Saturday, November 1, 2014
Onslaught - VI
Band: Onslaught
Album:VI
Date Released:Sept 24 2014
Tracks:
A New World Order
Chaos Is King
Fuel For My Fire
Children Of The Sand
Slaughterize
66 Fuckin 6
Cruci Fiction
Dead Man Walking
Enemy Of My Enemy
Band Members:
Sy Keeler
Nige Rockett
Jeff Williams
Andy Rosser
Mic Hourihan
Leigh Chambers
Formed:1983
Label:AFM Records
Genre: Thrash/Metal
Quality & Originality:VI is a brilliant bold heavy sign that thrash and the genre are still very much alive and heavier then ever. Onslaught put everything but the kitchen sink into this album but while keeping the essence of the band they really broke the mold of what to expect from a ''Thrash'' album. The album has everything you want from massive palm muted guitars and bold fast drums but they add other instruments you normally do not see in thrash and to not over inflate my thoughts but even time signatures and feel. The production is great normally thrash has a very almost dull tinge or analog feel to it and this is production on a massive scale that really raises the bar. I love it when bands show they are not just a one trick pony and they try bold different arrangements for there songs and even almost prog sounding at times and then wrench it back up and almost kick you in the teeth.
My Opinion:Onslaught is a veteran band and have had legion of underground fans for many many years. They have had many line up changes over the years that usually will destroy the essence of a band but Onslaught shows they are bigger and badder then ever. I have been a huge fan of this band for many years and this album is by far my favorite cause of how they have really thrown out the book on what a thrash album should be and done it there way. This is a extreme riff saturated brilliantly metal that everyone from metal and thrash lovers to new age metal fans and even some prog fans should really take a interest in. Get ready to be metalized by the amazing Onslaught!!!!!!
Overall & Favorites:Enemy Of My Enemy, Children Of The Sand. I give this album a solid 8.5/10 for the brutal but tasteful way that the veterans come out swinging with the best of the best!!!!
Contact: Facebook Link
Website Link
October 2014 Band Spotlight - Evil Masquerade
October Spotlight Artist
Evil Masquerade
Evil Masquerade dropped there first album in 2004 fueled with melodic guitars and amazing song writing the band was off to take over the world. Henrik Flyman is the main contributor for the band and has a great sense of the industry from the other projects he had been prior (Zool, Moahni Moahna, Wuthering Heights). I heard the band for the first time not long before there Pentagram album dropped and I was hooked. I have had the honor of interviewing there drummer Dennis Buhl and Henrik Himself a couple of times and getting to know them. I am blown away with the passion the entire band has put into the albums and how each album unveils another layer of what they band is about. EM has had a few member changes over the years but it never slowed or changed the direction of the music. The fans the band has earned are as die hardas any fans can be supporting the band in all avenues. The latest release the band dropped is called ''The Digital Crucifix'' that really has some of the best riffs and melody to date. They have released a video with the album called ''Like Voodoo'' what is a song that is very catchy and has new power house singer Tobias Jansson. Henrik also keeps himself busy by being the guitar player for Lacrimosa and recording and touring with them.
Henrik and I talked a bit about the band.
RBJ
1. The band is part of a unique label tell us about Dark Minstrel Music.
HF
DMM is a label that was founded 2011 to allow us 100% artistic freedom. It's also our guarantee that record sales are invested back in the band. Definitely one of the best decisions Evil Masquerade ever made.
RBJ
2. Tell us what the band has been up to lately?
HF
It has been all about the new album and playing live. We have played some festivals and clubs to introduce 'The Digital Crucifix' to a wider audience and we have given a large number of radio interviews. That's basically what's occupied most of the 4 months since the album was released. We have a few more things coming up this year to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the band.
RBJ
3. How has the music changed since you first put the band together?
HF
We started out completely clueless about what Evil Masquerade would become. Basically it was a lineup of local musicians I put together to document a bunch of songs I had laying around and didn't know what to do with. Along the years our musical direction crystallized and we evolved into a solid band. In the early days we played some odd sort of progressive neo-classic metal. This later matured to our own brand of classic hard rock. These days we sound like a mixture of several well-known bands that have gotten a severe Evil Masquerade kick in the ass.
RBJ
4. Your latest release ''The Digital Crucifix'' that is such a powerful name what caused you to go with that theme?
HF
It's a rock'n'roll wake-up call aimed towards the people that slipped into a digital coma a decade ago. But they will most likely just press snooze and continue down the same road until they hit rock bottom. Perfectly fine with me. We don't intend to save the world. We just play hard rock, drink beer and enjoy that quite a lot.
RBJ
5. The Digital Crucifix has such a brilliant sound all the instruments are they programmed or are they played by actual people?
HF
Of course everything is played by the band. In fact, we have done our best to keep it as live and simple as possible. There's no quantization on the drums and mostly one-takes. Some of the rhythm guitars are recorded twice, identical, to beef up the sound a bit and the solos are just one guitar in mono. Keyboard and bass are also kept as simple as possible. A stereo track for keys and a mono track for bass. We entered the studio well-rehearsed and just beat the crap out of the instruments. All vocals were recorded in 4 days and I think we mixed the whole thing in just 4 days as well.
Henrik Flyman & Tobias Jansson
RBJ
6. Youtube had given the band a bit of flack about the video for ''Like Voodoo tell us a bit about that.
HF
Suddenly they had removed the video and accused us of buying fake views. Completely strange accusation since the video didn't have more than 20.000 views 4 months after the release. This is perfectly normal for Evil Masquerade. We had no other option than to upload it again. Well, screw them. I'm happy as long as our videos are available for the people that are interested.
RBJ
7. You also play with another band called Lacrimosa. Is there anything new on the Lacrimosa front?
HF
There's always stuff going on. Next out is a Russian tour to support the brand new double live album we recorded last year in Mexico City before 5000 people.
RBJ
8. The band has got a new singer for this album with the ex Firewind singer Apollo leaving the band how did that come about?
HF
I had a talk with Apollo before starting with 'The Digital Crucifix' because I could see we were moving in different directions. Me wanting to continue keeping busy with the music and he focusing more on family and his daytime job. I suggested we took a break to avoid problems
because of our different priorities. He could see my point and agreed. We are still good friends and will most likely be making music together again one way or the other.
Henrik Flyman
RBJ
9. What is the most memorable show the band has done and why?
HF
Every show offers something unique, big or small, so it's hard to pick just one. Maybe this summer at the Dokk'em Open Air in The Netherlands. We had a very early spot and people were slowly recovering from last night's party. We were really taken by surprise with the crowd that found their way to the stage and stayed there with horns in the air. We didn't expect that.
RBJ
10. Why a musician? Why not a Doctor or Lawyer or maybe a politician.
HF
Because I can be myself. I'm sure I could also manage a career as a lawyer or a politician, maybe even a doctor – but it wouldn't come directly from the heart, which means I wouldn't be at my full potentials.
Evil Masquerade
Henrik and his band Evil Masquerade are showing no signs of slowing down. The entire band is amazing musicians that really are one of the most under rated groups on the prog/metal scene across Europe. The thing I always noticed about Henrik is he is so humble and loves his fans he is very upfront with them and tries to be as one on one as he can. This is a band I would love to see tour here in the United States where music like this is finally becoming accepted and starting to get a bit of radio play. I honestly feel that this band and other like them are the future of the industry and will be a house hold name in the very near future!!!!!
Contact
www.facebook.com/evilmasquerade/timeline
http://evilmasquerade.com/
Reviews By Jon also did a review of the latest release by Evil Masquerade
http://reviewsbyjon.blogspot.com/2014/07/evil-masquerade-digital-crucifix.html
Like Voodoo From the new album
Evil Masquerade
Evil Masquerade dropped there first album in 2004 fueled with melodic guitars and amazing song writing the band was off to take over the world. Henrik Flyman is the main contributor for the band and has a great sense of the industry from the other projects he had been prior (Zool, Moahni Moahna, Wuthering Heights). I heard the band for the first time not long before there Pentagram album dropped and I was hooked. I have had the honor of interviewing there drummer Dennis Buhl and Henrik Himself a couple of times and getting to know them. I am blown away with the passion the entire band has put into the albums and how each album unveils another layer of what they band is about. EM has had a few member changes over the years but it never slowed or changed the direction of the music. The fans the band has earned are as die hardas any fans can be supporting the band in all avenues. The latest release the band dropped is called ''The Digital Crucifix'' that really has some of the best riffs and melody to date. They have released a video with the album called ''Like Voodoo'' what is a song that is very catchy and has new power house singer Tobias Jansson. Henrik also keeps himself busy by being the guitar player for Lacrimosa and recording and touring with them.
Henrik and I talked a bit about the band.
RBJ
1. The band is part of a unique label tell us about Dark Minstrel Music.
HF
DMM is a label that was founded 2011 to allow us 100% artistic freedom. It's also our guarantee that record sales are invested back in the band. Definitely one of the best decisions Evil Masquerade ever made.
RBJ
2. Tell us what the band has been up to lately?
HF
It has been all about the new album and playing live. We have played some festivals and clubs to introduce 'The Digital Crucifix' to a wider audience and we have given a large number of radio interviews. That's basically what's occupied most of the 4 months since the album was released. We have a few more things coming up this year to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the band.
RBJ
3. How has the music changed since you first put the band together?
HF
We started out completely clueless about what Evil Masquerade would become. Basically it was a lineup of local musicians I put together to document a bunch of songs I had laying around and didn't know what to do with. Along the years our musical direction crystallized and we evolved into a solid band. In the early days we played some odd sort of progressive neo-classic metal. This later matured to our own brand of classic hard rock. These days we sound like a mixture of several well-known bands that have gotten a severe Evil Masquerade kick in the ass.
RBJ
4. Your latest release ''The Digital Crucifix'' that is such a powerful name what caused you to go with that theme?
HF
It's a rock'n'roll wake-up call aimed towards the people that slipped into a digital coma a decade ago. But they will most likely just press snooze and continue down the same road until they hit rock bottom. Perfectly fine with me. We don't intend to save the world. We just play hard rock, drink beer and enjoy that quite a lot.
RBJ
5. The Digital Crucifix has such a brilliant sound all the instruments are they programmed or are they played by actual people?
HF
Of course everything is played by the band. In fact, we have done our best to keep it as live and simple as possible. There's no quantization on the drums and mostly one-takes. Some of the rhythm guitars are recorded twice, identical, to beef up the sound a bit and the solos are just one guitar in mono. Keyboard and bass are also kept as simple as possible. A stereo track for keys and a mono track for bass. We entered the studio well-rehearsed and just beat the crap out of the instruments. All vocals were recorded in 4 days and I think we mixed the whole thing in just 4 days as well.
RBJ
6. Youtube had given the band a bit of flack about the video for ''Like Voodoo tell us a bit about that.
HF
Suddenly they had removed the video and accused us of buying fake views. Completely strange accusation since the video didn't have more than 20.000 views 4 months after the release. This is perfectly normal for Evil Masquerade. We had no other option than to upload it again. Well, screw them. I'm happy as long as our videos are available for the people that are interested.
RBJ
7. You also play with another band called Lacrimosa. Is there anything new on the Lacrimosa front?
HF
There's always stuff going on. Next out is a Russian tour to support the brand new double live album we recorded last year in Mexico City before 5000 people.
RBJ
8. The band has got a new singer for this album with the ex Firewind singer Apollo leaving the band how did that come about?
HF
I had a talk with Apollo before starting with 'The Digital Crucifix' because I could see we were moving in different directions. Me wanting to continue keeping busy with the music and he focusing more on family and his daytime job. I suggested we took a break to avoid problems
because of our different priorities. He could see my point and agreed. We are still good friends and will most likely be making music together again one way or the other.
RBJ
9. What is the most memorable show the band has done and why?
HF
Every show offers something unique, big or small, so it's hard to pick just one. Maybe this summer at the Dokk'em Open Air in The Netherlands. We had a very early spot and people were slowly recovering from last night's party. We were really taken by surprise with the crowd that found their way to the stage and stayed there with horns in the air. We didn't expect that.
RBJ
10. Why a musician? Why not a Doctor or Lawyer or maybe a politician.
HF
Because I can be myself. I'm sure I could also manage a career as a lawyer or a politician, maybe even a doctor – but it wouldn't come directly from the heart, which means I wouldn't be at my full potentials.
Henrik and his band Evil Masquerade are showing no signs of slowing down. The entire band is amazing musicians that really are one of the most under rated groups on the prog/metal scene across Europe. The thing I always noticed about Henrik is he is so humble and loves his fans he is very upfront with them and tries to be as one on one as he can. This is a band I would love to see tour here in the United States where music like this is finally becoming accepted and starting to get a bit of radio play. I honestly feel that this band and other like them are the future of the industry and will be a house hold name in the very near future!!!!!
Contact
www.facebook.com/evilmasquerade/timeline
http://evilmasquerade.com/
Reviews By Jon also did a review of the latest release by Evil Masquerade
http://reviewsbyjon.blogspot.com/2014/07/evil-masquerade-digital-crucifix.html
Like Voodoo From the new album
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Metal Machine - Free Nation
Band:Metal Machine
Album:Free Nation
Date Released:Oct 24 2014
Tracks:
Skull And Bones
Nailed To The Cross
Detox
Morning Star
World Of Temptation
Lord Of War
Black Sun
Free Nation
Band Members:
Csaba Zvekan
(Various Studio Musicians)
Genre:Heavy Metal
Label:Dream Records
Promotion:Rock N Growl
Quality & Originality:Csaba Zvekan (Raven Lord, Zvekan, Exorcism) is back with a riff heavy towering inferno of a metal album. Free Nation has great song writing and bold production that is tight, crisp, heavy and passionate. The anthem style songs are fresh and bold and hold the essence old school heavy metal while retaining its own identity. The album could almost be considered a solo album with Csaba Zvekan taking on roles of musical composition, arrangements, lyrics and producer. The music is amazing but Zvekan's vocals is what really ignites this album with a bad ass performance that mixes styles of everything from Dio, Jon Oliva, Ronny Munroe, Rob Halford and Ralf Scheepers and Robb Flynn. Free Nation has eight songs that take us on a massive metal journey across the 40+ years of metal done only how Csaba can do it!!!
My Opinion:This is a brilliant album that pushes Csaba and his amazing studio musicians into a massive world of metal done at its finest. I have listened to Zvekan really harness his vocals abilities from his bands Raven Lord and Exorcism and he really pushes himself into entire new tonal territory making this the best the metal singer has done to date. I really enjoy how many styles are written into this album from a dash of prog, heavy metal, classic metal, rock, hard rock and thrash. Free Nation is everything I love about metal and can be considered a instant classic ranked up with the metal gods. If you have not got on the METAL MACHINE yet chances are you will!!!!!!
Overall & Favorites:Free Nation, Morning Star, Nailed To The Cross. I give this bad ass metal album a 9.5/10 for its headbanging fist pumping fueled riffing bad ass journey!!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/MetalMachineBand/timeline
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Allen/Lande - The Great Divide
Band: Allen Lande
Date Released:Oct 17th 2014
Tracks:
Come Dream With Me
Down From The Mountain
In The Hands Of Time
Solid Ground
Lady Of Winter
Dream About Tomorrow
The Hymn To The Fallen
The Great Divide
Reaching For The Stars
Bitter Sweet
Band Members:
Jorn Lande: vocals
Russell Allen: vocals
Timo Tolkki: guitars, bass, keyboards
Jami Huovinen: drums
Genre:Melodic Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
Influences: Primal Fear, Masterplan, Symphony X, Timo Tolkki's Avalon
Label:Frontiers Records
Quality & Originality:Allen/Lande is back with ''The Great Divide'' that has some major changes since the last album with Timo Tolkki handling song writing and production duties. The band from start to finish is veteran muscians from Jorn (Masterplan, Solo) Russell (Symphony X), Timo ( Stratovarius, Timo Tolkki's Avalon) Jami (Ring Of Fire, Sentiment). This is a bit different then the previous albums but in such a great way. The depth and song writing is simply amazing. Russel and Jorn are in top form making this one of the best albums I have had come across my desk this year. Timo has brought the very best out of each artist and produced one of the greatest prog metal albums this year!!
My Opinion:There have been some amazing super groups in the years but this is hands down one of my very favorites. I have been a fan of Allen/Lande since day one. This album is a new direction but in such a metaltastic awesome way. I would put this album up against any rock or metal album that has come out this year cause every song is a masterpiece in its own right. The guitars are fresh and brilliant the keys are bold the drums are full and distinct the bass is solid and bold and the vocals are seriously out of this damn world!!!!! It is rare that I give out perfect masterpiece but The Great Divide delivers in every aspect!!!!!!
Overall & Favorites:Down From The Mountain, The Great Divide, Reaching For The Stars. I give this album a 10 for being so damn brilliant and bold with a team of musicians that are the top of there game on every song!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/pages/AllenLande/19550548398?sk=timeline
Thunder Tribe - War Chant
Band:Thunder Tribe
Album:War chant
Date Released:Oct 15, 2014
Tracks:
More wicked Than Not
Part Of The Black
Say Goodbye
The Light
War Chant
Believe
Watching It Burn
Above The Blue
Echoes Of A New Day
Fly
It's A Lie
Band Members:
Micheal Duncan
Ronnie Duncan
Rock Sargent
Tom Dawson
Chad Osborne
Located: Kentucky
Genre: Heavy Metal/Prog Metal
Influences:Queensryche, Triumph, Iron Maiden, Dokken, Journey, Dio, Black Sabbath, Kiss
Label:Nightmare,Sony,Red
Quality & Originality:War Chant is a great right in the pocket recreation of all the legendary bands that we have all rocked out to for the past 40 years. I would not call them original per say but tell you that they are trying to carry a mighty metal torch that bands like Zepplin, Maiden, Sabbath, Priest and so many more lit that they want to pay there metal respects to. The songs are as tight as anything us headbangers would want and it is even mixed to almost have a bit of that analog feel to it. The mighty metal grasp this band of veteran rockers has put together is great listening for classic rockers to thrash and prog rock and rollers.
My Opinion:Thunder Tribe have created a great album that even some of the bands they pay tribute to cannot sound like anymore. The guitars have so much harmony to them with also a great rhythm section that backs up the mighty vocals of Micheal Duncan. This is classic metal done the right way with a full and rich songs that will make you tune up that air guitar of yours and head bang the entire neighborhood with the volume on ten. What I love is they go full bore and then slow things down a bit with the song ''Above The Blue'' to show you they are so much more then just a heavy band. Thunder Tribe might not be a brand new fresh sound but I honestly would not want it any other way.
Overall & Favorites:Above The Blue, Part Of The Black, The Light. I give this War Chant a 8 for taking me back to a time when music was more then a guy with a shirt tied around his waste just standing at a mic and only played two chords!!!
Contact: Thunder Tribe Facebook page link
Thunder Tribe Website Link
Emil Bulls - Sacrifice To Venus
Band:Emil Bulls
Album:Sacrifice To Venus
Date Released:Sept 30th 2014
Tracks:
The Grave
Hearteater
Pants Down
I Wanna Feel You
Rainbows And Butterflies
The Way Of The Warrior
The Reckoning
The Age Of Revolution
Sacrifice To Venus
Gone Baby Gone
Man Or Mouse
Keep On Dreaming
Behind The Sun
Band Members:
Christoph v. Freydorf
Stephan ''Moik'' Karl
James Richardson
Andy Bock
Genre: Alternative Metal
Label:AFM Records
Quality & Originality:Sacrifice To Venus is a bit of a change then the band has done in its long 19 year run. The music on this album is very original and being called alternative metal is really a miss cause this band is all over the place but in such a kick ass way. They are heavy almost hardcore then split into a great symphonic sound then back into a great hard rock then back over to the land of prog. The song writing is some of the best to date this band has done. The production is amazing the album was produced by Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Young Guns, Bury Tomorrow) Mixed by Florian Nowak (DailyHero Studios Berlin) Mastered by Alex Kloss (Time Tools Mastering Studios Hannover).
My Opinion:Emil Bulls is a band I have had so much respect for cause of how they sound like no one. The veteran rockers have been beating out the metal for 19 years now and have a massive following from there native land of Germany. This album is a must for you that love it heavy but also are in the mood for something you will never hear anywhere else. This emotion on this album is intense and bringing in the mix of so many styles of music wraps this band into a masterful bow that will please even the most critical heavy metal fan!!!
Overall & Favorites:The Way Of The Warrior, Hearteater, The Age Of Revolution. I give this album a solid 8 cause of the metal journey that really drags your heard and soul into so many directions!!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/EmilBullsOfficial
http://www.emilbulls.com/
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