Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

REVIEW ALBUM HEAVY METAL TO THE VEIN BY BLIZZARD HUNTER


Blizzard hunter started in 2006 in Peru as Blizzard, releasing one demo in 2011 but soon to change name to Blizzard hunter from 2014, forging their first EP followed by this first full length Heavy metal to the vein.

Blizzard hunter combines a straight forward power metal with old school speed metal with changing rhythms and complex creations, guitars work fast and effective, melting hard rocking melodies into progressive feelings, really well harmonized with the rest of the band, vocals develop a mainly high pitched and clean style, being in control of every note, drawing a large range from mid, sharp and aggressive to powerful and ultra high pitched screams.


Conqueror of destiny is a good example of instrumental sign of the band as I'm on my way explodes In a headbanging shot, awesome voice and really well composed being on of the highlights of the album.

Heavy metal to the vein kicks in with some reminiscences of US metal, very well played on the vocals creating epic melodies and developing a good interpretation, followed by heart of fire (vampire hunter song), this one my friends is one of those tracks that are considered masterpiece, note the perfect mixture between Queensrÿche, iron maiden and US metal, the glorious virtue that Metal Inquisitor was successful is made as standard for blizzard hunter, it will call the attention of the listener to play again and again.


Nemesis (feel my strength) is where you can feel how wide can be the vocal range of this guy, as a mid fast tempo track goes from sharp mid pitched and very well played voice, on the line of Bruce Dickinson, but going beyond with clean and ultra high pitched scream "feel my strength", instrumentals works in harmony and demonstrates good palm muted and technical sections remembering those guitar duels by Tipton and downing from Judas priest; worked effectively with double pedal on drums.


Ghost Rider starts a bit as a break and more relaxed anthem with some more melodic and epic hints but going in crescendo with a enjoyable instrumental and addictive chorus, as the murder bangs like a pure old school true metal with even some doom drippings on the verses, another highlight of the band's sound, linked with My revenge, forging classic speed thrash metal feelings, ready to break your necks showing the aggressive side of the band with clear Tyran Pace influence on the vocals, one of the best of the album.


Following the speed pace The Joke bangs like a sudden speed metal attack, all you know you'll find yourself banging your head, remarkable instrumental performance all over and leading to the last track The final judgement, absolutely amazing job on the bass and overwhelming galloping riffs with good details on the drums performance as the vocals follow a relaxed but powerful melodic line.


What a great surprise with this debut album by Blizzard hunter, definitely the band did an awesome job, managing a really professional sound with an excellent production, every
member's performance is absolutely virtuous, if you are fan of Judas priest, Queensrÿche or iron maiden, (on the level of bands like Striker, Alltheniko or Air Raid) this will be a must have album!


8,5 / 10



Line up
Lucho Sanchez Guitars
 Lalo "Indú" Salas Bass
 Toño "Wild Rocker" Rojas De la Cuba Guitars
 Sebastian "Dragon" Palma Vocals

Links



Thursday, 7 May 2015

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM WWIII BY LETHAL SAINT




Lethal saint was formed in 2006 in Cyprus, releasing their first album in 2010 and signing with Pure Steel Records releasing their second shot called WWIII last 20th march of 2015.

The band heralds the classic heavy metal combined with sophisticated structures, taken from drippings of thrash and power, creating modern tunes but also keeping the essence of what true metal is about.
The album opens with the intro the curse, leading to Merciless Decay, as a mid tempo pure heavy metal shot with changes of pulse in the chorus and good influences from Judas Priest, as a virtuous drumbeats with double pedal introduces the listener to Prophecy of war, going increscendo forging a really good chorus, the vocals works excellent as the sharp angry style explodes in high pitched moments, also guitars draws well performed parts.

Chaos rising keep the same strategy used previously but creating really intense sections and interesting changes of rhythm, definitely one of the highlights of the album, linked with Order to Defend, where the listener is witness of one of the best performed vocal parts of the album, the interpretation of the highs and lows, is just outstanding, great one!

Next in line is by my point of view one of the best songs of the band, after the intro Omen with the dark atmospheric melodies, Thorns of existence explodes in a true metal bomb, headbanging as hell, mid fast paced song with high pitched parts on vocals, the chorus is astonishing, with good details on the background guitars and even growling vocal details at the end; as The Alliance kicks in, remembering some Judas priest tunes, the ascending intensity is remarkable, leading to a well created chorus, but nothing much more special.


The headbanging moments come back with the fast paced Ascend to power, the structure is similar in essence, adding good power metal drippings and awesome drums and guitar solo performance; improving in the next shot, mid paced intense anthem, Spoils of the past, with good harmony on the instrumental and well performance on the bass parts; to finalise with the tittle track WWIII, probably one of their best shots and very much influenced by Grave Digger style, very straight chorus that make the listener to sing-along, guitar are also strongly played, forceful voice also outstandingly performed.

Lethal Saint forged a really high quality album, the production is clean and well finished, song creations are remarkable but very similar compositions can make it a bit of a run of the mill feeling, but to say the truth, the band created some gems to be remembered, highlights like Thorns of existence and WWIII are top shots; Lethal saint are here to stay!


7,5  / 10



Links

Line Up

Christis Isseyegh Drums
Chris Papadopoullos Guitars
Andreas Kasapis Guitars, Bass
Andreas Pugioukas Vocals
Christoforos Gavriel Guitars


Release by Pure Steel Records




Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

REVIEW OF THE EP LAND OF OLD BY ELDERTALE


Eldertale is a melodic folk metal band from Ukraine formed in 2005 but being more active since 2012, releasing their first EP in June 2014, they deliver a pure folk pagan metal, adding some neoclassical drippings and powerful moments, creating in general rich structures in terms of composition as melodic instrumentals and growling vocals are the common strategy for this headbanging EP.


The band break the ice with Exile, as the choirs mark the powerful entry of complex drumbeats and melodic background with an excellent composition on the verses, really intense and good crescendo part at the end; this track defines perfectly the band's sound.

Land of Old might be one of the best tracks of this style I've ever listened, it starts with an instrumental orchestrated melody, the composition is outstanding. Then this intense shot goes increscendo, adding army marching rhythms on drums, to literally explode in a headbanging anthem, vocals and instrumental are in perfect harmony and the transitions between changes virtuously made, the lyrics also are powerful and the melodic growling voice are the best in the EP, also remarkable rhythms on the drums with drippings of power, thrash and death metal, bass is also excellent on the solo; the perfect highlight of what this band is capable of.

Finally the EP closes with Time of ancient, mid tempo traditional folk pagan metal, as seen on the rest of the material, this track follows the path of adding melodic power metal structures, piano and orchestrated parts are, again, amazingly well composed.


Eldertale first EP got a crystal clear production, it's headbanging from start to finish, the compositions are sophisticated including catchy melodies and awesome orchestrated parts, drums should have more presence next time, but the final result is overwhelming, just can't wait for the full length!



9 / 10





Line up 
Alexander Desyatnichenko Drums
Eugene Belozertsev Guitars, balalaika
Josh O.Berg Keyboards, choirs
Kirya Vocals, guitars, bass, choirs


Links



Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Thursday, 16 April 2015

INTERVIEW WITH SACRAL RAGE (MARIOS AND DIMITRIS)



After releasing their first album with Cruz del Sur, Sacral Rage and their Illusions in infinite Void are getting known worldwide by true metalheads, so finally I had the chance to have an interview with guitarist Marios and vocalist Dimitris. If you'd like to check the review please click here




Hi guys! Thanks for your time and also thanks to Jan from sure shot worx for making it possible.


First of all lets talk about the history of Sacral Rage, why did you come up with that name? What different metal styles have you been influenced when the band was formed?

Greetings to all of you!!

We started on the last month of 2011 and since then we have 2 official releases and a couple of demos/promos. The mini Lp “Deadly bits of iron fragments” by Eat Metal Records in 2012 and the full length “Illusions In Infinite Void” in 2015 by Cruz Del Sur on cd and Underground Power Records on vinyl.

You can liken the name as follows: The “Sacral” element stems from the darkness, paranoia and madness we breathe while the “Rage” arises from our lethal speed and rhythm attack.

The style and vision haven’t changed although it evolved a lot. We still bow down to bands like Judas Priest, Rush, Crimson Glory, Watchtower, Nasty Savage. Just like the “old” days.



Seeing the result of this combination of styles, what bands could be the major influence for Sacral Rage?

Too hard to answer that. The only thing I can tell you is that all of our influences, subconsciously rise through our songs and we don’t have a certain band in mind when composing stuff. Of course there are certain bands that we have in the back of our minds but As much as we are influenced By Rush and Mercyful Fate evenly Annihilator and Death made the same impact on us.


Not only you covered Mercyful fate, Sacral Rage heralds that influence all over the new album, among some US metal or power metal of course, when composing the instrumentals, did you have in mind to sound like king diamond or was it something that evolved automatically at the time of each composition?

The latter I would say. As said before we don’t try to sound specifically like one or two bands of our influences. We want this to come naturally out of our songs. Of course we knew that certain parts had the King and Mercyful vibe but we didn’t force it. To tell you the truth, we are extremely horny when something like that happens not only with the King but generally.


How was the process of creation of the new album? Was it easier now that you got more experience, than the first Ep?


On the contrary it was way more difficult because we had to overcome ourselves. I believe we achieved that by far. When we composed Deadly bits we didn’t had people expecting our album so it was an easier process. But now we had to satisfy both ourselves and the listener who knew what we offered through our Mini Cd. Also all of our recent songs are way more complex, weird arrangements. This in itself requires more focus and “Discipline”.


How is the general feedback from the media?

Very good judging by the fact that the press towards new bands is very circumspect. The only thing is that many are confused regarding the style we are playing and our influences. You can read in some zines that we are playing US metal while in others Heavy metal, Prog Metal , Thrash metal etc. The average of the reviews is great!



The vocal parts are really high pitched at some parts, sometimes pure theatrical performance and really powerful also at some points, are you happy with the result?

Yeap , I am extremely happy because Dimitris really surpassed himself both in terms of composition and performance .He has a unique voice and just like the rest of the band, he has his own style without copying any of his mentors. Especially in our times where everyone tries to sing like Dickinson, Dio or whoever.



How do you feel when performing live such a large range of vocal quality in terms of low to high pitched style?

There is always a stress about my throat's condition. For this kind of vocals it should be at a perfect state. But whether it is or not when I let myself into madness the result is always the same, screams coming out from outer space, high pitch terrorism destroying the stage.



I think one of your best tracks is en cima del mal, but the song that defines your sound better is Lost chapter E: Amarna's reign, what's your favourite song from the new album?

Again this is too hard to tell because it is really too soon to answer that. If you put a gun in my head though, I would probably say the twins (Sutratma, Amarna’s). The thing about En cima is that this is a kind of a standard heavy metal tune (catchy chorus , normal structure etc). So that’s why many people say that this is their favorite. I really love this song but I believe that there are others that deepens more as far as composition, instrumentation concerns. Amarna’s on the other hand has all of our elements. It is dark, progy, technical, extreme.




How is it going with the tour after the release of Illusions in infinite void?


We have already been added to Belgium’s Heavy sound festival’s line up and we are scheduling some extra shows in Greece. We are on the talks for a tour but it’s too soon to tell anything. We are open to play everywhere, so spread the word!!



How do you feel when you see that bands like Fist, Ostrogoth or The Rods are going to share stage with you?

Feeling AWE!! We are extremely proud to share the stage with these legends. It never really crossed our minds that there would be a day that we would support these bands. We have to be prepared and play a good show haha.


Which band could you choose to share stage with, in the future?

Well: Watchtower, Nasty Savage, Armored Saint. Fuckin’A !!


Can you tell me which country is your favourite for a concert?

Well, we have only played in Greece and Cuprous so there couldn't be a proper answer to this. I am sure though that the English grounds will be killer for a gig!!


Describe your most special moment from the last tour.

Although we didn’t actually toured but made one-off gigs, I would choose the show we did with Jag Panzer, there were lots of energy, and it was really intense and also met our heroes (Really cool guys). Also the Power of the Night Fest in Cuprous was really great experience.



Are you gonna hit the UK in this upcoming tour?

We really would like to do so!!! We know there are many people who dig us but we haven’t spoken with a promoter yet. Time will come to visit the island and taste the grounds who gave birth to Heavy Metal!!


Are you getting better promotion now that you signed with Cruz del Sur records?

So far so good they say. Right From the beginning of our course with Cruz, we can see lots of interest for us. So I guess he is the right man! He is doing great job really. Our madness has been spread almost everywhere and this is thanks to Cruz del sur.


Bands like mausoleum gate or convent guilt are also with Cruz del Sur, do you know them?

Oh yeah! Mausoleum Gate did a great job with their full length. For Convent Guilt, I am not familiar but going to check them asap. Also I met the guys from Magister Templi. Another great Cruz del sur band and their singer is a great guy!!


There are many new bands next KIT that will be reference for the true metal scene, Cobra, Mausoleum gate and Sacral Rage are among this bands, how do you feel about playing in this festival?

When we first heard that we are playing at KIT, we couldn’t believe it. It is a huge Honor for us that the headquarters at KIT chose us as the new act that’s playing. This is the biggest possibly underground festival in the more classic oriented sound. The lineup is killer as always so we will try to give the most of our madness and craze to all of you.



Finally please send a message to your fans!


Salutes to all of you and we hope to make you part of our madness soon enough!! Thanks for this interview.
Support METAL not trends!!
Cheers !!!



Line up
Spyros Bass

Vagelis F. Drums 

Marios P.  Guitar

Dimitris K  Vocals



Links



Released by Cruz del Sur Music


Post by Daniel Ortiz Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Sunday, 8 March 2015

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM ILLUSIONS IN INFINITE VOID BY SACRAL RAGE (10/03/15)



Sacral Rage is a speed metal band from Greece formed in 2011, they have released their first EP Deadly bits of Iron Fragments last 2013, getting known worldwide by true metalheads and receiving also positive feedbacks. After a demo last year Sacral Rage signed with Cruz del Sur records.

  Finally they releasing their first full length the next 10th of March, and the Greeks are on the right path with influences from the technical speed metal characterized from bands like Agent steel or Oliver magnum but with a dark symphonic essence all along the album, bringing memories from King Diamond, also progressive and thrash metal drippings allow Sacral Rage to create their sound effectively; the guitars and drums work very well using technical details with symphonic melodies and palm muted riffs together with complex drum patterns, combined with a high pitched vocals, clean in general but without hesitating making it sharp and aggressive at some points.



The intro Harbringer opens the album to explode in one of the best tracks of the band, En cima del Mal, as the technical palm muted guitars bangs in a totally headbanging track, fast paced speed metal combining changes of vocal styles, sharp low and clean high pitched shots leading to a powerful chorus to follow with Lost chapter E, Sutratma introducing mid tempo galloping, progressive drum and guitar parts changing to thrashy and dark melodic sections in a more theatrical song linked with Panic in the Urals (burning skies) where the thrash styled instrumentals take over the clean vocal style, the interpretation here is outstanding as it brings you to the headbanging action with multiple rhythm changes even adding some Iron maiden drippings.

Waltz in madness explodes in a speed thrash metal with ascending intensity including ultra high pitched vocal parts, changing rhythms constantly with remarkable performance on the drums, followed by Into mental east, mid tempo progressive influenced instrumental track with virtuous guitar riffs and technical drumbeats.

Continuing the good level of technical instrumentals is the turn of Inner sanctum asylum, good bass touches here as the theatrical act of the vocalist enrich the experience with low pitched and sharp parts as a Tyrannous revolt explodes like a palm muted speed power metal masterpiece, the harmony between guitars and vocal melodies on verses are exceptional as the visceral restless pace reminds to Tyran pace.

Lost chapter E Amarna's reign is the last in line and it heralds the speed metal velocity, the composition also evokes the powerful speed thrash melodies,with dark symphonic sections and outstanding vocal qualities, basically encapsulate the band's sound; but don't stop playing this track after the silence starts, there is a hidden Instrumental part at the end (after the minute 10) where the band demonstrates also a short good lesson of oldschool doom metal to end the album.

Illusions in infinite void will delight true metal fans of King diamond and Judas priest, they got the power and aggression that makes you jump to the mosh pit, boosted with remarkable technical instrumentals and complex and impressive compositions.

9/10



Line up
Spyros Bass

Vagelis F. Drums 

Marios P.  Guitar

Dimitris K  Vocals



Links



Released by Cruz del Sur Music

Post by Daniel Ortiz Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Monday, 9 February 2015

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM SOLDIERS OF TIME BY NIGHT (2/3/15)


Night are a classic heavy metal band from Sweden formed in 2011 and released two singles in 2012 and 2013 followed by the full length Night, released in November 2013 via Gaphals records.Now Night are due to release their new album the next 2nd March, Soldiers of time, over a year after their debut album that was considered a true metal gem.

Having the chance to listen and analyse the new work of these guys, I can confirm there is an evolution in the sound, now the tracks are better composed, the content of the lyrics are much better and totally deep and intense, denoting the band have worked harder this time. On the other side there is not many songs as wild and direct as Gunpowder treason or Fire and Steel, as I said before, Night experimented more this time, even taking drippings of power metal and of course keeping the old school sound.




The album starts with the vocal choirs introducing waiting for the time, a totally epic entry with an excellent crescendo structure from the solo vocal part verses ascending to a catchy chorus, where the guitars draw good melodies, really good progression as we continue with Across the ocean, more direct shot of old school heavy metal, awesome riffs and harmony between guitar and vocal evolution across the song, also remarkable transition on bridge to chorus.

We're not born to walk away heralds another headbanging mid tempo shot, stronger rhythm now and also the message, forged to lift you up and turn the volume louder, as Above the ground continues the act reminding some tunes of their first job, also with excellent evolution from the verses to bridge and chorus, simple and effective, linking the action to the acoustic track Towards the sky, mid tempo anthem full of feelings, the vocalist does a really good job here as he manage to express the message In perfect harmony with the instrumentals.

Secret war rise the fires of hell with headbanging action in a mid tempo rhythm with strong drumbeats and very straight verses, like Kings and Queens accelerates the pace to the kinds of the speed power metal by Gamma Ray meeting Judas Priest, one of the best true metal shots of the band, the power of the verses is restless as they ascend the intensity leading to one of the best details, the asking and answering duo of vocals and guitars, just outstanding.

Ride on is next, made to be another anthem of those to be played repeatedly, the melodies are great and so the chorus, intense and catchy sign of the band's style, continuing with the soft acoustic intro Wonderlust that explodes in another highlight of true nwothm, Power, straight and strong track that will feed your hunger of true classic heavy metal.

Stars in the sky is the last track, being an acoustic ballad, and despite the fact that is slow and almost without drum, the intensity and power that this track spread with the melodies and lyrics is deserved to be included in the best of the year, the melodies will be stuck in your head as the message will find the space to melt in your soul, guys this is a masterpiece.

It's very important for a band, even if it's a new band, to experiment new stuff, knowing there is always a risk, and these guys really went for it and succeeded, Continuing the true metal path, and adding more feelings to the mixture, Managing a more professional sound overall with improved compositions, now Night will be one step forward towards the first line of nwothm, will be within the best albums of this year already!

9 / 10

Wednesday, 21 January 2015

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM STARS ALIGNED BY STARGAZERY (23/01/15)



Stargazery is a power metal band from Finland formed in 2005 and releasing their first album in 2011 (Eyes on the sky) and due to release their new album Stars aligned the next 23rd of January 2015.

Stargazery style comes from the melodic 90s power metal with drippings of hard rockish elements, creating anthems with very catchy choruses generally, the voice acts very effective theatrically speaking, with melodic and clean style, backed by sharp guitars, strong drumbeats and keyboards, being the essential sound of the band.

The album starts with Voodoo, being straight away one of the highlights of the band style, as a mid tempo epic shot, it got interesting elements, like the bridge before the solo, where vocals and keyboards make an excellent job; following with Angel of the dawn, slower pace but more powerful in terms of melodic structure with remarkable teamwork between guitars an vocals.

Missed the train to paradise is another great example of pure power metal, with an in crescendo structure to one of the best and most epic choruses of the band, the guitar performance brings memories of Queensrÿche style and the general composition is awesome, one of the best of the album, continued by Invisible, mid and slow shot of low pitched vocal and rhythms changes to get an ascending pattern leading to a good chorus, nothing special apart from the vocal evolution and the keyboard play.

Absolution continues the power metal path, taking some Edguy style on the melodies, comprising awesome guitar riffs and another top chorus to be singed along, the vocal high pitched play is excellent, creating a perfect harmony with the rest of the band, also perfect in the next track Academy of love, ballad of the album being transformed beautifully in another mid tempo powerful chorus, great the progression here and the play of guitar solo and piano.

Painted into a corner starts with a really impressive vocal clean shot in a mid tempo melodic heavy metal in crescendo track, outstanding the keyboard performance and the composition, like Dim the halo, with another catchy chorus.

Bring me the night heralds another good combination between leading melodic vocals and guitar, backed by symphonic keyboards elements, as we continue to the end of the album, the performance of the band improves in every track, being the time of Hiding, with one of the best increscendo mid tempo ballad, including the best vocal interpretation, demonstrating the good qualities of the vocalist, as the Warrior's Inn kicks in with an awesome guitar riff and catchy combination of voice and keyboards melodies, forging an epic chorus that leads to the last and best track of the album.

Dark Lady is the last in line, and despite the fact that is a cover, this is one of the best shots and a gem of the genre, developed in English and another version in Finnish as a bonus track, develops a truly addictive pace and riffs, under the violin melodies ascending to a marvellous chorus, of those to be played again and again, definitely better than the original where every member nail it.

Overall, this album is in general an excellent job by Stargazery, taking the best elements of the old school melodic power of the 90s, creating memorable songs like the highlights Voodoo, Dim the Halo, Dark Lady or Missed the train to paradise; being able to create addictive choruses in almost all the tracks is a really good point, also most of the tracks have mid tempo rhythms being the only thing that could be improved in terms of composition variety, but the general impression is that we are listening to an awesome album that demonstrate that Stargazery worked hard and succeeded with Stars aligned.

8 / 10



Line up
Jukka Jokikokko Bass, Vocals (backing) 
Pete Ahonen Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Marco Sneck Keyboards
Jari Tiura Vocals
Jussi Ontero Drums

Links
Facebook
Lastfm
Myspace
Reverbnation
Website

Release by Pure Steel Records




Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Sunday, 28 December 2014

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM "AWAKE THE RIOT" BY DUST BOLT



Dust bolt is a thrash metal band from Germany formed in 2006, recording their first demo in 2010 "Chaos Possession" instantly got national recognition, then after wining the Wacken Metal battle, the band record their first album, Violent Demolition , signing with the prestigious Napalm Records, and then getting known worldwide as one of the best new thrash metal bands. The second album Awake The Riot was released the 30th May of 2014, getting really positive feedback of the worldwide media.

Dust bolt bring the old school thrash metal as the main strategy, forging a frenetic fast paced and genuine thrash with similarities with Kreator and Slayer, and taking some patterns from Havok or Divine Chaos, denoting a high quality and technical instrumental from the first moment; the drums are powerful and sophisticated, changing rhythms and creating the moshpiting feeling together with technical guitar sections of palm muted, virtuous performances and effectively aggressive, raw and sharp high pitched vocals.



The album Awake the riot opens with Living hell, as the drums break the ice in a sudden thrash metal attack, good sign of what the band is about, pure headbanging thrash metal revival, the guitars work in perfect harmony adding fast melodies under double pedaled parts, excellent changes of pace as it brings you up every time it accelerates with remarkable drum details; and this is only the beginning, the breathtaking metal attack Continues with Soul Erazor, as the sharp drum missiles explodes in another anthem with straight chorus where the listener will scream fist in the air, special mention to the guitar melodies on the back, great composition there as a good mid fast tempo highlight of the album.

Beneath the earth speed up the pace in a very straight forward track, including some growling parts together with mid fast tempo harsh vocals, as You Lost sight evolves in another authentic speed thrash metal shot, headbanging as hell with an increscendo structure emphasized by the drums play.

Agent thrash is for thrash metal what agents of steel is for speed metal, a powerful demonstration of speed thrash metal force exploding like an atomic bomb, with effective riffs, forceful drum power and great chorus; but there is no break yet, as Living a lie attack you with technical riffs, drippings of death metal guitar melodies, as well as a frenetic unstoppable rhythm becoming one of the gems of this band.

The self titled track awake the riot - the final war comprises a mid powerful tempo obviously accelerated to a short and breathtaking song including catchy bridge and chorus.

Eternal waste and Drowned in blind faith heralds mid fast shots of palm muted and galloping sections, really amazing drums performance with one of the best progression of the album, linked with Worlds built to deceive, forging more thundering thrash power patterns, raw and thrashing machinery with good guitar dark melodies trespassing slightly to the death metal elements as The monotonous - distant scream rises from the acoustic evil notes progressing with ascending intensity, including excellent melodic harsh vocal verses that amazingly explodes in a combination of thrash heart with death metal meeting epic elements.

Future shock is the last track of this Awakening the riot, as another genuine heavy thrash metal anthem running in a mid tempo, introducing early thrash metal elements to evolve adding more technical drippings sign of the band, making it another hit in this album.

Overall Dust Bolt forged an authentic masterpiece of frenetic neckbreaking thrash metal, that could take you to the mosh pit from the first track to the last one without breaks; the production is crystal clear and also the compositions are great, every element played is in perfect harmony with special mention to the guitar performances, being sophisticated, technical and not boring, together with a remarkable vocal style, demonstrate its power in tracks like Soul Erazor, Agent thrash or Living a lie, encapsulating the sound of the band and defining their style, true thrash metal!

9,5 / 10





Line up
Lenny (Vocals/Guitar) 
Flo (Guitar) 
Bene (Bass)

Nico (Drums)


Links
Facebook
MySpace
ReverbNation
Twitter
Youtube


Promotion by NAPALMECORDS

Support Dust bolt, buy the albums!




Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Monday, 1 December 2014

Review of the album "Með vættum" bySkálmöld (Napalm Records)



Skálmöld is a Viking metal band from Iceland formed in 2009, the name comes from the words "Age of the Sword". The band have released three albums, Baldur  (2010), Börn Loka  (2012) and the recently released Með vættum, last 14th of November 2014 via Napalm Records, and will be available the 1st December in UK (and rest of Europe).

Skálmöld feed the flame of Viking metal adding fo drippings under a mixture of heavy metal, thrash and death metal elements along the album, the vocals are impeccable, growling and straight from the beginning to the end, but probably eclipsed by the high quality of the guitar and drums performance most of the times, alternating the death metal elements in good harmony with the above mentioned thrash missiles and heavy pounding rhythms; the compositions are rich in general and will never bore the listener, being one of the best cards played by the band.

Að vori opens the album straight away with the Viking power sensation, boosted with epic force and headbanging feeling, with special mention to the vocal job and the strong pounding drumbeats, continued by Með fuglum, exploding in a powerful death metal attack contrasting with heavy and viking headbanging metal in-between, remarkable job on those guitar riffs, thrashy solos and also the bass sound, powerful with the melodic clean vocal parts, definitely one of the best of the band.

Then is the turn of the mid tempo with increscendo structure Að sumri, enriched with sophisticated drum performance and really good job on the vocal melodies, and of course awesome ending continued with another mid paced shot Með drekum, this time with stronger and neckbreaking riffs and drumbeats with added northern epic melodies.

Að hausti heralds one of the best Viking symphonies of the album and also is combined with modern structures on the vocals, that mixed together creates a good feeling, keeping the headbanging power with good points on the double pedal parts.

If up to now you like the album, get ready for the best song of the band, Með jötnum, including the best Viking sensations twisting the rhythms with death metal riffs and technical drum performance, and even though the instrumental break could distract you at the beginning, it's a theatrical warming up for the best composition of the album, where the intensity explodes in an astonishing in crescendo canon of vocal melodies and epic instrumentals.

Að vetri continues the epic adventure with another genuine viking metal shot, creating a good harmony with the straight harsh vocal and the melodic instrumentals, developing a forceful ending with epic power metal influences and leading to the last song of the album, Með griðungum, strong mid paced rhythms showing a better and more furious vocal play, ascending intensity exploding in a sudden fast paced metal where the shredding and the vocal verses explodes together leading to an intense hymn part very well composed.

Skálmöld forged an album with the essential Viking metal lessons, but without being another run of the mill job, the band introduced thrash, heavy and death metal elements, ascending the power to a high level of inspiration and technical performance, equally headbanging from the very first second.

9 / 10



Line up


Snæbjörn Ragnarsson - Bass
Björgvin Sigurðsson   - Vocals, Guitars
Gunnar Ben  -  Keyboards, Vocals, Oboe
Baldur Ragnarsson  -  Guitars, Vocals
Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson  - Guitars, VocalsJón Geir Jóhannsson -  Drums, Vocals


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PROMOTION BY NAPALM RECORDS



Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB