SEPTIC FATALITY - INTO THE TOMB (CD Review)

01.Into The Tomb
02.Sadistic Maniac
03.Chuck Her In The Cooker

Phill Newton (Vocals)
Niall Roberts (Guitar)
Luke Rodgers (Guitar)
Neil Charlesworth (Bass)
Nick Robinson (Drums)

Septic Fatality are a 5 piece speed thrash band from Sheffield started as a project back in 2008 by guitarist Niall Roberts.
Drawing on thrash legends such as Testament, Overkill and Slayer as their reference point to create an intresting and unique mix of old-school thrash with a modern twist by  adding their own taste to the sound.

This first EP came out in October, the same month they supported the mighty 'Evile' in Sheffield.

Clearly not a band to iss the oppertunity to capitalise on the recent success they are already in Pre-Production for the new Septic Fatality EP has begun.

The band said "things are moving rather fast! We are aiming to release around 5-6 tracks on the next EP and intend to record it early to mid 2013. The songs will carry on from where we left off with “Into The Tomb” but pushing our sound even more, Opening doors and shutting some too".

Kicking off with 'Into The Tomb' you get hit with a punchy riff and solid drums with a shouty vocal, this could easily be classic old school thrashers 'Virus'.

'Sadistic Maniac' is faster with that typical proto thrash sound, quite anthemic and well put together.Some nice guitar work throughout was kind of expecting a screaming solo half way through but it didnt emerge, they opted for the punch and it worked!

Now 'Chuck Her In The Cooker' might sound like a Cannibal Corpse song title, in fact even the artwork evokes the grindcore scene, but this one is a punk/thrash hybrid like Toxic Holocaust.
Some craking guitarwork in this one, solid bass and drums punctuating throughout and suitably aggresive vocals!

A great little EP, nice to hear a band getting to grips with classic thrash but not getting caught up in the complex riffery and 8 minute epics that took the soul out of the scene.
They have created a typically British sounding style, which whilst clearly a nod to the past is definatley showing a way forward, bring on the next EP!

RATING 9/10

For Fans Of : Virus, Elimination, Municipal Waste, SSS, Toxic Holocaust

FACEBOOK PAGE :

http://www.facebook.com/septicfatality

ORDEN OGAN & MOB RULES (Promo CD Reviews)

ORDEN OGAN

German melodic metal band formed in 1996 came to the attention of the masses in 2004 when they released their first EP 'Testominium AD'.

Sice then they have forged forward creating their own style and trying wherever possible to advoid many of the genre's given musical cliches.

That said the promo disc i have to review tends to fall into very obvious cliches of european power metal, yes the vocal performance is quite outstanding, but the music is high spped technical power metal as personified by awful bands like Dragonforce and like that band its is all "Very clever" and well produced but actually is cold and empty without any soul.

So track one 'The Things We Believe In' starts with folkish acoustic guitar then moves into typical drum and guitar riffs, again what stands out is the vocal delivery which is faultless while the backing vocals and chorus is pure 'Turisas'.

The video is your typical "Post Apocalyptic" theme the only difference being snow instead of fire, nothing to get excited about.

The second track 'To The End' has a touch of the Megadeths about it, which is probably why Dave Mustaine likes the band and is tweeting about them.

So all in all a bit dissapointing, basically boring and unoriginal music BUT superb vocals!

RATING 3/10

For Fans Of : Blind Guardian, Dragonforce, Rhapsody.

MOB RULES

Another German band, Mob Rules formed in 1994, drawing on diverse influences from traditional metal to progressive rock and named after a Black Sabbath album.

'Ice & Fire' apparently was inspired by the story of abducted Columbian politcian Ingrid Betancourt' and the music was clearly borrowed from Metallica's 'One'.
Another shining example of BORING and pointless music.

Whats worse is that the album version is 7 minutes long (Another nod to Metallica then???)

RATING 0/10

For Fans Of : COLDPLAY

SISTER SIN - NOW AND FOREVER (CD Review)

Since 2002, SISTER SIN has worked hard to ear their position at the top of the metal scene and with a third album release on the way, they are clearly here to stay. The blueprints for Sweden's dirty metal cartel SISTER SIN were traced nearly ten years ago. Former bassist, Chris Martensson and current drummer Dave Sunderberg became fast friends, recognizing their mutual interest in 80's metal and their yearning to play the music unconventional to their home country. The pair quickly formed a band of their own in hopes to assault all ears around the world.

The search for the perfect front man began and they soon discovered vocalist Liv Jagrell. Although a female part wasn't their original idea, they decided to give her a shot and Dave explains, "It turned out she could sing better and had more balls than any of the other guys who tried out for the gig." With Liv on board, there was only one link missing: a guitarist.

Without hesitation, Dave phoned an old high school friend, Jimmy Hitula, who was known as the "best extreme metal guitar player around." With Jimmy's acceptance, everything was finally in place. The group finally began to craft their sound by fusing raw punk-rock energy with the power of classic metal. With their unique sound and line-up solidified, SISTER SIN gained widespread success in Europe and soon reached out to US based label Victory Records. The foursome signed to the label in 2008 and has since been able to successfully deliver their powerful sound to the US.

Back in 2010 i gave their album 'True Sound Of The Underground' an 8/10 it was good stuff, so now im gonna hit play and see what's changed...

Have to say the sound seems more melodic and mature, still in that classic 'Doro' vein but no way as raw as the previous albums and it has a crappy ballad called 'Morning After' which should be avoided at all costs.

Highlights include 'End Of The Line' which is full of power, screaming vocals and riffery!

RATING 7/10

For fans Of : Warlock/Doro, Girlschool, Scorpions

OTEP - SOUNDS LIKE ARMAGEDDON (CD Review)

Otep is a four-piece alternative metal band that began in Los Angeles, California in late 2000.

They were invited to play Ozzfest before they had even signed to a label after Sharon Osbourne witnessed their live performance. They have since played Ozzfest several times. Otep signed with Capitol Records after only a few shows and without a demo, purely on the power of their live performance.

Otep Shamaya has published two poetry books, spoken at the Democratic National
Convention in 2008, and is an avid painter. Some of the activist groups she supports
are RAINN, Carbon Rally, PETA, & WSPA

In 2009 Otep signed with Victory Records. Their 2009 album, Smash the Control Machine, included a reunion with former members Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and Rob Patterson on guitar. The album also featured Koichi Fukuda on piano, and Emilie Autumn on violin, and a cowrite with songwriter, Holly Knight which resulted in 'You're A Woman Now'. Holly Knight previously cowrote Perfectly Flawed with Otep on The Ascension.The band appeared with 2Cents, Five Finger Death Punch & Shadows Fall on the 'Shock & Raw Tour' of North America in the fall of 2009.
In 2011, they released their 5th studio album, ATAVIST.

For more than a decade, OTEP has become an outspoken activist for positive global change and acceptance. She has amassed a devoted following known as the “Tribe” who support her endlessly and drive her meaningful music and message forward. Night after night OTEP continues to display an unruly force of high-energy and emotional hard rock that is unmatched. Having performed over 1,000 shows and sharing the stage with OZZY OSBOURNE, SLIPKNOT, MUDVAYNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH along with dozens of other notable names throughout hard rock and metal,OTEP has demonstrated she is one of the finest and most intense live artists today.

Sounds Like Armageddon is a special, career-spanning live CD intended to give the world a glimpse of how chaotic, passionate, poetic, and captivating OTEP is while on stage. Recently recorded on the 2012 Destroy To Create Tour.

10 storming live cuts or original tunes great versions of 'Ghostflowers','Rise, Rebel. Resist' every track is full of agression, melody and power, and one cracking version of Nirvana's Breed.

Pretty much designed for the fans, but a great introduction to the band if you have not heard them before.

RATING 8/10

For Fans Of : Slipknot, Arch Enemy, My Ruin

NEWS AND STUFF

 Awesome British metal acts AGE OF TAURUS and AMULET are supporting Enforcer.

 Cradle Of Filth return with a new album and major european tour, but only ONE uk show???? what the fuck guys a FULL UK TOUR PLEASE!!!!

 Xandria are supporting Kamelot! so symphonic rock heaven for some

HUNTRESS
And Hammerfest 5 (In Fear of the Dragon) have just announced HUNTRESS will grace the event now in its new location at Haven in Pwllheli in North Wales.

They’ll be joined by CANDLEMASS, Hatebreed, Destruction, Napalm Death, Enslaved, Senser, 4Arm, Stuka Squadron and Winterfylleth with many more to still be confirmed

HAMMERFEST 5 (In Fear Of the Dragon) takes place between March 14-17, 2012 in it’s new location of Haven. Hafan y Môr Holiday Park, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, North Wales.

KING LIZARD - A NIGHTMARE LIVIN' THE DREAM (CD Review)

01.Come Get Some
02.Kneel To The King
03.I Cant Be Your Lover
04.Hair Of The Dog
05.I Want You To Want Me
06.If It's A Sin
07.A Nightmare Livin' The Dream
08.Just To Hear You Say It
09.This Aint Love
10.Hard To Get
11.Down
12.Waterloo Ratz


Flash Roxx Sawyer (Vocals)
Niro Knox (Guitars)
Lee Benz (Bass)
Moyano El Buffalo (Drums)

London's own "Monsters Of Rock" first appeared way back in 2002 playing gigs and releasing a couple of demos, but it wasnt until 2006 that the band really began to get noticed with a solid line up that gigged everywhere and produced the 'Late Nite Dynamite' EP in 2007.

Finally their debut album 'Viva La Decadence' arrived in 2010 with songs produced by both Andy Brook (Shush/Catfight) and Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy/Judas Priest).The record became a cult hit receiving rave reviews worldwide with it's upfront blend of full throttle guitars, irresistible hooks and catchy lyrics.

There then followed a couple of line up changes and a decision to 'up their game', An electric performance as the main support for Crucified Barbara in Paris, was followed by a main stage slot at France's renowned Motocultor metal festival. The band thrilled the capacity crowd who sang raucously along to their catchy hits as the sun went down.  Following this hit performance the band were given a headline show in Sweden at Stockholm's Harry B. James venue. Acclaimed shows and a growing reputation on the scene saw them put pen to paper on a fresh deal with Bad Reputation Records who reissued their debut album to further acclaim.

Work then began on the next album with producer Pedro Ferreira (The Darkness, Enter Shikari) at Snap Studios.

The finished album titled 'A Nightmare Livin' The Dream' is released this month.

'Viva' is a very hard act to follow and the bands party/sleeze style can be difficult to sustain whilst staying fresh, but one listen to this album puts any fears to rest because
right from the start we get a more mature approach and sound without compromising the soul of the band.

Kicking off with a killer riff 'Come Get Some' builds the tension like a moody thrash band before exploding with Flash's screaming vocals.
A real mover with catchy lyrics and solid backing vocals.

'Kneel To The King' is another "shout it out loud" rocker but with a dark edge, for review purposes this is the second listen to the song and already we are singing along!

Sounding like Motley Crue covering River Deep Mountain High, 'I Cant Be Your Lover' is another instant hit, it has a great breakdown full of melody and great vocal delivery followed by some outstanding Niro guitarwork that you have come to expect!

'Hair Of The Dog' Not a cover of the Nazareth classic but a fast paced high velocity rocker.

This one also not a cover! though Cheap Trick are no doubt an influence on the band.
'I Want You To Want Me' has an extremly catchy chorus and the song with its construction and delivery illustrate the quality of the band and is a great example of just how much the band have matured.

'If It's A Sin' has classic sleeze rock lyrics but with non typical music, showing up the majority of the genres bands that you dont have to do this like everyone else.

With a punchy bass line 'A Nightmare Livin' The Dream' is a fitting title track, it has all the swagger you expect from the band, great vocals, solid drumming and that great guitarwork.Its a bouncy song and i swear i can hear a brass section in the mix?

When it comes to the rock ballad King Lizard have already produced one of the greatest ever - and i do mean EVER! with 'Not For Me' so to my ears 'Just To Hear You Say It' is a great song and one up there with GNR's 'November Rain' and the line "I thought i heard you say it' will stick in your head for days to come, but 'Not For Me' cannot be topped.....Yet?

Building on the general mood from the previous song 'This Aint Love' is a real stand out track, a superb riff with a catchy little hook drives this one forward, its backing vocals gives it that sing a long anthemic quality.
The outro to the song has a great piece of acoustic guitar playing.

One of my all time fave tracks that has been on my mp3 player since it appeared on the Late Nite Dynamite EP in 2007 so not sure how a new version will sound, but the new version of 'Hard To Get' is actually very good, its a lot slicker, not as raw and more harmony in the vocal especially on the slow bit where Flash sings "You try to take me by surprise", definatley a more "Funkier" version.

Think i have found my fave song on the album,'Down' has a different feel to it, its a mid paced almost thrash like song, and by thrash i mean Megadeth style as opposed to Slayer.
Some great instrumentation in there from Niro and even a touch of death metal screaming from Flash, sum this track up as "Fucking Awesome!"

Finally ending on an old live fan fave with 'Waterloo Ratz', its a really good version and nails the bands authority once and for all that they really are the Sleeze rocking monsters of rock!

RATING : 10/10

For Fans Of : Buckcherry, Hanoi Rocks, LA Guns, Voodoo Johnson, Mercy House