Nekrokraft- Witches Funeral/ Return of the Kvlt (Double Single Review)

Musicians: Nekrokraft
Single Titles: Witches Funeral/ Return of the Kvlt
Genre/ Subgenre: Black Metal/ Melodic Black Metal
Label: The Sign Records
Release Dates: Witches Funeral- June 5, Return of the Kvlt- August 21, 2020

Nekrokraft are a Swedish black metal band. They have re-recorded two songs, "Witches Funeral" and "Return of the Kvlt" from their 2018 EP Witches Funeral. The Sign Records have released them as two separate digital singles: "Witches" came out on June 5, meanwhile, "Return" just came out on the 21st of August (both of this year).

"Witches Funeral" starts off with a cool, little, stormy weather intro. It leads into a very atmospheric and dark sound permeating musical sound. That classic, cold feel of black metal soon envelopes you as the chainsaw guitars and crushing drums and bass come in. The melodic, yet devilish groove to it makes the song drown in atmosphere and very memorable. Vocalist Angst Norder has a very evil and hateful screeching growl that works perfectly with the deliciously witchy and evil lyrics. As a whole, the song feels hellish and chilling, filled a blackened, melodic style and soul burning atmosphere.

"Return of the Kvlt" has a crushingly heavy intro. This leads to full throttle assault with blistering blast beats and fleshing slicing guitar riffs. The drumming by Moloch is fucking brutal and thundering, as it plays off well with the guitar riffing, from Reaper and NekroDOC. The song goes from heavy to melodic and back again for an expansive, but always jet-black experience. You can also hear some death metal influences that help to make the sound feel and sound even heavier.

Both songs are absolutely fucking killer, with my preference slightly going towards "Return of the Kvlt". Either way fans of melodic black metal in the style of Dissection and Emperor need to take heed.

4.5 out of 5

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Nocturnus A.D.- Paradox (Album Review)

Musician: Nocturnus A.D.
Album Title: Paradox
Genre/ Subgenre: Atmospheric Sci-fi Death Metal
Label: Profound Lore Records
Release Date: May 24, 2019

Paradox is the long awaited debut album of Noctornus A.D. Birthed from the ashes of Nocturnus, an incredibly important and influential death metal of its old school days, this band is the brainchild of founding member and death metal master, drummer/ vocalist Mike Browning (he also founded Morbid Angel). His desire was to continue to path formed by the band on their classic and highly influential 1990 masterpiece The Key.

The album is, in fact, a direct continuation both musically and story of said classic. Thus, this concept album and sequel tells the tale of Dr, Magnus, a scientist who has been ravaged by a war plague. He is kept alive via a bio-suit, an aftermath of the events in The Key.

Paradox comes pretty damn close to being on the same level as that masterpiece. The music is complex and atmospheric. It changes tempo and evokes feelings of the darkest of science fiction. There is an all encompassing aural assault that is highlighted by the rich and thick production.

Speaking of atmosphere, it's set from right from the get-go with the haunting intro of the opening track, "Seizing the Throne". The song then goes into thundering and pummeling drums. "The Bander Sign" has this beautiful otherworldly intro that goes into a swirling, heavy, and dark sound encompassed by the band's trademark keyboards, combined with blast beats and guitar shredding sound like a brutal laser assault. It results in what might be my favorite track. Speaking of blast beats witness the all out assault of "Precession of the Equinoxes" which sounds and feels like the ultimate attack from beyond our world. "The Antechamber"'s sweeping guitars and keyboards and unrelenting drums feels like a cybernetic hell. "The Return of the Lost Key" would be the perfect song for a cyborg inspired sci-fi/ horror feeling as unrelenting and merciless as the original Terminator, itself was. It's another strong contender for best track. The 9th and final track, "Number 9", is an epic feeling closer to one of the most exciting death metal releases this year.

Paradox is a very worthy follow up to The Key. As such, it is one of the most awe inspiring releases in the world of death metal this year, so far. It is as technically impressive as any science fiction nightmare captured on film. The modern sounding and thick production further augment this otherworldly invader. Admit ably, it might not be for everyone, as the sci-fi feel might turn off some. But, those who are cool or into this should dive right in! I look forward to hearing more from Nocturnus A.D. And, here is hoping they are here to stay around much longer this time around, cause as of right now, death metal has found its ultimate returning, robotic anti-hero!

4 out of 5 

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Face of Oblivion- Cataclysmic Desolation (Album Review)

Musician: Face of Oblivion
Album Title: Cataclysmic Desolation
Genre/ Subgenre: Technical Death Metal
Label: Comatose Music
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2016

This is the second release from Minnesota technical death metal monster, Face of Oblivion. And, it is a crushing and brutal at that. It unleashes its assault from the very first second and does not let up till the very last second. 

The band is now fronted by Incinerate vocalist Jesse Watson. He presides over fast, merciless, and brutal music. The sound is complex, technically amazing, and filled with tempo shifts. Every instrument is played at a fever pitch and the sounds are filled with anger and viciousness. While, most of the songs are under three minutes long, they pack a lot in that short time period giving them a more epic feel than they are.

The album opens with one of its' best tracks in the crushing "Embracing the Damnation". The machine gun like attack of the title track decimates everything in its path. The drumming, by Eric "Ogar" Baumgard, on "Futility" is a fucking monster, an unrelenting, devastating monster, thjat is. "Walls of Flesh" not only sounds like a classic death metal track, but it kills as it alternates between speed and blast beats and little bits of outright crunching. 

Speaking of classic death metal, you gotta love the cover. Fast, brutal, and seemingly angry as fuck, Cataclysmic Desolation is highly recommended. In short, Face of Oblivion have put out an album that is sure to please fans of savage technical death metal. 
 

3.5 out of 5

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In Death...- The Devil Speaks (Album Review)

Musician: In Death...
Album Title: The Devil Speaks
Genre/ Subgenre: Technical Death Metal
Label: Self Released
Release Date: TBA

Holy. Fucking. Shit!!! That is what I said the moment that I heard this upcoming indie debut from Australian death metal act In Death... Mostly because it is so fucking badass and awesome, that just listening to the first couple of minutes of the album made me love it!

The band have a truly technically strong quality to them that really shows off their awesome musicianship. What really drives the songs forward, though, is the fucking killer groove. It hooks you in and then just fucking crushes you. Some of the more close-minded metal fans might decry something about it being to close to deathcore. Fuck that. Mixing it with their tech-death style gives it a heavy as fuck and refreshing, different feel from so many other bands that tend to do a more straight forward style of one or another.

I love every track on here, as they are all solid bits of destruction. Like I said earlier, from the get go this album drew me and that's cause it started out with the crunching and groovetastic (is that even a word? Fuck it. It is now!) opening to the searing "Malignancy Eradicated". The speedy "Bow to Your Master" will utterly pummel you. "Every Burial" is so fucking badass that might be my favorite track here and that's saying something. I mean come on, they have an awesome song called "Godzilla"! How can this horror and monster loving dude not love that? Speaking of horror the kick ass instrumental and title track, "The Devil Speaks" (which really shows off their talented chops) has a sound-bite from Al Pacino from The Devil's Advocate playing over it. By the time the final song, "King of the Deadpool" kicks in, your neck will have snapped from headbanging so hard!

I simply can't say enough good things about In Death... The Devil Speaks. These guys have impressed the fucking hell out of me, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them! For now, pay close attention to them and be sure to pick up this highly recommended album when it comes out. And, be sure to follow them on their Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/indeath) to be up to date on that and more!
  

4.5 out of 5

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Neurogenic- Ouroboric Stagnation (Album Review)

Musician: Neurogenic
Album Title: Ouroboric Stagnation
Genre/ Subgenre: Brutal Death Metal
Label: Comatose Music
Release Date: Sept. 2, 2016

Neurogenic are a truly brutal Russian/ US/ Italian death metal machine. Oruboric Stagnation is their debut album, and it is an uncompromising and truly vicious slab of extreme music. There guys are gonna be a force to be reckoned with in the underground scene!  

The songs are fast, brutal, and angry, averaging about 2 minutes and half, more or less, each. They are an all out assault of speed with blast beats, by amazing US drummer Marco (Six Feet Under) Pitruzzella, throughout. It sounds like machine gun fire accompanied by riffs that only slow down to crunch and pummel. Each song is a savage attack from opening to finish accompanied by guttural and inhuman growling from Italy's Matteo (Indecent Excision) Bazzanella.

"Immersion" begins with a discordant intro that goes into a Rambo rapid-fire attack. "Endless Outrage" speeds and crunches forward with pummeling ferocity. The shortest song on the album, clocking in at 1:31, "Vortex of Creation" is a crunching instrumental that actually ranks as one of my utmost favorite tracks. By the time the album closes with with "Eternal Path of Enslaved" you will have experienced one of the most savage and unrelenting debuts of the year.

Filled with speed, ferocious technical talent, and unbridled savagery Neurogenic's Ouroboric Stagnation is definitely one that fans of truly brutal and extreme death metal will want to own.
 

3.5 out of 5

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Sarcofago- Rotting (Album Review)

Musician: Sarcofago
Album Title: Rotting
Genre/ Subgenre: Black/Thrash/Death Metal
Label: Greyhaze Records
Release Date: Sept. 2, 2016

This is a reissue of Brazilian extreme metallers Sarcofago's 1989 classic album Rotting. It features a gorgeous new layout and comes with a bonus live DVD of a performance from their 1991tour with Morbid Angel (who where supporting Altars of Madness, at the time).

If you've heard this influential album, then you know that is incredibly technical proficient and impossibly fast. If you haven't, then unholy shit do you ever need to!  

There are only six songs on this EP and everyone of them are truly fucking killer. With the exception of the 29 second long intro track "The Lust", which consists of samples of a girl's orgasm sounds and monstrous shrieking, and the almost punkish "Sex, Drinks, & Metal", which clocks in at 3:27, the other four songs are long. They range from the lightning fast 6:03 "Alcoholic Coma" and the epic 8:53 "Tracy".

The music showcases technical superiority and complexity. It firmly puts the music in a death metal category and exemplifies just how influential they were in the extreme metal world. Lyrically the band may talk a little bit about boozing, but they mostly lean towards dark and evil subject matter like killing and fucking one's dead, lying girlfriend, anti-Christianity, and hell. In other words, good, wholesome, and tender fun!

Making this even more of a most own is the excellent, quality in sound in this reissue. Sure it sounds dirty and rough, but it's also clear and full. Combine everything I just said and you have an absolute most own for fans of early death and black metal, and those who love to learn about the history of extreme metal.   

5 out of 5

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Sarcofago- Die Hard (Album Review)

Musician: Sarcofago
Album Title: Die Hard
Genre/ Subgenre: Black/Thrash/Death Metal
Label: Greyhaze Records
Release Date: Oct. 7, 2016

Brazilian underground act Sarcofago were a huge influence on extreme metal, most especially, the second wave of black metal bands (Darkthrone, Mayhem, etc). This is a vinyl LP reissue of the 2015 compilation, the only to officially be released with their demos. It sounds like this will be a stunning looking release. 

From the official press release:
Beautifully packaged as a double-LP with Gatefold Jacket, the album will be available on black and limited-edition yellow vinyl, including an over-sized booklet and poster, as well as liner notes by SARCOFAGO front man Wagner Antichrist.

Sounding like Venom at an even more furious pace, this is fast, heavy, and dirty sounding music. Chaotic and angry, it's a an all out aural assault. While, perhaps not as well known as the aforementioned band or other proto-black metal acts like Bathory and Celtic Frost, the influence on the genre can be felt from the initial riff. As one would expect, the vocals are harsh and growling. Signer Wagner Antichrist also has a ear shredding, high pitched almost King Diamond like scream that he throws in for a few bursts here and there in s couple of songs. It really sets him apart from others in the subgenre. The dirty sounding guitars have blade shredding riffs that help to punctuate it. While, the drumming is fast and furious blasting it's way through the songs. 

Included in this upcoming compilation are a couple of demo versions a select batch of songs, showcasing the various versions of them. But, no matter what version you hear songs like "Satanas", "Nightmare", the vicious "Third Slaughter", and the unrelenting machine gun assault of "Satanic Lust" are full throttle blasts of speed. Being that these are all from demos, one should bare that in mind when hearing the songs, as far as sound quality goes.

Aside from the sound in music style the songs are righteously Satanic in nature so that coupling with the hellish musical sounds are Satanic and blasphemous lyrics. While, all the songs are good, a couple, beyond the aforementioned, like the blistering, evil, and wonderfully over-the-top obscenity of "Desecration Of Virgin" really stand out. It is just such a furious attack on the senses! "Satanic Lust"opens up a catching little groove that heads right into a speed metal bashing. The crunching riff of "Secrets Of A Window" will have you banging your head. 

Available to buy on Oct. 7, 2016 (you can pre-order it here: http://store.greyhazerecords.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=440) this is a must have for LP collectors and black metal fans, in particular those interested in the genre's history and influences.

   
5 out of 5

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Ghoulgotha- To Starve The Cross (Album Review)

Musician: Ghoulgotha
Album Title: To Starve The Cross
Genre/ Subgenre: Doom/ Death metal
Label: Dark Descent Records
Release Date: June 13, 2016

Southern California's Ghoulgotha latest release To Starve the Cross is a dark and slow crunching bit of extreme music. Mixing elements of doom with death metal with solid technical proficiency, this album is crunch after crunch of dark and heavy tunes.

Best described as Immolation by way of an evil Black Sabbath, the band have extreme vocals accompanied by tempo shifting guitars and drumbeat that switches between slow and fast. The slow driving opening of "Pangea Reforms" feels evil, even if you may have no clue what is being sung about. The song then picks up speed adding blast-beats and a dissonant sound to the proceedings. "A Lord in the Shattered Mirror" is another slow bit of discordant heavy chaos, while "Wounds Immaculate" has a cool acoustic intro that leads into a speedy bit of chainsaw guitars. It is probably my favorite track on the album. The album closes off with "A Holy Book Scribed by Wolves" which is not only has a fucking cool title, but is slicing bit of heavy and slowly skull bashing music.

Topped off with cool artwork, To Starve the Cross will please fans of old school death metal who like music that shifts between slow and fast, on top of being evil and crunching.
 

3 out of 5

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Dark Funeral- Where Shadows Forever Reign (Album Review)

Musician: Dark Funeral
Album Title: Where Shadows Forever Reign
Genre/ Subgenre: Black metal
Label: Century Media
Release Date: June 3, 2016

This mighty Swedish black metal machine is back with their sixth studio and their first album since 2009's Angelus Exuro pro Eternus. This is also their first album with their new vocalist Heljarmadr (formerly of Gra, Domgård, and Cursed 13). The result? Well, it is one of the absolute finest black metal albums of the year, thus far, and one of the very best of their long career.

The album opens with the blisteringly fast "Unchain My Soul", which is one of the very best tracks on it. A wonderfully dark opening leads to rhythmic and continuous assault on the senses in the lightning fast "Beast Above Man". My favorite track on the album has to be the purely evil and chilling "To Carve Another Wound". It's dark and driving as well worthy of you throwing up the metal horns. By the time the time the savagely fast title track closes off this masterpiece you will remember everything that made you fall in love with black metal and more.

Vocalist Heljarmadr is an incredible addition to the band. I love that his voice sounds raspy as hell (pun not intended), but you can clearly understand what he says. Which is great cause the lyrics are filled with images of evil and Satanic acts of horror and violence. The guitars by Chaq Mol and Lord Ahirman (who writes the lyrics and also plays the bass) sound great and add a chilling feel to the whole experience. Meanwhile, Dominator does just on the drums. He is a monster on his drum-set! Filled with insane blast beats and a full on attack this some of the best drumming in extreme metal this year.

The production on this is excellent and really fits the music. It adds to the cold, distant, and Satanic sound of it perfectly.

 Where Shadows Forever Reign is an album I simply cannot stop listening to. It's songs get stuck in my head, and feel the need to hear it again and again. And, the more I hear it, the more I like it! Everything about it is dark, violent, unquestionably evil, and filled to the brim with anger and seething with hate. Yet, like a really awesome horror movie, there is something really fun in here that makes it appealing to one's ears. The horned one must surely and rightfully be pleased with this killer album that is destined to make my top 10 of the year.

5 out of 5

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Another Lost Year- Alien Architect (Album Review)

Musician: Another Lost Year
Album Title: Alien Architect
Genre/ Subgenre: Hard rock
Label: Mirage M'hal Records/EMP/eOne
Release Date: June 10, 2016

The latest album from Charlotte, NC's Another Lost Year Alien Architect is a catchy and hook filled rocker. The music has a really good driving feel to it and is guaranteed to stick to your head, from the very first listen.
 
The four piece band is comprised by guys with a ton of talent. The drumming by Nathan Walker had me air drumming, ever while writing this review! Dual guitar work by Jorge Sotomarino and lead vocalist Clinton Cunanan gives the music a wonderful melody to it. Cunanan's heartfelt and soulful vocals  add a dose of beauty to it all, as he really brings the music to another level. This all presented with excellent production, which makes the album sound crisp and powerful.

The first song on the album is the driving "Wolves" which has a great almost Disturbed like opening riff. "Run the Tank Out" is damn good rocking song with a little bit of badassary under it that mixes well with the melodic sound to give it an extra bit of bite. "We All Die Alone" will get you moving and signing alone within seconds and maybe my favorite track on the album. The band also does power ballads quite beautifully with songs like the soaring "Best Is Yet to Come" and the powerful, yet super catchy, "He Took Beautiful Away".

"Alien Architect" is a solid rocker throughout it's duration. Soaring, hook filled, and with moments of beauty, Another Lost Year have delivered an album that is a sure bet for fans of bands like Breaking Benjamin. If you are looking for a good rock album look no further, you have found it!

* * * 1/2 out of  * * * * * 
 

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Motley Crue: The End (Review)

Motley Crue, one of the most notorious, popular, biggest, and most influential mainstream metal bands of the 80s played their last live show ever on New Year's Eve of 2015, into New Year's Day this year. It took place at the same place it all started: in Los Angeles! This final concert is captured on Motley Crue: The End, and I was fortunate enough to catch it on the big screen, this past Tuesday.

From the get go this fucker kicks all kinds of ass. The band is on point delivering many of their classics and playing hard as hell. Everyone is playing at their best and giving their all, thus leaving as the rock stars that they are. The set-list plays as close to a greatest hits list as possible and is as follows:

1. Girls, Girls, Girls
2. Wild Side
3. Primal Scream
4. Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
5. Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
6. Smokin' in the Boys' Room (Brownsville Station cover)
7. Looks That Kill
8. Mutherfucker of the Year (followed by wisdom and… more )
9. Anarchy in the U.K. (Sex Pistols cover)
In the Beginning
10. Shout at the Devil
11. Louder Than Hell
O Fortuna
12. Drum Solo (drum rollercoaster got stuck during the solo)
13. Guitar Solo
14. Saints of Los Angeles
15. Live Wire
T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown)
16. Dr. Feelgood
17. Kickstart My Heart

Encore:
Home Sweet Home

The stage is fucking awesome and huge. There are ramps, hydraulics, fire, explosions, pentagrams, two sexy, female backup-signers, and even a roller-coaster for Tommy Lee's drums during his solo. The contraption gets him stuck, but it's things like this that make this a real concert experience. There are just so many badass moments that I couldn't help but being sucked in.

This is further helped by the excellent sound. Aside from the hard hitting music, the explosions and fire sound so fucking loud and huge. The camera-work is phenomenal with awesome close-ups and shots. Mixed in are some slow-mo shots and still shots that are the epitome of cool. Fan reactions are scattered in, too, with some great shots of some of the Crue's beautiful female fans, which adds some nice, eye-candy moments.

There are also insightful and honest words and thoughts, as all four band talk about this final show. These are scattered throughout the concert. Most interesting is the band admitting that they are not friends or anything of the sort, but that does not matter when they are onstage. It's an honest moment that puts a lot into perspective. Yet, as the concert draws to an end with the classic power-ballad, "Home, Sweet Home" there is an emotional and heartfelt feeling throughout that no true Crue fan will not be able to watch without getting teary eyed.

Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best filmed concerts ever, Motely Crue: The End is not just history captured on video; it is destined to become a classic. See it and own it when it hits DVD/ blu-ray!

* * * * out of * * * *
 

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Gruesome- Dimensions of Horror (Album Review)

Musician: Gruesome
Album Title: Dimensions Of Horror
Genre/ Subgenre: Death metal
Label: Relapse
Release Date: May 20, 2016

Gruesome sound and play death metal that is a love letter and tribute to the early sound of the fathers of the genre, Death. They made their debut in 2015 with Savage Land. They're back this year with the what is one of the best EPs I have heard thus far in 2016.

They present that Death love right from the get go. The driving and pounding drums by Gus Rios make for a frontal attack you won't soon forget. They're accompanied by Robin Mazen's bass to give the album a thick and heavy sound, throughout. The guitars by Daniel Gonzalez and Matt Harvey (who also does the vocals) are alternately soaring and crunching. It's all played with a ferocity and technicality that old-school death metal fans will eat up. Harvey's aforementioned vocals are the right mix of anger, gruff, and growl, yet clear enough to get at least some of the gory images the band seems to love.

That love of gore, death, and horror imagery abound in the killer songs. The full force attack of "Raped by Darkness" is all about Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead. Other standout tracks include the opener "Forces of Death", the title track "Dimensions of Horror" (the gory video, of which, you can see below) and the crunch and drive of "Hellbound". The finishing touches of old-school Death love is the fucking kick ass cover done by Ed Repka, who has worked on covers for not just just Death but Massacre, Atheist, and Megadeth, as well. By the way, do you realize that the zombie is reading from the Necronomicon?! Ash (Evil Dead hero) might need to find him and kick his ass!

If you love this type of music and long for the days like it, then Dimensions of Horror is for you. It will sedate your hunger for it. They only problem I can see is that you'll want more. Well, we'll just have to eagerly await their next full release for that now, won't we?

* * * * out of  * * * * * 

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Kiss Rocks Vegas (Review)

Kiss and Vegas go perfectly together. Their merging is basically a no-brainer. So, hence when they did a residency back in 2014 at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, it made perfect sense. One of those nights was capture for a new concert film called Kiss Rocks Vegas. It played one night only at the movies on May 25, 2016, and I got a chance to catch it.

At the beginning if the film, we have the band members talking about the show, what went into it, their ideas, etc for roughly fifteen minutes. Then we go right into concert. The band sounds great and the stage is huge,  filled with fire, explosions, hydraulics, etc. Everything is just spectacular!

All the classic live Kiss moments are here. Band members rising, guitars shooting fire, etc. Of course, there is also Simmons' breathing fire and spitting blood. This all accompanied by huge screens playing various images that go with the songs and shots of the band.

The concert, itself, was shot with excellent camera work, getting you right into the action, with some kick ass and exciting close-ups. This is all intercut with audience reaction shots including male Kiss fans, hot girls, and cute kids. Some audience members are, if course, wearing Kiss makeup!

The setlist represents a good variety of the different eras in the bands decades long career. They even pick three songs off of Creatures of the Night, my second favorite Kiss album of all time. Said setlist consists of:

1. Detroit Rock City
2. Creatures of the Night
3. Psycho Circus
4. Parasite
5. War Machine
(Gene breathes fire)
6. Tears Are Falling
7. Deuce
8. Lick It Up
(with "Won't Get Fooled Again"… more )
9. I Love It Loud
10. Hell or Hallelujah
11. Bass Solo
(Gene spits blood and flies)
12. God of Thunder
13. Do You Love Me
14. Love Gun
(Paul flies out to audience… more )
15. Black Diamond

Encore:
1. Shout It Out Loud
2. Rock and Roll All Nite

God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II (Over end credits)

I cannot wait for this concert to hit blu-ray!! I will definitely be getting it. And, if you're a fellow Kiss you'll want to do the same! !

* * * * out of * * * * 

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Wildways- Into the Wild (Album Review)

Musician: Wildway
Album Title: Into the Wild
Genre/ Subgenre: Metalcore/ Hardcore
Label: Artery Recordings
Release date: March 25, 2016

Wildways are a five piece metalcore/ hardcore act from Western Russia. And, Into the Wild is their latest album. Their brand of music is catchy and energetic with a good mix of melody with aggression.

The album opens up with "Skins" which has an electionica influenced intro. The song turns into something more melodic swith a mid-tempo groove. It's a good example of the varied sounds and influences that are held within here.

Some songs like "Faka Faka Yeah" show an almost rap like inluence. I, admit ably, am less into songs like this or the similar in tone "D.O.I.T". Despite that there is plenty to like, even for a dude lIke me. Songs like the melodic "Princess" seem to be headed towards a mundane sound, but then takes an increasingly exciting feel, especially as female vocals kick in.  But, honestly this album is at its best when it mixes melodic metalcore with the aforementioned electronic sound, while adding some aggressiveness. A perfect example of this this the track "What You Feel". "Don't Give Up" is another good track that I really enjoyed thanks to that particular sound and style.

The band's varying influences make for an interesting experience. I can see them having an appeal with younger listeners looking for music that is in the same vein of bands like Asking Alexandra or a far less annoying Attila. Although, honestly, I feel Wildways is infinitely better than either or. If this sounds like it's your cup of blood, I definitely think Wildways is a band you should listen to. And, with a catchy an album as Into the Wild, this is the perfect chance to do just that.

*** out of *****

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Cult Of Luna and Julie Christmas- Mariner (Album Review)

Musicians: Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas
Album Title: Mariner
Genre/ Subgenre: Atmospheric Sludge/ Progressive Metal/ Alternative Metal
Label: Indie Recordings
Release date: April 8, 2016

I will be honest and start this review by saying that I had never gotten into Cult Of Luna. I liked Julie Christmas, though. And, while I had never followed her career religiously, I did enjoy much of what I would hear from her. So, then imagine my surprise after hearing Mariner, and album where they teamed up. The result is amazing and one of the boldest and most truly original albums of the year.

Swedish progressive/ sludge metal crossbreeders Luna mix so well with alternative metal queen Christmas that it feels like they were born for working with each other. The musicianship is top notch. There is so much talent oozing from every aural inch of music, that is all encompassing. Vocally those of Luna mix and play off well off of Christmas'. She has always had one of the most unique sounding voices around. This wonderfully singular musical experience solidifies just that. She carries a tune so powerful and emotional, that it just grabs you.

The opening track "A Greater Call" has this beautiful, somber intro that grabs your spirit, then at about the 2:45 minute mark a scream comes from the band Luna as the music comes crashing in. It is accompanied by Christmas whose haunting vocals add an ethereal feel to it all. Speaking of haunting the beginning of "The Wreck of the S.S. Needle" is certainly that. Only to become a blistering aural assault that is just amplified by Christmas' screams, and yet there are also beautiful moments of transcending tranquility. The album concludes with the epic "Cygnus". It is chugging masterpiece that is my personal favorite from the album.

While, there are only eight songs on Mariner, they are all long songs. There seems to be a purposeful reasoning to make each longer than the last one. So, while the first song clocks in at 8:19, the last one hits 14:50. That being said there is never a dull moment in incredible listening experience.

Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas have crafted one of the greatest album collaborations in the history of metal and hard rock. Heavy yet soothing, atmospheric yet bombastic, this is a multifaceted and multi layered masterpiece that will only get more captivating with each listening that you give it. Whatever you do not miss this one when it comes out on April 8, 2016.

***** out of *****

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Doomsday Ceremony- Black Heart (Album Review)

Musician: Doomsday Ceremony
Album Title: Black Heart
Genre/ Subgenre: Black Metal/ Blackened Thrash Metal/ Traditional Metal
Label: Greyhaze Records

Doomsday Ceremony is a Brazilian band that mixes black metal with thrash and traditional metal to deliver some amazing sounding music. They have been around since the year 2000. This album, Black Heart, is actually their second release. They started working on it in 2011 and didn't finish it till early 2012. The album is set to be released on April 22, 2016 worldwide by Greyhaze Records. And, let me tell you, this fucker totally rips!!

Thrash style speed mixes excellently with the soaring melody from the twin guitar attack of Rieche and Ciriato. There is a wonderful flowing and shredding sound that comes from this extremely talented duo that showcases a real love for both NWOBHM and thrash that should definitely appeal to older school fans. Meanwhile, the lyrical content and feel of the album give it that nice and evil black metal edge. Vocalist Moloch further ensures it's inclusion in the black metal world with his raspy vocals. Meanwhile, drummer Wolff keeps things fast and searing, with some blastbeats to further mix things up.

The resulting product is one of the most exciting and refreshing sounding albums I have yet, to hear this year. It opens up with the dark melodic heaviness and speed of "Vultures of War", and just keeps going from there. The groove filled "Voice of the Darkness" has this very cool midsection where the music turns to midtempo crunching and it plays excellently when coupled with the vocals. Other highlights include the melodic speed of "Slaves of Sin" and absolutely awesome title track. The later includes an anthemic lyric when they say that they are "Warriors of black metal" That line right there is the coolest fucking thing I have yet to hear in 2016.

I can't stop listening to Black Heart. It's an amazing, ass kicking album that I highly recommend to fans of bands like Immortal, Mercyful Fate, and Skeletonwitch. In all, Doomsday Ceremony and this album are a fucking amazing export from Brazil!

****1/2 out of *****

 

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Skinless- Only the Ruthless Remain (Album Review)

Musician: Skinless
Album Title: Only the Ruthless Remain
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: Relapse Records


It's been forever since the last album, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead, from South Glen Falls, NY death metal act Skinless came out in 2006. They had disbanded in 2011, but thankfully got back together in 2013. Last year, some nine years later, they finally gave us a follow up in the form of Only the Ruthless Remain. Is it worth the wait? You bet your ass it is!


In fact this album surpasses that solid album, in almost every manner. It is extremely technically efficient with amazing musicianship from all involved. There are lots of tempo changes within each track as they go between fast and shredding to slow and grinding. The excellent drumming by Bob Beaulac are accompanied by a full sounding bass and alternately blistering and soaring twin guitar work that will have you headbanging along to the point that your fucking neck my snap right off. The vocals from signer Sherwood Webber are brutal and add to the pounding sound.

Songs like the killer opener "Serpenticide", the grinding "Skinless", and the appropriately named "Barbaric Proclivity" simply decimate. It makes for an album that is impossible to sit still while listening to. The cool as fuck cover (one of my favorites from last year!) completes a package that fellow death metal fans simply need in their collection. Welcome back Skinless, you were missed but have more than delivered the goods!

**** out of *****

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Unborn Suffer- Nihilst (Album Review)

Musician: Unborn Suffer
Album Title: Nihilist
Genre/ Subgenre: Brutal Death Metal/Grindcore
Label: Selfmadegod Records

Polish band Unborn Suffer are back with their fifth album, entilted Nihilist. It's certainly a fitting title for this pummeling release. This is without a shadow of a doubt the most savage releases, that I have heard thus far this year.

There are seventeen tracks in total. Most of the songs are very short in nature. The shortest one is "Post Aburtom pt 3" at 8 seconds, while the longest, "Life Is a Lie" clocks in at just 3:06 minutes. As such the songs come fast and furious, and the album never lets up.

Musically it is as if your being bludgeoned to death by Flash nemesis the Reverse Flash. There are blastbeats galore and guitars that go between lightning fast and crunching viciousness. They accompany vocals (from signer/ bass Piotr "Bexdreadrock" Wisniewsk) that range from inhuman screaming to low guttural growling.While there isn't a throwaway track to be found here, some really standout. Songs like the aforementioned "Life Is a Lie", "Extorted Humanity", the vicious "Destroy What Destroy Us" and the piss and venom filled "Self Purification" are true experiences in uncompromising brutality. Yet, the band isn't above having a sense of humor, as evident by the track "Grind Until I Die" with it's fun title and the ending where Wisniewsk coughs from signing in the way that he does.
Nihilist puts the brutal in brutal death metal. It's grindcore at it's fastest and most face bashing. If your looking one of the heaviest and most barbaric new albums out there, then look no further than this one. Oh and extra points for the cool, old-school style, death metal cover artwork!***1/2 out of ***** 

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Animality's Brutal and Bloody Video for "Blood Spattered Brain Matter"

I recently discovered Nashville death metal act Animality via their Twitter. And, I REALLY liked what I heard! Their Twitter described their sound as "for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, and Thy Art Is Murder" That perfectly sums them up! They are brutal but with great crunching hooks.

From their web bio:

Since 2010 Animality has been paying their dues in the metal game. Playing shows and writing gut wrenching tunes like there is no tomorrow. Deathmetal as brutal as the old school ripping through today's music scene with a modern edge. The release of the first album "Species" has gotten many raving reviews on the absolute brutality, from such bands as Enfold Darkness and Wretched. Bringing forth an upcoming sophomore album, this beast is an unstoppable force of metal mayhem at its finest.

Animality is Brian Roberts and Luke Cobb shredding the masses on guitar, James Blue wielding the low end on bass, Spencer Moore slamming down seemingly prequantized hits on drums and Sam Schneider spitting manic energy as vocalist. These 5 bring a whole new realm of intensity to the metal world. Engaged in many soon to be released projects, this kraken is taking everything by storm.

The video to "Blood Spattered Brain Matter" is fucking awesome!! Filled with gore and splatter, this the prefect accompaniment to this savage track off of their 2015 EP, which you can get at the band's Bandcamp page: https://animalityband.bandcamp.com/
You can watch the video below:


A reminder: If you live in the continental US, don't forget to enter my Contemporary Krampus book contest: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2015/11/contemporary-krampus-review-and-contest.html

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One-Eyed Doll with Fiends at Webster Hall 10/4/15

 

Last night at Webster Hall in NYC, One-Eyed Doll supported by a group of really awesome bands, had an immensely fun and lively, ass kicking show. From the first act all the way to the headliners this was just top to bottom quality rock music!

First up where NY's very own Candy Brain. This was my first time hearing this band's music, and I loved what I heard. On their Facebook page they call their sound "murder pop/ fantasy punk", which is a pretty apt description of their fun and catchy sound. They had a great stage perscence, and I think have a great future ahead of them. Plus, they definitely fit in with look and sound of the headliners.

 

 

 

 

 

The band members are really friendly and fun to be around. Shooting pics of them was an absolute blast!

Up next were Arizona's Run 2 Cover. This energetic, charismatic, and young trio had a really great pop rock sound that has success written all over it. They have immense musical talent despite their very young age. I could see that knew how to connect with the audience and grab their attention. They achieved this not only with their own music, but also with a really cool little cover medley of pop and rock classics.  

 

 

 

 

I was extremely excited to see the next band, which was Stitched Up Heart from Hollywood, CA. Back in March I did a write-up about them, right here. As I mentioned there I am a huge fan of the band's music, so naturally I was super excited to see them perform live, since I never had before. In fact, just that morning while I was at the gym working out, I had heard and seen the video for their new single "Finally Free". I immediately thought to myself, how much I loved the music and that this might be their best work, yet! 

They opened their set with this fucking killer track, and then preceded to kick all our asses with the rest of it! They only played music from their forth coming album, so it was all new. But, from what they played for us, I can say that this is now one of my most anticipated releases! It's the heaviest and best music they have ever produced. The band sounds amazing live! Fronted by the beautiful and ubber talented Mixi, they are posed to breakthrough and be a major force in heavy rock music!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mixi and your truly. She freaking rocks!

Hanging out at the show were NYC's Syka. I recently found out about this band through social media, and let me tell you, they fucking kick major ass! They will be playing with freaking GWAR at Webster Hall on Nov. 15, so be sure to check them out live! They posed for pics with Stitched Up Heart's Mixi, and I got to take pics with them, as well. They are fucking really cool guys, and I wish them all success in the world. They deserve to be huge!

It was soon time for the headliners, One-Eyed Doll to come out and play their kick ass goth-punk music. Led by beautiful frontwoman and guitarist Kimberly Freeman the duo of her and drummer Junior put on one of the best and most fun live performers that I have ever seen! This was my first time seeing them perform, and I fucking LOVED them! They had a bunch of Halloween and horror props like skulls, skeletons, amputated body parts, and more (including wearing different head dresses), that made this horror loving metalhead about as happy as I could ever feel! 

They played classics from their previous albums, as well as tracks from the latest release Witches. Kimberly interacted with the audience a lot, getting off the stage and even having three audience members participate in some trick or treat fun (I mean this is their Halloween tour, after all!). They also had guest musicians including John Moyer whom you may know from Disturbed, Adrenaline Mob, and more.

Afterwards, Kimberly met her fans, and was such a sweetheart. She really is one of the absolute nicest people in the music world, that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She has such a down-to-earth and friendly persona to her, that it's impossible not to love her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In all this was a truly awesome and fun show, from start to finish!
I also want to take the chance to mention that this was the first time, I ever covered a concert officially as press for my site. So, yes, I did, in fact have very own first concert press pass! I was very excited and proud of myself, it meant a lot to me because of my life long love of hard rock and metal. And, while this site has had music before I am expanding that coverage, as may already have noticed. Actually, I have a lot of big things planned for this site so stay tuned!

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