Wednesday, December 31, 2008

OVERKILL - Immortalis (VBR)

Unlike other veteran metal acts whose dedication to the genre peters out as the years rack up, Overkill remain dedicated to continuing on in their original direction, as evidenced by their 15th album overall, 2007's Immortalis. Trends may come and go, but you know that Overkill are always good for supplying some good old-fashioned crunchy thrash metal, and that's something you've got to respect. And all these years later, singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth can still screech with the best of them. For old-school thrash metal, Immortalis is a true exhibition, as evidenced by such hard-hitters as the album-opening "Devils in the Mist" as well as "Shadow of a Doubt" and "Skull and Bones," the latter of which features Lamb of God's Randy Blythe guesting on vocals (who does his best drill instructor impersonation). All these years later, you still know what's in store each time you pick up a new release by Overkill. And that's just the way their fans like it -- Immortalis is no different. -- by Greg Prato, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. Devils in the Mist
2. What It Takes
3. Skull and Bones
4. Shadow of a Doubt
5. Hellish Pride
6. Walk Through Fire
7. Head On
8. Chalie Get Your Gun
9. Hell Is
10. Overkill V...The Brand

..year - 2.007
..label - Bodog Music
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.wreckingcrew.com/

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MOTÖRHEAD - Motörizer (VBR)

Even if Motörhead had broken up around 1983 or 1984, they still would have gone down in history as one of the most influential metal outfits of all time. Motörhead, after all, was the first metal band to seriously incorporate punk; they wrote the book on thrash metal and speed metal in the late '70s and early '80s, paving the way for Slayer, Metallica, Venom, Megadeth, Testament, Anthrax, Death, Exodus, and countless others. But Motörhead, of course, didn't break up in 1983 or 1984, and they were still cranking out quality albums in the late 2000s. Lemmy Kilmister (who turned 62 in 2007) shows no signs of slowing down on 2008's Motorizer, which Cameron Webb produced at Dave Grohl's 606 Studios in Los Angeles. Despite the fact that Webb has worked with a lot of alt rock and alt metal artists (including Limp Bizkit, Orgy, Godsmack, Buckcherry, Lit, Ben Folds, and Monster Magnet) and produced this 39-minute CD in a studio that is owned by a member of the Foo Fighters and ex-member of Nirvana, Motorizer makes no effort to be alternative-sounding. Instead, the classic Motörhead sound prevails, and forceful, in-your-face tracks such as "Buried Alive," "Runaround Man," "When the Eagle Screams," and "Time Is Right" sound like they could have been recorded 25 years earlier. Motorizer never pretends to be groundbreaking, but if the material is predictable, it is engagingly predictable; Kilmister sounds inspired and focused throughout the album, and at 62, he has yet to overstay his welcome. Motorizer falls short of essential and isn't quite in a class with Motörhead's best late-'70s/early-'80s output, but this album is definitely respectable — and it is good to see this seminal thrash/speed trio still plugging away after so many years in metal's trenches.-- by Alex Henderson, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. Runaround Man
2. Teach You How to Sing the Blues
3. When the Eagle Screams
4. Rock Out
5. One Short Life
6. Buried Alive
7. English Rose
8. Back on the Chain
9. Heroes
10. Time is Right
11. The Thousand Names of God

..year - 2.008
..label - Steamhammer/SPV
..buy - CD Universe
..home page - www.imotorhead.com

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GIRLSCHOOL - King Biscuit Flower Hour Girlschool (VBR)

Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee on January 12, 1984, King Biscuit Flower Hour: In Concert finds Girlschool in the midst of their transition from the sort of female-biker punk-metal that made them Motorhead's soul sisters, to a more commercialized pop-metal sound. The trade-off wasn't the total disaster some fans thought, though -- the material on albums like Play Dirty, which directly preceded this concert, demanded more polished musical skills, even if it toned down their earlier raucous energy somewhat. That's the crossroads Girlschool is at here, and it's an interesting one for devoted fans.-- by Steve Huey, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. Screaming Blue Murder
2. Play Dirty
3. You Got Me
4. Hit and Run
5. Nothing to Lose
6. Future Flash
7. Running for Cover
8. Burning in the Heat
9. Demolition Boys
10. Tush
11. Like It Like That
12. C'mon Let's Go
13. Emergency
14. 20th Century Boy
15. Race With the Devil

..year - 1.997
..label - King Biscuit Flower Hour Records
..buy - Amazon.com
..home page - www.girlschool.co.uk/

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GLENN HUGHES - Music For the Divine (VBR)

Glenn Hughes has always seemed to surround himself with the greatest guitarists and drummers of rock, including Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Ian Paice, Tony Iommi, and Kenny Aronoff. And on his 2006 solo outing, Music for the Divine, the string of strong supporting players remains intact, as Hughes is joined by a pair of current Red Hot Chili Peppers -- guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith -- and an ex-Pepper, Mr. Hollywood himself, Dave Navarro. Music certainly has a funkier edge than, say, the last few releases Hughes has collaborated on with Iommi, but this should certainly not come as a surprise to longtime fans, as his funk roots trace all the way back to his Deep Purple-era releases. Arguably, he has not played alongside musicians as fluent with the funk as his fellow travelers here, especially on the leadoff single, "The Valiant Denial," which rocks and slithers the way only a Peppers groove can. The funk continues on such selections as "Monkey Man," but just when you think you have it all figured out, Hughes and company hand in a surprise reading of, um, "Nights in White Satin." All in all, Music for the Divine is another fine release from one of rock's great (and criminally underrated) voices. -- by Greg Prato, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. The Valiant Denial
2. Steppin' On
3. Monkey Mad
4. This House
5. You Got Soul
6. Frail
7. Black night
8. Too High
9. This is How I Feel
10. The Divine

..year - 2.006
..label - Frontiers Records
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.glenhughes.com

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A.C.T. - Today's Report (VBR)

The beginnings of A.C.T. were in 1994 when Ola Andersson, Jerry Sahlin, Thomas Erlandsson, and Jens Appelgren formed the group Fairyland. By 1996, after several lineup changes and a name change, they recorded their first demo. After a tour supporting Yngwie Malmsteen and another demo, the group was ready to record an album. Today's Report was released in 1999. They followed up that release with Imaginary Friends.

Tracks
1. Abandoned World
2. The Wandering
3. Waltz with Mother Nature
4. Why Bother
5. Today's Report
6. Welcome
7. Cat Eyes
8. The Chase Personalities (The Long One)
9. Foreplay
10. Piece of Meat
11. Tinnitus
12. Lord of Lies
13. Emelie (Ms. Amnesia)
14. Insomniac
15. Concluding Speech
16. Grandpa Phone Home
17. New Age Polka

..year - 2.005
..label - Atenzia Records
..buy - n/a
..home page - n/a

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ANNIHILATOR - Metal (VBR)

Some album titles offer little, if any, indication of what the music sounds like, but Metal is a highly appropriate title for this album because it contains exactly that: metal -- specifically, thrash metal with alternative metal moves here and there. Given the numerous personnel changes that Annihilator has experienced along the way, longtime fans couldn't help but wonder what new lineup guitarist Jeff Waters (Annihilator's only constant over the years) would be unveiling this time. But in fact, the lineup on Metal -- Waters on lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and bass, Dave Padden on lead vocals, and Mike Mangini on drums -- is the same lineup that appears on 2004's All for You and 2005's Schizo Deluxe. For those who have been following Annihilator since the '80s, it is surprising to see Waters being able to maintain the same lineup for three albums in a row. The main difference between this 2007 recording and the two Waters/Padden/Mangini discs that came before it is the fact that on Metal, Waters employs a long list of guest musicians. Among the guests: Willie Adler of Lamb of God, Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom, Jesper Strömblad of In Flames and Anders Bjorler of the Haunted. That is an attention-grabbing list of guests, but ultimately, it is Waters, Padden, and Mangini who do the most to make Metal worthwhile, and inspired tracks like "Downright Dominate," "Clown Parade," and "Detonation" demonstrate that Annihilator can still deliver quality thrash after all these years. Waters, not Padden, handles the lead vocals on "Operation Annihilation," reminding us that Padden is, in fact, a much better singer. But Waters' guitar-playing skills are consistently impressive on Metal, which falls short of essential but is still an exciting and ballsy demonstration of what Annihilator's Waters/Padden/Mangini lineup has to offer.
-- by Alex Henderson, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. Clown Parade
2. Couple Suicide
3. Army Of One
4. Downright Dominate
5. SMothered
6. Operation Annihilation
7. Haunted
8. Kicked
9. Detonation
10. Chasing the High

..year - 2.007
..label - SPV
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.annihilatormetal.com/

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GLENN HUGHES - Songs in the Key of the Rock (VBR)

Ever since the mid-'90s, that Glenn Hughes has been one busy gentleman. After sorting out his personal life, Hughes returned to recording and touring like a man possessed as he began cranking out album after album in a short period of time -- including 2003's Songs in the Key of Rock. And for those who thought that Hughes may begin mellowing after the aforementioned "downtime," the rip-roaring album opener, "In My Blood" (in which Hughes sounds quite a bit like ex-Deep Purple bandmate David Coverdale) will silence any doubters. Also included is a tribute to Hughes' old pal John Bonham on "Higher Places (Song for Bonzo)," as well as a song that sounds like the spitting image of Bonham's band, "Get You Stoned." Vocal-wise, Hughes sounds stronger than ever on Songs in the Key of Rock -- something that can't be said for some of his lead singer peers from the same classic rock era. -- by Greg Prato, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. In My Blood
2. Lost in The Zone
3. Gasoline
4. Higher Places
5. Get You Stoned
6. Written All Over Your Face
7. Standing on The Rock
8. Courageous
9. Secret Life
10. The Truth
11. Wherever You Go
12. Bonus

..year - 2.003
..label - Frontiers Records
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.glennhughes.com

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LACUNA COIL - Within Me (Single)

With the debut of their self-titled 1998 EP, Lacuna Coil (which translates to "empty spiral" in English) turned a lot of heads in Italy's ambient/goth scene thanks in part to Cristina Scabbia's haunting but mesmerizing vocals. Additional recognition came after a European tour with Moonspell and later with the Gathering and Seigmen. With the rest of Lacuna Coil's lineup in place -- courtesy of Andrea Ferro (vocals), Cristiano Migliore (guitars), Marco Coti Zelati (bass), and Christiano Mozzati (drums) -- the band's first full-length, In a Reverie, was issued in 1999. The Halflife EP appeared in 2000, and their next LP, Unleashed Memories, followed in spring 2001.
The group's third album, Comalies, was highly praised by the metal world after its release in October 2002, and attention surrounding Lacuna Coil continued to grow as they spent time on the road with Type O Negative, P.O.D., Opeth, and Danzig, among others. "Heaven's a Lie" was also a U.S.
commercial radio success as the album's first single, followed by the equally popular "Swamped." The band accepted an invitation to appear at 2004's Ozzfest, and spent the next year playing at many European festivals. Karmacode surfaced in April 2006. -- by Mike DaRonco, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. Within Me (Album Version)
2. When a Dead Man Walks (Live)
3. Enjoy the Silence (Live)

..year - 2.007
..label - Avalon Records
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.lacunacoil.it/

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METAL CHURCH - This Present Wasteland (VBR)

It is no exaggeration to say that Metal Church has been a revolving door over the years. The Pacific Northwest outfit has had quite a few lineup changes along the way, which is not unusual for metal bands -- and on 2008's This Present Wasteland, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof is the only person
remaining from Metal Church's original early-'80s lineup. All of the other participants are 2000s arrivals, including lead singer Ronny Munroe, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist Steve Unger, and drummer Jeff Plate. But here's the good news: with Vanderhoof obviously in the driver's seat, this 2008 edition of Metal Church is quite faithful to the spirit of Metal Church as they sounded in the '80s. Sure, some longtime fans might argue that without the participation of Craig Wells, Duke Erickson, Kirk Arrington, or the late David Wayne (who died in 2005 from complications resulting from a car crash), the band that Vanderhoof oversees on This Present Wasteland isn't really Metal Church. But in fact, Vanderhoof sees to it that the classic Metal Church sound of the '80s -- a tough and hard-driving yet melodic mixture of Dio, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, and Iron Maiden -- is alive and well on engaging tracks like "Breathe Again," "Monster," "A War Never Won," and "The Company of Sorrow." Munroe (the band's fourth lead vocalist) is perfect for Metal Church, and he fits right in with a gruff vocal style that owes a lot to Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale, and Bruce Dickinson. This Present Wasteland falls short of essential, but it's a solid and well-executed effort that underscores Vanderhoof's ability to keep the Metal Church of 2008 faithful to the spirit of Metal Church as they sounded 20 years earlier. -- by Alex Henderson, allmusic.com

Tracks
1. The Company of Sorrow
2. The Perfect Crime
3. Deeds Of A Dead Soul
4. Meet Your Maker
5. Monster
6. Crawling to Extinction
7. A War Never Won
8. Mass Hysteria
9. Breathe Again
10. Congregation

..year - 2.008
..label - Steamhammer/SPV
..buy - Amazon
..home page - www.metalchurchmusic.com/

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

VICTIMIZER - The Final Assault

Some of the best fucking music out of Denmark since cult Mercyful Fate!! Running wild in nuclear streets over the last 7 years, the band released some underground demos, 7"s and split LPs which now seem like classics from 80-fucking-3. "The Final Assault" is their first & final studio album, a sure lesson in violence... a heavy fucking bulldozer plowing through the wave of newbie friendly fag thrash. This is Rapid Thrashing Violent Speed Metal Hell with an evil edge that cuts like RAZOR!!!!! Face the music, prepare to die!!!

Tracks
1. Tyrant's Genocide
2. Circle of Annihilation
3. Iron Cobra (Pride of the Zombie Squad)
4. Demons in the Night
5. No Escape from the Jaws of Hell
6. Pentagram Warfare
7. Beast of Slaughter
8. Running Wild in Nuclear Streets
9. Raise the Fucking Knife
10. Flamethrower Madness

..year - 2.007
..label - Hells Headbangers
..buy - http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/item.asp?PID=4761
..home page -

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Girlschool - Take A Bite

In December 1978 Girlschool released their first single, "Take It All Away", on the independent label City Records. This led to interest from Motörhead's management and a support slot on the Overkill tour in the spring of 1979. After signing to Bronze Records later that year, the band released their first album, Demolition, in the spring of 1980, alongside the singles "Emergency" and "Race with the Devil". Tours around Europe and as support to both Uriah Heep and Black Sabbath followed.
In 1981 the band teamed up with labelmates Motörhead again, billed as Headgirl, on the classic single "Please Don’t Touch" (St. Valentines Massacre), which went silver and reached no.5 in the UK. The album Hit and Run was released in March, going gold in Canada, and a sellout tour of the UK followed. The band supported Rush, amongst others, and a Friday night headline slot at the Reading Festival maintained the band's profile. (BBC Radio 1's The Friday Rock Show broadcast the Reading set.)
After playing Japan in 1982, Enid left and was replaced by Ghislaine "Gil" Weston from the bands The Killjoys and Alternating. Girlschool recorded their third album Screaming Blue Murder, hitting the road in the U.S. to play stadiums alongside Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Scorpions and Blue Öyster Cult.
In 1983 the band went back into the studio with producers Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, of the band Slade, for their fourth album Play Dirty, charting in the U.S After Kelly Johnson left to live in L.A. she was replaced by Cris Bonacci on lead guitar and singer Jackie Bodimead (ex Strategy and Canis Major) on lead vocals for the 1985 album Running Wild, released on Mercury Records in the USA but not finding a release in Europe. To this day, Jackie Bodimead is only traditional lead vocalist in the band, although she did contribute keyboards in the live setting, when not on lead vocal duty. A live video from the Camden Palace, London showcases this line-up.
In 1986 Girlschool signed to GWR records and reunited with original producer Vic Maile for Nightmare at Maple Cross, minus Bodimead and now back as a four piece with Kim McAuliffe on vocals. The album included a cover of the song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)" recorded together with the original artist Gary Glitter.
The following year, after five years with the band, Gil Weston left to get married - becoming Gil Weston-Jones - and Tracey Lamb (Rock Goddess) took over on bass for their next album Take a Bite.
Kim, Cris, Denise and Enid teamed up with punk singer Toyah Wilcox under the name She Devils for the Women in Music festival in December 1990 and summer 1991 saw Lydie Gallais replacing Denise on drums under the new name Strange Girls for a three track demo, UK dates and festivals in Germany as support to the Beach Boys.
In 1992 the band released the album Girlschool, with Jackie Carrera on bass. Carrera, however, did not wish to tour the US and Tracey Lamb returned to the band. On the departure of Bonacci in 1992 Kelly Johnson rejoined the ranks and the band toured extensively, releasing the CD Girlschool Live in March 1995. As well as tracks from the back catalogue new tracks were featured.

Tracks
Action/Fox On The Run/Girls On Top/Tear It Up/Love At First Bite/Head Over Heels/Up All Night/This Time/Don't Walk Away/Too Hot To Handle

..year - 1989
..label - GWR Records
..buy - http://www.amazon.com/
..home page - www.girlschool.co.uk/

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Girlschool - Girlschool

In 1975, Enid Williams (bass, vocals) and Kim McAuliffe (rhythm guitar, vocals), both from South London, formed an all girl rock covers band called Painted Lady. After playing the local pub scene and numerous line-up changes (Deirdre Cartright, Kathy Valentine, later of the GoGos), Kelly Johnson and Denise Dufort came on board and in April 1978 they changed their name to Girlschool and hit the road touring venues around France, Ireland and the UK

Tracks
My Ambition/One More/Can't Say No/Wild At Heart/Can't Do That/We Came/Can't Keep A Good Girl Down/Sitting Pretty/On My Way/Take Me I'm Yours

..year - 1992
..label -Communique
..buy - http://www.amazon.com/
..home page - www.girlschool.co.uk/

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1996 by Carcass guitarist Michael Amott along with Johan Liiva, both originally from the influential death metal band Carnage. The band has released seven studio albums, a live album (Burning Japan Live 1999), two DVDs and three EPs. The band was originally fronted by Johan Liiva; frontwoman Angela Gossow joined as lead vocalist in 2001. Arch Enemy, the brainchild of Michael Amott (Carcass, Carnage and Spiritual Beggars) was originally assembled when Michael Amott left Carcass. Guitarists Michael Amott and younger brother Christopher Amott (Armageddon) joined forces with vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage, Furbowl, Furbowl|Devourment) and then-session drummer Daniel Erlandsson (Eucharist) in what Michael Amott called "an attempt to merge melody with aggression and technicality."
The band's debut, entitled Black Earth, was released by the now defunct Wrong Again Records in 1996. It obtained a fair amount of success in Japan, achieving MTV rotation with their first single "Bury Me an Angel", as well as moderate success in Sweden. At this point, Arch Enemy was more of a "solo effort" than a full band: Michael Amott wrote all the songs himself, and even played bass guitar on the album, contrary to the album's liner notes, which listed vocalist Johan Liiva as handling bass duties. Amott later revealed that he had the credits listed that way to make the album seem more of a "band" effort. Many consider it to be the band's most aggressive album, a trait that was softened to some degree on its following releases, but never abandoned.

Tracks
# "Enter the Machine" – 2:02
# "Taking Back My Soul" – 4:35
# "Nemesis" – 4:12
# "My Apocalypse" – 5:25
# "Carry the Cross" – 4:12
# "I Am Legend / Out for Blood" – 4:58
# "Skeleton Dance" – 4:33
# "Hybrids of Steel" – 3:49
# "Mechanic God Creation" – 5:59
# "Machtkampf" – 4:16
# "Slaves of Yesterday" – 5:01

Details
.. Year: 2005
.. Label: Century Media
.. Country: Sweden
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.archenemy.net/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/archenemy
.. BUY ME: CD Universe
.. BUY ME: http://www.centurymedia.com/us/

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Arch Enemy - Anthems Of Rebellion

Anthems of Rebellion is the fifth studio album by the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy. It is the second album to feature the vocals of Angela Gossow. This is the only Arch Enemy album to feature clean vocals. The clean vocals were sung by former Arch Enemy vocalist Michael Amott on "End of the Line" and "Dehumanization".
A music video was produced for the album's single, "We Will Rise," which saw moderate airing on Headbanger's Ball and Uranium. It featured a legion of people racing across a beach under a darkened sky. According to the band, one of the participants in the video hurt an ankle considerably in leaping off a large hill but, fortunately, did not sue. A video was also produced for Dead Eyes See No Future, which consisted of a live performance.

Tracks
1. "Tear Down the Walls (Intro)" –0:32
2. "Silent Wars" – 4:15
3. "We Will Rise" – 4:07
4. "Dead Eyes See No Future" – 4:14
5. "Instinct" – 3:37
6. "Leader of the Rats" – 4:21
7. "Exist to Exit" – 5:22
8. "Marching on a Dead End Road" – 1:17
9. "Despicable Heroes" – 2:12
10. "End of the Line" – 3:36
11. "Dehumanization" – 4:15
12. "Anthem" – 0:57
13. "Saints and Sinners" – 4:41

Details
.. Year: 2003
.. Label: Century Media
.. Country: Sweden
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.archenemy.net/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/archenemy
.. BUY ME: http://www.centurymedia.com/us/
.. BUY ME: CD Universe

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Demons & Wizards - Touched By The Crimson King

Demons & Wizards is a power metal band conceived as a side-project of the metal bands Blind Guardian and Iced Earth. It is made up of the vocalist for Blind Guardian, Hansi Kürsch, and the guitarist of Iced Earth, Jon Schaffer. Schaffer writes the music and Kürsch writes the lyrics. The band's line-up during the recording of their first album in 2000 also featured Mark Prator, who was the drummer on a few Iced Earth albums, and Jim Morris doing most of the guitar solos, Morris also having worked with Iced Earth in the past.
The original goal of the band was to forge the different musical styles of both Iced Earth's dark melodies and Blind Guardian's powerful vocals into one sound. In fact, according to the musicians, the band name is meant to describe the two styles: the self-proclaimed demon-like themes and sounds of Iced Earth and wizard-like themes and sounds of Blind Guardian (the moniker "Demons & Wizards" was inspired by Schaffer's wife always referring to him and Hansi as "Demons and Angels". Hansi always corrected her that it is more properly stated "Demons and Wizards", in reference to Uriah Heep's album of the same name). The band met with a fair deal of commercial success, though not as much as either of their individual bands. The idea for the band arose in the spring of 1997 when Kürsch and Schaffer wanted to make music together, after being friends for several years.

Tracks
1. "Crimson King" – 5:47
2. "Beneath These Waves" – 5:12
3. "Terror Train" – 4:46
4. "Seize the Day" – 5:22
5. "The Gunslinger" – 5:15
6. "Love's Tragedy Asunder" – 5:28
7. "Wicked Witch" – 3:32
8. "Dorian" – 6:36
9. "Down Where I Am" – 4:54
10. "Immigrant Song" – 2:28

Details
.. Year: 2005
.. Label: SPV
.. Country: Germany
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.demonsandwizards.de/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/demonswizards
.. BUY ME: CD Universe

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Helloween - Mrs. God

"Mrs. God" is a song by the German power metal band Helloween from their album Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy. The song is about the emancipation of women showing Helloween's sense of humour. It was written by the band's vocalist Andi Deris.

Tracks
1. "Mrs. God" - (2:55) (Deris)
2. "My Life For One More Day (edit version)" - (5:27)(Grosskopf/Deris) (Japan bonus track)
3. "Run (The Name Of Your Enemy)" - (4:11) (Gerstner/Deris)
4. "Mrs. God" (video) (bonus track, Japan)
** This is the Japanese version **

Details
.. Year: 2005
.. Label: Nuclear Blast
.. Country: Germany
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.helloween.org/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/helloween
.. BUY ME: CD Universe

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Royal Hunt - Paper Blood

Royal Hunt is a progressive metal band based in Denmark, founded in 1989 by keyboardist Andre Andersen. The band is known for creating melodic music with a progressive and symphonic flair. They have experienced several lineup changes throughout their history, and have recently acquired singer Mark Boals, who replaced former vocalist John West.

Tracks
- Break Your Chains
- Not my Kind
- Memory Lane
- Never Give Up
- Seven Days
- SK983
- Kiss of Faith
- Paper Blood
- Seasons Change
- Twice Around the World

Details
.. Year: 2005
.. Label: Magna Carta
.. Country: Denmark, Copenhagen
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.royalhunt.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/royalhuntmusic
.. BUY ME: Amazon
.. BUY ME: CD Universe

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Starbreaker - Starbreaker

In a word… magnificent!
That’s the first word that comes to mind when I try to describe FRONTIERS RECORDS latest recording artist STARBREAKER. Their self-titled debut release is absolutely astounding. So impressive, in fact, that I venture to say it’s one of the best overall releases I have heard in a long time. The band is fronted by TNT vocalist Tony Harnell whose vocals, as always, are tremendous… but be forewarned, this is not a typical release for this amazing singer. Although still very melodic, this CD is a lot more aggressive and edgier than anything else he has been involved with and should actually appeal to a much more broader audience than just his TNT, WESTWORLD, or MORNING WOOD fans. Part of the reason for this is the presence of producer Fabrizio Grossi who has worked with such artists as HOUSE OF LORDS, GLENN HUGHES and DAVE NAVARRO and also adds his powerful and unique bass playing to the album. Next, we come to guitarist Magnus Karlsson (LAST TRIBE) whose superior guitar playing and song writing ability is the perfect compliment to Tony Harnell. His powerful and gripping style is apparent throughout the CD and really adds a unique blend of melodic, grinding, and vigorous guitar work to every track. Finally, rounding out the band and bringing the whole thing together is veteran drummer John Macaluso who has not only worked with RIOT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, and ARK, but has also backed up Tony before on TNT’s “Realized Fantasies” CD from 1992.
The CD itself is tight to say the least. Lyrically, musically and conclusively, this CD is a richly composed gem, which will satisfy just about any true metal fan. Songs like “Die For You,” “Light At The End of The World,” “Crushed,” and “Lies” are among some of the more stand out tracks on the CD… but don’t get me wrong! There isn’t a throw away track on the CD. Every song is flavorful composition, which truly has to be heard to be experienced and fully appreciated. STARBREAKER’s debut release is yet another jewel in the crown of Tony Harnell and the rest of the band alike. And if you get a chance, there’s some rumor that although originally put together as sort of a side project for these musicians, the band will be performing some shows in support of the release. DO NOT MISS IT if they happen to play near you… who knows if you’ll get this kind of opportunity again!

Tracks
1. Die For You
2. Lies
3. Break My Bones
4. Crushed
5. Days Of Confusion
6. Transparent
7. Light At the End OF The World
8. Cradle To The Grave
9. Underneath A Falling Sky
10. Turn It Off
11. Dragonfly
12. Save Yourself

Details
.. Year: 2005
.. Label: Frontier Records
.. Country: Sweden/USA
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: http://www.lovesdyingwish.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/starbreaker
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Pretty Maids - Offside

Pretty Maids is a heavy metal/AOR band formed in Horsens, Denmark, by Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer in 1981. Their sound can defined as something between Europe and Helloween. Over the years Pretty Maids have sold hundreds of thousands of records, but have never broken through in a major way, except locally in Japan during the 90s. They have supported such well known acts as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Saxon, and were also featured at the 1987 German version of Monsters of Rock where Metallica headlined along with Deep Purple.
As of 2007 Pretty Maids are still active, and a new album - Wake Up To The Real World - was released through Frontiers Records on November 10, 2006. The band have been touring their primary markets of Denmark, Sweden and Germany in 2007.

Tracks
1. Heartbeat From Heaven
2. Please Don't Leave Me
3. In the Minds of the Young
4. '39
5. Fly Away

Details
.. Year: 1992
.. Label: Columbia
.. Country: Denmark
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.prettymaids.dk/
.. Last.fm: www.last.fm/music/Pretty+Maids
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Machine Head - From This Day

Machine Head is an American metal band, formed in 1992 in Oakland, California. Founded by singer and guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Adam Duce, the band has been plagued by lineup changes since its inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn (vocals, guitar), Duce (bass), Phil Demmel (guitar), and Dave McClain (drums). Machine Head is one of the pioneering bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Machine Head was formed by ex-Vio-lence member Robb Flynn. Flynn felt musically unfulfilled and requested to start a side project. When he was told he couldn't, he left the band and formed Machine Head in 1992 with Adam Duce, Logan Mader and Chris Kontos. Though the band's first album, Burn My Eyes, was a big success, Machine Head later had albums that earned the band accusations of "selling out". The band nearly disbanded in 2002 after its label, Roadrunner Records, dropped them from the roster due to poor album sales and controversy. The band resigned with Roadrunner soon after and have released two albums since then. In 2007, the band released The Blackening, which was seen as a return to form and earned Machine Head its first Grammy Award nomination.

Tracks
1. From This Day (edit)
2. Alcoholocaust
3. House of Suffering

Details
.. Year: 1999
.. Label:
.. Country: USA
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.machinehead1.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/machinehead
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Kataklysm - The Mystical Gate Of Reincarnation

Kataklysm is a Canadian death metal band. They call their musical style "northern hyperblast" after an advertisement in M.E.A.T. magazine describing another band, Fear Factory, as "hyperblast". The term refers to the extremely fast blast beats that Kataklysm's drummer, Max Duhamel, fuses into the music.

Tracks
1. "Frozen in Time (Chapter I: Will Of Suicide)" – 7:23
2. "Mystical Plane of Evil (Chapter II: Enigma Of The Unknown)" – 5:31
3. "Shrine of Life (Chapter III: Reborn Through Death)" – 4:53
4. "The Orb Of Uncreation" – 3:13

Details
.. Year: 1993
.. Label: Nuclear Blast
.. Country: Canada
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.kataklysmrocks.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/kataklysm
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Pretty Maids - Sin-Decade

Pretty Maids have been making music for over 20 years. Formed in 1981 by friends Ken Hammer and Ronnie Atkins, they were initially a cover band but soon started writing their own material and a self-financed demo resulted in a deal with the English record label Bullet Records. In 1983 Bullet Records released a six track EP, and further recognition was fuelled by great reaction to their UK tour the same year. Inevitably the band outgrew their label, and in 1984 signed to CBS Records, who re-released their self titled debut EP.
Their 1984 debut album Red, Hot and Heavy was a success, and the band really hit their stride with 1987's Future World which was recorded in New York with renowned producer Eddie Kramer. This was the album that saw the band define their sound, with typically aggressive rockers alongside more commercial, melodic moments.

Tracks
1. Running Out
2. Who Said Money
3. Nightmare in the Neighbourhood
4. Sin-Decade
5. Come on Tough, Come On
6. Raise Your Flag
7. Credit Card Lover
8. Know It Ain't Easy
9. Healing Touch
10. In the Flesh
11. Please Don't Leave Me

Details
.. Year: 1992
.. Label: Columbia
.. Country: Denmark
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: http://www.prettymaids.dk/
.. Last.fm: www.last.fm/music/Pretty+Maids
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Machine Head - Supercharger

Machine Head finished touring for The Burning Red, and entered a studio with producer Johnny K to record Supercharger. Debuting at number 115 on the Billboard 200, the album was released on October 2, 2001. The album met the same criticism as The Burning Red, especially for the ever-present rapping vocals. Blabbermouth.net reviewer Borivoj Krgin stated Supercharger "is likely to disappoint everyone who is expecting the Bay Area quartet to return to the ultra-testosterone-charged sounds of their first two albums". Machine Head released a single for "Crashing Around You" as well as a music video. The video was released several weeks after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and was banned from MTV for the depictions of falling buildings. Roadrunner Records, expecting to make a fair profit from album promotions, dropped the band's funding, causing Machine Head to leave the label. At the same time the band was leaving Roadrunner, Luster departed from the band for musical differences. Phil Demmel, who played alongside Flynn in Vio-lence, filled in as a temporary guitarist for several concerts in Europe. To complete contract obligations with Roadrunner, Machine Head released its first live album, Hellalive, which included several tracks with Demmel playing guitar. Although the band departed from the American portion of the label, Machine Head re-signed with Roadrunner International.
After Machine Head's European tour, Demmel returned to his family business and the band started writing together as a three-piece, while leaving a position open for Demmel. In March 2003, Demmel joined Machine Head as a full time guitarist and started writing with the band.

Tracks
1. "Declaration" – 1:11
2. "Bulldozer" – 4:35
3. "White-Knuckle Blackout!" – 3:14
4. "Crashing Around You" – 3:13
5. "Kick You When You're Down" – 4:01
6. "Only the Names" – 6:07
7. "All in Your Head" – 4:05
8. "American High" – 3:48
9. "Brown Acid" – 0:59
10. "Nausea" – 4:23
11. "Blank Generation" – 6:38
12. "Trephination" – 4:58
13. "Deafening Silence" – 5:33
14. "Supercharger" – 3:48
15. "Hole in the Sky" (Black Sabbath cover) - 3:32 [*]
16. "Ten Fold" - 4:52 [*]
17. "The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears [Live]" - 4:34 [*]
18. "Desire to Fire [Live]" - 4:37 [*]

Details
.. Year: 2001
.. Label: Roadrunner
.. Country: USA
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.machinehead1.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/machinehead
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Kataklysm - Sorcery

Kataklysm was formed in 1992. At the beginning of their career they were mostly known for being one of the fastest, most chaotic metal bands. However, their music changed after Sylvain Houde left the band, and bassist/backing vocalist Maurizio Iacono took over Houde's vocal duties, and another full-time bassist was recruited. In 1998, the band released Victims of this Fallen World, an album which was noted as being a change in musical style from previous albums. The following album The Prophecy (Stigmata of the Immaculate), however, saw the band return to its previous style, though less chaotic and with a touch of thrash metal.
Drummer Max Duhamel is said to have been forced out of the band because of injuries. Eventually, Duhamel recovered from his injuries and participated on Kataklysm's ninth album, In the Arms of Devastation. Kataklysm's line-up has remained relatively stable compared to many other bands within the metal genre. The band only has one missing original member, Sylvain Houde. Drummers make out most of the band's "former members" list.

Tracks
1. "Sorcery (Kataklysm Part II)" – 4:57
2. "Mould in a Breed (Chapter I: Bestial Propagation)" – 6:13
3. "Whirlwind of the Withered Blossoms (Chapter II: Forgotten Ancestors)" – 5:18
4. "Feeling the Neverworld (Chapter III: An Infinite Transmigration)" – 5:54
5. "Elder God" – 4:00
6. "Garden of Dreams (Chapter I: Supernatural Appearance)" – 5:29
7. "Once... Upon Possession (Chapter II: Legacy of Both Lores)" – 2:38
8. "Dead Zygote (Chapter III: Dethroned Son)" – 5:07
9. "World of Treason (Instrumental Vibrations)" – 6:35

Details
.. Year: 1995
.. Label: Nuclear Blast
.. Country: Canada
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: www.kataklysmrocks.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/kataklysm
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Pretty Maids - Scream

In the Year 2000 the Danish heavy rockers released the album Carpe Diem. A touch more melodic than their previous offerings - a fact that hasn't gone down too well with certain factions of their fan-base, but this is still a classic album which has all the Pretty Maids trademarks in abundance. In 2002, after the WTC attacks, Pretty Maids released their latest album Planet Panic which was a trip back to the heavier sides of their catalogue.In 2003 their management company Rock On went bankrupt due to some very unwise business moves in September 2002. This left Pretty Maids in a very bad financial situation and also left them with a lot of legal problems as well as lot of business and copyright mess. Lead guitarist Ken Hammer was struck by a heart attack on December 6th 2003. He has recovered completely and has been on stage numerous times since the incident. As of July 2005 the drummer since 1991, Michael Fast, decided to leave before the recording of Wake Up To The Real World - an album that was originally intended to be released in 2005, but the initial recordings was postponed to the summer of 2006. In April 2006 new drummer Allan Tschicaja (Royal Hunt, Kingdome Come) was announced as Michael Fast's replacement. In 2006, Morten Sandager (Mercenary) joined Pretty Maids, playing the keyboards.

Tracks
Rise
Scream
Psycho-Time-Bomb-Planet-Earth
This Love
Walk Away
No Messiah
In a World of Your Own
Don't Turn Your Sex on Me
Adrenalin Junkie
Anytime Anywhere

Details
.. Year: 1994
.. Label: Massacre Records
.. Country: Dennark
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: http://www.prettymaids.dk/
.. Last.fm: www.last.fm/music/Pretty+Maids
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Pretty Maids - Screamin' Live

Tracks
Psyco-Time-Bomb-Planet-Earth
Rock the House
Rise
Walk Away
Scream
Yellow Rain
Sin-Decade
Savage Heart
No Messiah
Please Don't Leave Me
Lovegames
Future World
Red, Hot and Heavy

Details
.. Year: 1995
.. Label: Massacre Records
.. Country: Dennark
.. Bitrate: @ 256 kbps
.. Home-Page: Here!!
.. Last.fm: Here!!
.. BUY ME: Amazon

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Lacrimas Profundere - Fall, I Will Follow

Lacrimas Profundere is a German gothic metal band spearheaded by guitarist Oliver Nikolas Schmid, whose revolving door lineup rivals even Spinal Tap's (or Jethro Tull's) in terms of multiple musicians over the years. Founded in the Southern Bavarian municipality of Waging am See, circa 1993, Lacrimas Profundere debuted with 1995's ...And the Wings Embraced Us, featuring his brother Christopher Schmid on vocals, plus violinist Anja Hötzendorfer, flautist/keyboard player Eva Stöger, bassist Markus Lapper, and drummer Christian Greisberger. Despite such exotic instrumentation (for heavy metal at least), this and subsequent LPs like ...La Naissance d'un Rêve (1997), Memorandum (1999), and Burning: A Wish (2001), generally ran parallel with the doomy goth of mid-period Anathema, Katatonia and My Dying Bride. By comparison, subsequent efforts like Fall, I Will Follow (2002), Ave End (2004), and Filthy Notes for Frozen Hearts (2006), saw Lacrimas Profundere following in the footsteps of the bands cited above, plus the likes of Tiamat and Moonspell, in leaving many of their metallic tendencies behind in order to embrace more traditional gothic rock wholeheartedly. 2007 also marked the departure of Christopher Schmid -- the last remaining original band member, save his brother -- and the arrival of new singer Rob Vitacca, likely signifying additional changes to Lacrimas Profundere's sound and creative direction in the immediate future.
~ by Eduardo Rivadavia, Allmusic

Tracks
..for bad times
.. adorer two
.. lost
.. i did it for you
.. sear me pale sun
.. the nothingship
.. liquid
.. underyour....
.. ...and her enigma
.. fornever

Details
.. Year: 2002
.. Label: Napalm Records
.. Country: Germany
.. Bitrate: VBR
.. Home-Page: www.lacrimas.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/lacrimasprofundere
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php

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Lacrimas Profundere - Memorandum

Tracks
01. Infinity
02. Helplessness
03. ... And How To Drown In Your Arms
04. Black Swans
05. Reminiscence
06. The Crown Of Leaving
07. All Your Radiance ...
08. The Embrace And The Eclipse
09. The Fate Of Equilibrium

Details
.. Year: 1999
.. Label: Napalm Records
.. Country: Germany
.. Bitrate: VBR
.. Home-Page: www.lacrimas.com/
.. MySpace: Here!!
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php

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Lacrimas Profundere - Burning, A Wish

Germany's expansive Lacrimas Profundere have spilled forth an atmospheric, melancholic splattering of dark colors to the painted frame of metal. Staying true to their North European doom roots (à la early Theatre of Tragedy), the sextet has entered into the progressive doorways of gloom, currently transversed by the likes of Anathema, Katatonia, Entwine, and scant few others worth mentioning. Clearly, though, it is the aforementioned British dark rockers, Anathema, that Lacrimas have endeared themselves to, almost religiously, as each song is almost a reminiscent cavalcade of previous Anathema recordings. Especially prevalent are the Vincent Cavanaugh-esque vocals of Christopher Schmid, which permeate strikingly in the heart of each track, showcasing an impressive palette for such a young crooner. Whether it is the "Silent Enigma" rasps heard on "Solicitude, Silence" -- complete with the doom-laden musical craftsmanship "Silent Enigma" is notorious for -- or the desperately downtrodden Vincent Cavanaugh-meets-Aaron Stainthorpe-from-My Dying Bride tone of "A Summer's End," Anathema's influence is abundant. Add a touch of ethereal female vocals to accentuate the psychedelic doom tones, as in "2 Sec. and a Tear" or the "Eternity"-sounding, aptly titled opener "Melantroduction," and Lacrimas serve an appetizing musical dish every devotee of all things beautifully melancholic will swallow up. Sparse, shoegazer-ish Katatonia (circa "Discouraged Ones") guitars bring simplistic tracks like "Without" to lush, transcendent life. In fact, the whole album carries incredible weight with it, careful never to overindulge in musicality, sacrificing fierce showmanship for even more violent and blinding emotional pull. The guitarists provide feedback-driven, down-tuned walls of sound, as the rhythm section holds a patient, somber pace for the vocals to sound more stunningly painful. Not to be outdone is keyboardist Christian Steiner, who sneakily absorbed Paradise Lost's piano intro from "Enchantment" and crafted some fine original music for "Morning...Grey," which features a more prominent presence of female vocals -- enough to make any British doomster smile with glee. All this aside, one cannot go further without mentioning the standout track, "Adorer and Somebody." At first, the soaring chorus might seem flat or bitterly controlled, but upon initial listening, it becomes an enchanting journey through a subdued emotional explosion of loving remembrance. Christian's vocals weave together with the quiet female vocals quite erotically, as they yearn through the chorus, "and when you weep, I understand what you mean to me/I break into and for a while I die." Truly magical and subtle -- something missing from today's overt flashy metal scene. Props should go to Napalm for the impressive packaging and tasteful cover (a far cry from Napalm's recent string of notoriously nude or tasteless covers) of dark, grayish blues set against what appears to be a close-up of flowers. "Burning" is worth seeking out at all costs -- probably the finest release Napalm has put out in the past few years, and Lacrimas seem to be heading down the most fruitful of creative paths, as their future looks gloomily bright.
~ by Jason Hundey, Allmusic

Tracks
.. Melantroduction
.. Without
.. Adorer And Somebody
.. A Summer's End
.. Solicitude, Silence
.. 2 Sec. And A Tear
.. Lastdance
.. Morning... Grey
.. Diotima
.. Re-Silence

Details
.. Year: 2001
.. Label: Napalm Records
.. Country: Germany
.. Bitrate: VBR
.. Home-Page: www.lacrimas.com/
.. MySpace: www.myspace.com/lacrimasprofundere
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php
.. BUY ME: http://www.lacrimas-profundere.de/shopUK.php

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