Salisbury, MA, with Nadir D’Priest any) until the recording of the band LONDON from LA. All for the most part were great experiences and of “Does anybody care?” we respect all the great bands we jammed with, whether we were opining or demo? headlining. The original forming of In 1991 you release your ultimate masterpiece and at the same time REBELLION was in a basement an amazinf US Power Metal release, the “And the Battle begins…” tape. in Westport, MA around March Tell us a few things about the recordings. The result is heavier and 1989 and the members at that there is a huge improvement in all aspects in this newer recording. inception were Mike (TACO) It was recorded at Black n’ Blue Studio in New Bedford, MA, engineered and Moriera (drums), Mike Doyle co-produced by Joe Reilly. “And the Battle begins…” main tracks were recorded (rhythm guitar), Guy Walkden in 5 days. We did get heavier and more progressive as we evolved into the (lead guitar) and myself, Chris Metal onslaught that the fans still enjoy to this day and we are grateful for St. Pierre (keyboards and them, we had a collective magic that was rare and our music was continuing to synths and vocals). Later on evolve with unanimous agreement on the path we chose, we were like brothers, Guy Walkden left the band including our road crew, whom which we are proud of and couldn’t have done by his own decision prior to the live shows without them, they were very dedicated!!! the “Does Anybody Care” EP This was only available as a cassette, so I guess no interest came from we recruited Greg Andree on labels, right? Was there an option for a CD (most common choice in 5 string fret-less bass, his those days) pressing or was it a budget reason? brother Eric on lead guitars At that time we were still writing even more new material with our longest standing replacing Guy and the line- line-up, Ed, Eric, Chris, Mike, Greg and Taco and as always concentrating on our up that recorded the first live shows. At that point we were still not soliciting companies at that point. A two REBELLION releases was CD wasn’t an option again due to budget constraints. Again I think different completed with Ed Snow on about this today, I’m older and wiser and am sure if it was now, undoubtedly vocals, also the 93 session with would have found away to finance more studio time to bring the best product this afore mentioned line up… possible. Even if we could have found the means to finance a CD release, I think How was the name it turned out as good as it could be, all things considered. REBELLION chosen? Was it “And the Battle begins…” was once more released on Unrecords. Was your first choice? this your label or maybe a local small label that helped in the printing I already had the name in my and distribution? Really, how many copies did you print and sell of this mind and it was the first and tape? final choice; I was influenced by UNrecords and Black n’ Blue studio are one in the same and both owned and operated by Joe Reilly. Manufacturing went to a graphics company in New

•54• Bedford, MA, called alpha Graphics for the cassette inserts and the audio went anything is possible….. to another company for duplication. I’d have to ask Joe Reilly with regard to the Surprisingly enough, there is a 2001 CD release numbers printed, as the company subcontracted for the duplications will know mentioned, “Dream Again”, a 5 song affair. What’s the better, since we are not precisely sure. My guess would be a few thousand. lineup on this release and what’s the reason for the Again we were still evolving and honing our metal machine and our emphasis different approach in the music? Was this a one-off was still on the live shows, writing new material. And our fans… release, maybe to properly record some earlier songs for Do you think that had this material reached the hands of small or even old times’ sake, or what? Why weren’t you a part of the bigger labels a few years back, it would make a difference? I mean, line-up? Bad blood between you and the other guys at the in 1991 there was almost NO interest in Classic Metal bands as it was time? And how come Guy Walkden was back in the band as either the very extreme stuff and the alternative scene that had the he wasn’t part of the previous two releases? labels’ interest. “Dream Again” for the most part was Eric Andree’s creation and I Yes, if a label executive saw one of our live shows, plus the response from think he did a great job and it was a short-lived reunion. The line-up on this the crowds, were undeniable… In those days we called it the Seattle invasion; recording is Eric Andree (lead guitar, vocals and keyboards), Mike Doyle (he that’s all mainstream record companies seemed to be interested in the early handled the bass chores here), Guy Walkden (lead guitar) and Mike Moriera 90s…I booked a show at CBGB’s in and Dave Kaplan an A&R (drums). It was a limited release and very sought after CD, and it is a little representative from CBS Records was interested and was going to make an different from REBELLION’s other recordings as it is only a small portion of the appearance at that show, sadly our Lead vocalist Ed Snow by his own choosing collective magic REBELLION created previously. Guy Walkden was recruited to left the band a week before that show, and I whole heartedly believe a fill in Lead guitars so Eric could focus on lead vocals and keyboards negotiation would have took place subsequent to that show, and deals would I guess this is the reason that these recordings were not a part of the have been offered, in those days timing was everything, sadly the show didn’t current REBELLION legacy reissue, right? take place as a result of auditions to find a vocalist comparable to Ed Snow was At this time Eric didn’t seem interested in a reissue of the “Dream Again” CD, a monumental task, and didn’t come to fruition….. the original release is very sought after and the lineup at that time did a great What were your next steps after the 1991 tape? Did you play more job, I was unavailable at that time due to personal issues I was dealing with… frequently as a result of a stronger, better recorded and distributed Another decade pass and no signs of the band. Does this mean the release? 2000 reunion (if there was one), wasn’t successful, or at least the way That was what we always did; rock on and book shows; we loved it, our you expected it to be? following grew also as did we musically, we were relentless in booking shows It was more of a jump on stage, play a few venues, more of a cover band and and also continuing creating more originals… sadly it seemed the magic wasn’t there. I do enjoy “Dream Again” though, Really, how was the rock/metal scene in your area? Any other bands as it shows the diversity of my old partner in crime Eric Andree, the “Dream worth mentioning? The amazing HAMMERSMYTH released another Again” CD and live shows were successful as to be expected, and once again killer demo around the same time (“In a dark Dream”), were you REBELLION disbanded, as I always think positive with regard to the future, familiar with the band? anything is possible regarding another reunion in the future…. Definitely, as HAMMERSMYTH kicked ass and it was a pleasure to do a show Have you kept in touch with the rock/metal scene? Any new bands with them at club Club Confetti’s in providence R.I., also with the incredible that you like and follow or some of the heroes of your youth that you MATHIAS STEELE on several occasions, an amazing 3-man band. Also SIRATH occasionally catch up? was another great band, sadly we didn’t do a show with them, but I have great I’m planning on attending the Monsters of Rock cruise in April 2015 to enjoy respect for them and Ray Boucher lead vocals and lead guitar, WE didn’t get hit some great music and old memories. with the Seattle grunge wave in southern New England as severe as the west If it wasn’t for the internet, most probably the band’s name would coast, and in my opinion the demise of the metal industry was in decline as the remain even more obscure and this interview wouldn’t take place, record companies just starting signing everyone out west in those days, east a REBELLION CD wouldn’t see the light of day and so on. How do coast metal was alive and well and there were so many more, but that was a you see this? Do you think that it would help the band(s) more if it long time ago and at my age I don’t remember everything, so my apologies if I was available then, or the “selection” that the then fan base, labels, forgot unintentionally some great bands we did shows with….. magazines, etc (in a word: the SCENE) did was for the most part what Massachusetts didn’t have a huge scene back in the 80s, or at least was “meant to be”? this is what the bands that got their material on vinyl at the time says. The advent of the internet is a powerful force for music and I am grateful What’s your opinion about STEEL ASSASSIN, DRUID, MASS, SPECTRAL for the response when REBELLION’s music reached far and wide, most likely INCURSION, TYRUS? Any other bands that made some impact in the and realistically these re-issues might not have seen the light of day, but the 80s? dedication of companies such as Sonic age records/Cult Metal Classics, my I’d have to look further into those bands you mentioned, but the 80s Gratitude to Manos is well deserved, and also to Steel underground local metal scene in southern Massachusetts was very much alive for an Age Fanzine and you Kostas, my and well, you can trust me on that one!!! There was a show at least every gratitude for keeping this alive, the fans month from national artist in southern New England, and shows always sold around the world are grateful…. out, great times back then….. Now that the music will reach some Is the “Unreleased recordings 1991-1993” that is “floating” around more people (well, not thousands, an official release of the time, or maybe a compilation put together but…), is there a chance for the band afterwards? Tell us a few things about the songs. to get back together for a show or two The 1993 sessions are my favorite and are available as the “Unreleased Sessions” locally and maybe revisit old material CD now. We pulled out all the stops in the recording of those sessions; the first and even pen new songs if enough 2 songs “Cycle of Life” and “Enter the Silence” were recorded at Fat Trax in interest is shown? Pawtucket, RI, and engineered by Tony Ricci, a graduate from Berklee college It’s unlikely for a full blown REBELLION get of music in Boston and the other 4 were recorded at Triad Recording Complex, together, as it would have to be the “And formally GPG international in Warwick, RI, a 24track state of the art studio, also the Battle begins…” line-up to consider it, but operated and owned by Tony Ricci… those sessions were not formally released as I continue to state anything is possible. I as the band became dismantled and we thought an official release wasn’t have been contacted by several vocalists realistic at that time, however copies of the demo was wide spread and shared comparable to Ed Snow for auditions and am through our fan base. The original recording date is 1992 and 1993… considering the venture possibly in the summer What led to the band disbanding (or was it just a of 2015….. long hiatus)? When did this Thanks for the chance you gave us and happen? Did any of the other for the music you created Chris. The last members continue playing music words are yours, end this feature any (not necessarily Metal) in other way you like… projects? What about you? I would like to thank you We let REBELLION die early in the Kostas Kailiazis and Steel for winter of 1994. I’m going to leave it at an Age Fanzine for a great in that for now, the way I see it anything depth interview, also Manos is possible. Eric does an acoustic show Koufakis and Sonic Age frequently at Mickey Doyle’s sports Records/Cult metal Classics pub in Fall River Mass, local sports for keeping this music alive, pub owned and operated by my former and most importantly, the rhythm guitarist Mike Doyle and our fans around the world, my drummer Mike Moriera, occasionally thanks and Gratitude to you accompanied by our drummer Taco. all….. PEACE!!!!! As for myself, I still create music Kostas Kailiazis every day in my personal Enclave, as it’s in my blood; I just cannot stop creating. It’s who I am. With regard to live performances in the future; again

•55• Among the hundreds of NWOBHM bands that I have heard, We found someone who was prepared to fund our first single. We chose “On few can compare to Yorkshire’s incredible MENDES PREY. to the Borderline” as it was short and probably more radio friendly than a lot of our other songs. We recorded it at Fairview Studios in Hull (DEFLEPPARD A handful of songs were released over the years, and the recorded some early work there) and decided to give John Spence the gig as band always managed to perfectly meld a clean, classy Producer/Engineer as we had worked with him before. Normally we produced sound with great hooks, catchy melodies, and just enough /mixed recordings ourselves. We generally recorded the whole band together metal punch to satisfy. Those interested in hearing MENDES and once the drums were right we would go back in and spend time getting guitar sounds and then replace guitar tracks and finally put on the vocals. We PREY and/or seeing them during their prime can check out only recorded the one track at Fairview as we already had the B-side, “Running some great live footage posted on Youtube by vocalist John for you”, recorded from a previous session at Woodlands Studio, Normanton. ‘Jih’ Seymour. The footage was shot by the BBC during a The tapes were sent to London to be mastered and then a test vinyl pressing concert at Leeds University in 1983 and showcases the band was sent for us to hear. We liked it and initially 1000 copies were pressed. We sold them at gigs and also used a company called Bullet for wider distribution. performing three of their best numbers (“Red Alert”, “On In those days you actually sold the singles to the distribution company, for a to the Borderline”, and “Running For you”). price less than cost, and they sold them at retail value!! The first pressings sold Several years ago I contacted Jih and conducted an out fairly quickly and we ordered another 2000 making a total of 3000 copies interview with him, but the project was then put on hold. out in the market. You also contributed “What the Hell’s Going On?” to the “Heavy Metal In December 2014 Jih got back in touch to tell me about Heroes Volume 2” compilation album around this time. There was talk the band’s upcoming anthology release. This announcement of recording a single for the Heavy Metal Records label; why did that got us talking again, so Jih and I completed and updated not work out, and how did the Levis deal materialize? the interview that you are about to read. In it, Jih takes us Funnily enough the track almost didn’t make the album! I had missed the deadline given to sign the contract. Paul Birch from HM Records sent me a letter back through the history of one of the NWOBHM’s finest. withdrawing the offer as he couldn’t wait any longer. I rang him and said it had been posted the previous day so he withdrew his letter and we appeared on the album. We were never offered a single release with Heavy Metal Records. We would have done one for them if only they had asked! We never received any How did the members of MENDES PREY come together? royalties from them either! The funny thing is the Levi’s sponsorship came from MENDES PREY formed in the late 70s as a covers band and did a handful of local the same song. Mike Alexander, a Rock DJ with Radio Aire in Leeds, was dubbing gigs. After several line-up changes in as many months, the band finally settled the tape for airplay on his show when an advertising Manager heard it and in to serious rehearsals in 1980 at Castleford Trades and the Labour Club with asked us if they could use it for a Radio ad for Levi’s jeans. We had a meeting the following members: Phil Lawn (Guitar), Steve Holt (Guitar), Tony Boulton with Levi’s and that’s how it started. At least we had clothes to wear that year! (Bass), Martin Brough (Drums) and myself, Jih Seymour on vocals. We were all Many NWOBHM fans wonder what the live scene was like at the time from the same area in Yorkshire and had all played in different bands. with so many talented young bands playing in the UK. Mendes Prey It has been reported that, like many NWOBHM bands, MENDES PREY played live extensively in 1982-1983; what were your shows like? Did played a lot of cover songs in your early days; what songs did you cover, you draw big crowds? What are some of your best and worst memories and what bands inspired you musically? from playing live? Did bands typically support one another and attend I guess we were all individually inspired by many different bands. I personally every local gig? Was there a lot of competition among bands to secure listened to a wide range of music from Bob Dylan to PINK FLOYD and BE-BOP live shows, or were there plenty of venues to play at? DELUXE to LYNYRD SKYNYRD. As a band we were influenced by bands like THIN In every town or city there were lots of small pubs and clubs offering live music. LIZZY, UFO, WISHBONE ASH and SCORPIONS to name a few. In the early days We got to see many of the bands that were getting mentioned in the music along with our own originals we covered “Don’t believe a word” and “EMERALD” press even in Yorkshire. Bands like WHITE SPIRIT and AXIS were my favourites. (THIN LIZZY), “Lights out” (UFO), “Bad Motor Scooter” (MONTROSE), “Helpless” We would hire the best sound and lighting rigs we could afford. Our stage (WISHBONE ASH), “Spirit of Radio” (RUSH), “Radar Love” (GOLDEN EARRING), backdrop was a huge eagle and guitar, which used to look stunning. None of “Let there be Rock” (AC/DC) and “Fool for your Lovin’”(WHITESNAKE). the venues ever paid the bands much. In fact most would be door takes. If you The band’s first demo was recorded in 1981, but only one song (“What didn’t pull many people you didn’t get paid much. I think our smallest crowd the Hell’s Going On?”) would later be re-recorded for a vinyl release. was around 20 and our largest around 1000! It was a great scene at the time. Were the other demo songs, such as “Take Me ‘Cross the Water” and We got to know many of the other bands; some were really friendly; others “Drifting”, similar to the classic MENDES PREY sound, or were you still were wankers! forging the band’s identity at this point? What songs were typically included in MENDES PREY’s set list during Our first demo, recorded in Jan 1981 at Woodlands Studio with Neil Ferguson this period? as Engineer, contained 5 songs, “Lone Survivor”, “Take Me ‘Cross the Water”, “Lone Survivor”, “Take Me ‘Cross the Water”, “Losin’ Man”, “Drifting”, “Don’t “Drifting”, “Losin’ Man” and “Don’t Shine” (“What the Hells Going On?” was Shine”, “What the Hell’s Going On?”, “On to the Borderline”, “Runnin’ for You”, recorded later). I thought it was a very strong demo. HM disc jocks The Bailey “Take it or Leave it (white man)”, “Flight to Moscow”, “Red Alert” and “Cry for Brothers put “Drifting” at number 1 in their Sounds Heavy Metal Chart in June the World”. 1981 and “Take Me ‘Cross the Water” at number 9. Geoff Barton gave the demo You had a keyboardist in the band for a brief stint in 1985; were any a favourable review in one of the earliest editions of Kerrang. I think we had live shows done or was any material recorded during this time? already forged our identity at this point and knew which direction we were going Yes Steve Allan rehearsed with us for several months and we recorded around in. I always described our music as Melodic Rock rather than HM. 12 songs with him if my memory serves me right. Unfortunately none have been There were plans to record a four track EP in 1982; what songs were released to date but we still have the tapes! I don’t think we ever did any live to be included? gigs with Steve. He went on to tour with Chris De Burgh! He did contact me We were actually planning to put 4 of the songs from the first demo out as an recently though which was nice. It’s always god to hear from old band members. EP and call it “Songs of Prey’s”. It would have definitely contained the ballad 1984-1985 was reportedly a quieter time in the MENDES PREY camp; “Drifting” and the more chunky “Take Me ‘Cross the Water”. The other two were was this intentional? Did you need a break, have other commitments, never decided upon as unfortunately the EP didn’t happen. We opted for a single etc? instead. Shame about that! During this period I seriously started to learn the skills of Engineering and The now classic “On To the Borderline” single was released in late ’82/ Producing thanks to Neil Ferguson who owned Woodlands studio. I spent many early ‘83; what do you remember about the recording process? How hours every week working with other bands. MENDES PREY were still writing many copies were pressed, and how were they distributed?

•56• and rehearsing and doing the occasional gig. We ended up writing another 20 the A-side of the single? or so songs. We were rethinking our direction at this point and the pressure was I ask myself the same question occasionally. I was never a DEMON fan. As I on for us to be more commercial. We were still a guitar-based band and didn’t said it was chosen for us and it was agreed to be released on Wag Records. want to change that at all. Afterwards we too thought some of our songs were better. In a local magazine Bassist Tony Boulton is quoted (in Malc Macmillan’s “The NWOBHM review the reviewer thought the B side “Can You believe it?” was a better song. Encyclopedia”) as stating that some labels showed interest in the band I wanted our song “Listen” to be the single but it wasn’t. around this time; which ones? Any thoughts on why an album deal You helped produce SHERWOOD’s “Riding the Rainbow” EP around this never materialized? time (1986). Was that before or after MENDES PREY disbanded? Was A couple of small independent labels did offer us an album deal. I can’t even this a one-time thing, or did you produce other bands as well? remember their names after all these years, believe it or not! I do remember I spent the last two years of my time in England working at Woodlands Studio we turned them down because we wanted the financial support of a Major label. with Neil Ferguson. I was engineering and producing many bands including On reflection we probably should have taken them up on the offer as the big THE ROSE OF AVALANCHE, GHOSTDANCE, ENGLISH DOGS and many more. I deal never materialized! even worked as 2nd Engineer on CHUMBAWAMBA’s first album. I was still with In 1985 two MENDES PREY songs were included on the “Parkside MENDES PREY during this period and we spent many hours rehearsing in the Steelworks” compilation, featuring bands that worked at Parkside studio. We have at least 20 songs that no one has heard! I must try and get Studio in Leeds. The compilation turned out to be a very limited them on to our website one day! release; was it originally meant to be such, or were there plans for a Have you kept in touch with the other members over the years? If so, wider distribution? Were you familiar with any of the other bands that what is everyone up to these days? appeared on the album? Yes we have always stayed in touch and are still good friends although I have We were asked to contribute to the album by Mike Opl who ran Parkside lost touch with our drummer and can’t seem to find him! Martin Brough or rehearsal studios in Leeds. I agreed on the condition that we opened and anyone who knows him …Get in Touch! closed the album. I must admit I don’t think we knew any of the other bands There are lots of great MENDES PREY songs, such as “Lone Survivor” very well. I remember being disappointed that our songs didn’t sound as good and “Take it or Leave it”, that have never been officially released. Are as the master tapes we had given them to use. For some reason they had run there any definite plans to reissue any MENDES PREY material? Are the tapes through some EQ unit and stuffed the sound! I am not sure how there any archival recordings (live shows, unreleased demos, rehearsal many copies were pressed or how it was distributed….it still appears on ebay sessions, etc) that could be included on such a release? There’s been a now and then! steady stream of NWOBHM band anthologies released in recent years, Around this time (1985-1986) MENDES PREY’s management reportedly so the fan and label interest is probably there. steered you in a more mainstream direction, culminating in the release MENDES PREY have signed a one album deal with Athens based No Remorse of the “Wonderland” single. What was the band’s reaction to this new Records! After considering dozens of offers from around the world over the direction? past five years the band has finally decided to go with No Remorse Records The band had got to know Stuart Coxhead from Bullet Promotions in London. He because of their passion for the genre. An album containing all the classic had a fair amount of weight in the industry. He thought we had lots going in our MENDES PREY songs will be released early next year on vinyl and CD. The favour as a band but didn’t think we had the single needed to launch an album. album will be called “The Never Ending Road”. All band members would like He came up with the idea of us recording “Wonderland”. To be honest we were to finally convey their sincere thanks to all the companies and individuals who at a low point and desperately needed someone to put their heart and soul into have shown interest in releasing MENDES PREY songs and want to express their believing in the band. We all listened to the tape and thought it sounded a bit delight in the forthcoming release. like Springsteen. We weren’t sure that it was “the” song but thought we had Is there anything you would like to add in closing? nothing to lose at that point!! We had six great years together. We didn’t make any money but we had the The single is more commercial-friendly, which is the direction many best experiences you could wish for! Playing the original Marquee club in NWOBHM bands were going in at the time. Do you think it was a mistake London was very special. Everyone from David Bowie to ZZ TOP had been in to change the band’s direction? If so, do you think the band could have the same dressing room which was covered in graffiti…amazing!! One night successfully carried on with their archetypical NWOBHM style given we spent hours in a private Motel bar with THIN LIZZY as the snow fell heavily that the movement seemed to have run out of steam by this time? outside. You can’t buy those memories! We met so many people up and down Realistically we were changing a little each year, musically. We knew that to the country that would always come to our shows when we were playing nearby. survive we had to have some sort of commercial success. We couldn’t survive It was hard work but bloody worthwhile! Thanks to all who are, or have been, on live shows. It would have been nice to think that we could have continued into our songs. Cheers. making music without thinking of impressing A&R guys at major labels. The www.mendesprey.com reality was we needed a deal with an advance to continue and we didn’t get it. Alan Coulson Last question about the single: why was “Wonderland” chosen for inclusion? It’s a good song, but why cover a DEMON song and make it

•57• •58• •59• Out on

Official reissue of the 1988 US Almost 30 years after its’ original issue Metal classic for the first time (1986), the remaining copies (500) of on vinyl, remastered, limited the original (sleeveless) vinyl were to 500 copies with lyrics, “reissued” in full co-operation with the photos and 4-page insert with band in two editions: interview. White cover version (lim. 400) (Co-released with Black cover version Steel Legacy Records) (lim. 100 & original pin) Both come with a (silver pressed) CD including a live gig the band did in 1986 with 9 songs (professionally re- Limited to 330 copies 7” single mastered), “Tell me a lie”, a leftover with a new song from Greek from their only recording session Epic Metal band and a DIO in 1986, 8-page booklet with rare cover on the B-side. photos, liner notes and the band’s (Co-released with biography and multimedia part with the Steel Legacy Records) aforementioned gig in video format.

(March 2011) (April 2012) (February 2014) (March 2015)

Distribution list available on request ([email protected] )