REVIEW OF THE ALBUM OVERDRIVE BY RUNNING DEATH

Finally the long awaited full length from the German Thrashers Running death is out, full of improvements from their last EP Call of extintion (2012), read that review following this link.

What the listener will notice right after the first intro called It begins is the high level of technical performance on the instrumentals and that important progressive thrash feeling, Hell on Earth is just about this stuff, combining fast and mid paced sections with an excellent job by guitars and drums leaving vocals attacking with a high pitched harsh power; continuing with Psycho on the same line of fast pace but clearly more modern influence combined with strong mid tempo verses, slightly darker and melodic at some points.

Remote Controlled develops diverse riff combinations including palm muted galloping and melodic links with verses, creating headbanging parts and building a good chorus, clearly improving what we've seen on this album up to now, Simon nailed it on this one on the vocal interpretation, continuing with Close minded, reminding to those genuine Metallica riffs, being a clear influence for the band, strong palm muted shots and really good lyrics.

Raging nightmare explodes suddenly in a galloping headbanging bomb, that's pure moshpit thrash on fire, right in the middle of the album this is what a metalhead is waiting for, outstanding job on guitars and vocals, noticing the excellent production here is clearly better than their previous jobs, crystal clear drum details and bass performance, one of the best shots of Running death.

The instrumental acoustic track Deludium opens to Mercenary, creating an awesome crescendo straight away from the first second developing a mid thrash metal mayhem including progressive shots on the guitars, on the line of the general band's style serving as a good highlight of the album; linking to Pray for death, this time creating a doom/evil sound and accelerating the machinery to good speed thrash metal territories, it will call the attention of the listener in terms of composition.

But at my point of view the best is yet to come with the last three tracks of the album, starting with Reduced as a rhythm changing powerful shot, where palm muted and melodies dance around a pure thrash metal machine on drums, denoting a very intense vocal performance and enjoyable instrumentals all over the song; continuing without rest with the tittle track Overdrive as an old school thrash metal anthem creating an awesome job on drums including double pedal parts, with an insuperable Simon growling and singing in clean and sharp parts.

The last and best track of this album goes to I see a Fire, as the increscendo is being built from the darkness and evil style in quasi doom metal influence but soon exploding in the best riff of the album using palm muted parts in high sophisticated sections combined with excellent drum details, changing pace continuously until the epic end.

All in all Overdrive is a clear improvement and the best album up to date by Running Death, the production is crystal clear and the compositions are sophisticated, becoming a top class album by a professional thrash metal band.

8 / 10

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INTERVIEW WITH COBRA (2015)

Few weeks ago I had the chance to interview Cobra, one of the new true metal bands that called my attention as one of the most promising new bands of the metal scene worldwide, so after having a well established second album and having toured Europe, it was an inflection point in their career to the top, and obviously Metalheads Union is not gonna miss the opportunity of having a chat with these guys.

If you want to check their second album review follow this link

http://metalheadsunion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/review-of-album-to-hell-by-cobra.html

Hi guys how are you? Thank you all for your time!

Hi Daniel, nice to be in contact again. Thanks for your interest in making a second interview to us.

First of all how were the band beginnings? Why did you choose Cobra as your band's name?

Cobra was born ten years ago back in 2005 when Nito and Pochuck decided to create and play heavy metal band in a rough and aggressive way. They chose Cobra as the name of the band because of an old anime they use to watch as kids. Cobra is a lethal name, such as our intentions with rock and roll music.

Have Cobra evolved in any way from the first album to the second album? How could you describe the media feedback for both releases?

Definitely. Cobra evolved in creating a solid album of heavy metal. This means not only having good songs, but delivering a unity of heavy metal: music, lyrics, artwork, ideas, and put together in order to have a blasting experience once you put play to the record.

When “Lethal Strike” was released in 2011, it didn’t have very much media attention as “To Hell” did last year and even nowadays did. The difference was that our first album had a poor promotion and distribution work. Now we are very conscious about the results of working those aspects of an album release.

You got a very aggressive style even when adding that strong hard rock drippings, how could you describe the band's style and what makes it different of most of the new traditional heavy metal bands?

Thanks for the words. I could define Cobra’s style as a very intense heavy metal rock and roll music. About what makes us different between these new traditional bands, we don’t even consider ourselves part of these tag. We are only focused about been ourselves playing the kind of music we like. We don’t want to be like the bands we admire, we want to be as relevant as them with our music.

Which bands are the most influent for you? I'd like to know your individual preferences.

I like artists that are intense with the music they make. The ones that comes to my mind right now would be Earth, The Stooges, Nirvana, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, The Wailers and Led Zeppelin.

How is the true metal scene in Peru? Now that you played in Keep it true, how do you feel about it? How did the fans react to your sound?

Peruvian metal scene is small, very underground if it’s compared to the European one. Our scene is very unorganized and informal but things are changing to better. Here the concerts are with bands of different metal styles, so it’s common for bands and bangers from here to be into heavy, black, death, doom or even psych and punk music.

Keep It True was a great experience. We never had that sensation to play in front of so many die hard heavy metal maniacs. People there really knows what metal music is about, I think they reacted very well, they could get the vibe and intention of the band. After playing there, I only want more of this.

The vocals that you do are really high pitched some times, changing from sharp to clean patterns, how do you manage to keep your voice while on tour?

I try to avoid cold drinks, smoke and cover always my neck during the tour. Although it’s enjoyable to be on the road having a good time, the best thing is always take care of your instrument.

Tell me a special memory of this European tour.

Waking up during different moments of the day and night inside the van while everyone else was sleeping. Looking at the other guys, our tour manager, the highway, the scenery and realizing that everything was real, that was actually happening. Living like that was everything I ever wanted, it was a great feeling.

Are you working on the new album? If so, could you anticipate any information? What could the fans expect for the next full length?

Right now we are writing and creating new songs. We already know which songs will be part of our third album, but now we are working in two different productions. I hope soon we can have more news about it.

Any chance to visit the UK? What about Japan? If you could choose a country to play, which one could it be?

Actually, we received a couple of offers to visit UK but distances didn’t match to go there. After the European tour we made contact with people involved in festivals and stuff not only in Europe but also in Asia, so let’s make things happen.

If I could choose a country I would like to play in Japan, like Deep Purple did in 1972.

Finally guys could you send a message to your fans?

Beware to our next move, it might be lethal for your mind.

Thanks brothers and hope to see you soon on stage!

Thanks to you Daniel for giving us a space on your site.

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM "FACING THE FALLOUT" BY SHADOWBANE (16/1/2015)

Shadowbane is a power metal band from Germany formed in 2007 and releasing only their demo Dystopia independently in 2010,becoming a really promising band, and now ready to conquer Europe with their upcoming album Facing the Fallout, due to be release next 16th of January of 2015 via Pure Steel Records.

Shadowbane breath from the flames of the authentic heavy-speed metal mixing German and US power metal effectively, having similarities with bands like Accept, Helloween or Grave digger combined with epic Manilla Road or Queensrÿche, high pitched clean and sharp vocals, contrasting melody and powerful choruses with technical guitar riffs and fast pounding drumbeats.

The album opens with the Red alert instrumental apocalyptic shot linked to Beyond the winds of war, powerful heavy start on the line of Accept including palm muted and galloping riffs, changes of pace and good drum performances, but being eclipsed by Traitor, one of their best tracks, including some outstanding riffs and shreddings (remember the Spanish power metal band Avalanch riffs?) headbanging as hell with an excellent structure, better chorus, and remarkable guitar performance.

Under bleeding skies evolves in a straight high speed heavy metal shot with memories of Judas Priest, very well composed on the bridge and the slow paced chorus, special mention to the vocal work on the clean and sharp styles combining aggressive and melodic sections really well; continued by After the fallout, comprising a mid fast tempo pattern of pure US power metal, amazingly well composed and headbanging and coming back to the German Grave digger influence with Dystopia, totally addictive riffs and chorus, forging a memorable bridge.

Tears down the wall explodes like an authentic speed metal track with melodic power metal added to the mixture, the clean vocals are amazing here as the progression with the guitar shredding and the emphasizing drums create and endless headbanging anthem, linked with another highlight of the band style, Badlands law, mid fast shot with a chorus to be shouted on the gigs, drum and guitar structure reminding to the ram it down era of Judas Priest but keeping the powerful sign of the band.

Last division take the Teutonic riff style and mix it with the US power melodies to create a true masterpiece of sophisticated drum shots, epic guitar performances and outstanding bridge and chorus, to finalise with Source of Grief, accelerating the metal machine to a high speed pace; this last bomb combines very well the elements that Shadowbane have used before,rhythms changes, aggressive and frenetic powerful in crescendo verses that make you break your necks in a breathtaking pulse.

Shadowbane managed a really professional production forging an excellent work in every aspect, the album contains masterpieces like Traitor, Last Division or Source of grief being highlights of the album. Shadowbane will step forward to the top of the true power metal scene with Facing the Fallout.

9 / 10

Shadowbane line up
Stefan - vocals

 Lukas - lead- and rhythm-guitars 

Markus - lead- and rhythm-guitars 

Moritz - bass and backing vocals 

Renè - drums 

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Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE EP TRAPPED IN A NIGHTMARE BY REPULSOR

Repulsor is a polish speed thrash metal band formed in 2010, with only a demo and one Ep released in 2013, and re-released by Thrashing Madness label in 2014; the band drink straight from the roots of forceful thrash metal bands like Exodus or Razor, with loads of technical palm muted riffs at high speed drum shots, the vocals make the job efficiently with harsh and sharp high pitched techniques in general, forged for the head banging action without a break.

Toxic Tomorrow demonstrates straight away what the band is all about, as the drums explode in a sudden impact attack of high speed and breathtaking metal, the guitar riffs find the harmony alternating palm muted shots with shredding parts; as RMDH (real monsters die hard) attack without mercy in another authentic and aggressive thrash anthem with an excellent structure that will keep you in the moshpit, and comprising effectively the band's sound.

After the acoustic lull of The Summoning, the impressive riffs of To the coven take the action in one of their best hits of fast paced, raw and angry speed thrash metal, this time the guitars and vocals create a powerful and very straight chorus, those to be screamed at the gigs with the fists in the air, linked with Killing Instinct, creating a funny intro that obviously explodes like an atomic bomb in another top shot of the band, this time the ultra fast is combined with powerful mid tempo parts, denoting a good level of composition with remarkable job in the bridge and chorus.

The drum attack of Stained Heritage is the last of this Ep, including some power-thrash, palm muted and more melodic riffs, where fast and mid tempo dance in harmony always with a neck breaking feeling.

Being the first Ep, Repulsor forged a professional job, making clear what true speed thrash metal is all about, with Trapped in a nightmare there is no need to innovate yet, but following the path and being already on the level of bands like Havok, Crisix or Angelus Apatrida is without a doubt exceptional, the thrashing machinery of Repulsor is ready to attack!

8 / 10

Lnks

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Actual line up

Strzała - Vocals/Bass

Jeff - Drums

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM FAST AND GLORIOUS BY ALLTHENIKO (5/12/2014)

Alltheniko is a heavy speed metal band from Italy founded in 2002 and released four full lengths of authentic true metal, We Will Fight (2006), Devasterpiece (2008), Millenium Re-Burn (2011) and then the band signed with Pure Steel Records to release Back in 2066 (2012) and the upcoming album, Fast and Glorious, coming the next 5th of December.

Alltheniko creates an authentic epic heavy speed metal style defined by influences from the epic side of Manowar to the fast sharp metal of Judas Priest, with power metal elements making the final result a forceful epic bomb, on the line of speed metal bands like Exciter, Revenge, Savage Grace or Sentinel beast; the way the band compose is sophisticated in every sense, drums and guitar change rhythms and alternate riffs and solos virtuously in a technical way but also forge different impulsive guitar roars with speed heavy, thrash and power metal drippings, even sometimes kicking in with death metal shots ; the vocals are using different techniques at perfection, raw and aggressive with Udo sharp vibrato and also clean high pitched missiles that emphasise the whole sound.

Tank of death attack straight with head banging speed metal riffs, in one of those mosh pit invitations of pure speed heavy metal action, as sudden death metal riffs sound that clearly evolve to another speed metal track in Fast and Glorious, this time adding more power metal elements enforced with a well forged melodic chorus.

The action keeps the breathtaking speed metal pace, this time in one of the most complex song, KaiserSteel, changing rhythms and adding acoustic parts, but keeping the usual aggressive force at galloping mid tempo parts as well as fast epic death metal instrumental elements where the voice remains clean and powerful at every moment.

One of the best tracks of all belongs to Holy war, holy fighters, a mid fast tempo pure heavy metal hit with power metal details, where the vocals are performed with astonishing melodies of high and lows together with a technically perfect guitar act, the composition is great and the chorus is catchy as well as the structural progression.

The high quality of the album continues with Scream for Exciter as another aggressive powerful speed metal in this non stop headbanging work, continued with Spirit of war, where the instrumentals remains in harmony with an outstanding performance, the bridge and chorus are one of the most epic and powerful shots of the album, some verses even bring memories of a mix of Warlock and the Walls of Jericho style by Helloween.

The bells of hell sound for Power to Rebel, forceful and epic, mid fast paced song introducing low pitched harsh and growling parts performed really well creating a venomous dark atmosphere and linked with The Arenas God as another accelerated and sophisticated heavy metal with epic melodies that attack with intensity on the chorus, marking another highlights for the album.

Finally the well-known riffs of power and the glory by Saxon kick in as a loyal cover from the Italians, adding the own band's style, and honestly, the result is amazing! Just the perfect ending for an excellent job of pure true metal.

The album is once more another top shot from Alltheniko, coming back stronger than ever with such a powerful album, riveting from start to finish, will become one of the top albums of the year, this real masterpiece will be an essential for true metalheads!

9 / 10

Alltheniko are
David Nightflight on bass and vocals
Joe Boneshaker on guitars
Luke the Idol on drums

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Release by Pure Steel records

Post by Daniel Ortiz
Metalheads Union
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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM INSOMNIA BY EDGE OF THORNS

Edge of Thorns was formed in 1996 in Germany, releasing three demos until the first full length was released in 2004. Ravenland, being well recieved by the media, the band had line up changes for their following album Masquierading of the wicked in 2007, and after seven long years and hard work, the band, reformed as the definitive line up with Dave Brixius and Jani Nackel as axemasters, Dirk Schmitt on the vocals, Achim Sinzinger on the bass and Joachim Litcher on drums, releasing Insomnia the last 4th April 2014.

Edge of thorns kicks in as a pure power metal band with German influences from early Helloween and Gamma ray, and also drippings of Grave Digger and Accept in terms of structural compositions, guitars in general create a curious and awesome contrast of upper Technical quasi progressive and some times neoclassical style with impulse and raw sound elements; the drums and bass follow the mid fast pace at all moments effectively and finally the vocal style will remind you to Mr Udo vibrato and vocal range but also its appreciable elements from a higher pitched Blackie Lawless from WASP; combining all these factors together you'll find Edge of thorns have their unique sound, even though they are not creating something new to the scene, its a fact that this album heralds a  high quality of genuine german heavy power metal.

After the introduction the band attack straight with Dark side of your life, kicking with a fast pulsed heavy metal anthem with catchy chorus to make an idea of what Edge of thorns have in this album as a good highlight, connected with another mid fast paced power metal shot, Yearning has begun, this time with more epic and melodic power, on the line of Gamma Ray, with remarkable on the vocal sound and the great combo with the back vocals, the guitars demonstrate perfectly the technical progressive side together with the sharp impulsive guitar notes as mentioned above, one of the best of the album.

After a breathtaking guitar shredding introduction, Insomnia comprises one the most modern heavy power metal styles of the album, perfectly fitting on the last Udo or Accept albums, the chorus is intense and powerful, and the vocals work truly sophisticated and theatrical as the gem of the album explodes like a missile of pure heavy speed metal, Metal Unity is literally a masterpiece of the genre, headbanging and moshpiting authentic teutonic style, the vocals are brilliant and the composition is really amazing, guitars make the perfect job producing palm muted riffs and technical solos.

The watchmaker is another top shot of the band comprising part ballad part slow mid pulsed anthem in an ascending intensity boosted by sophisticated guitar shredding and background violins, vocals are amazingly well performed in clean techniques followed by A Carees of souls, starting as a ballad but evolving In a dark, forceful and aggressive track with awesome melodic verses, good progression and harmony within all the band with special mention to the guitar solos, just outstanding.

Walking like a ghost bring some thrash metal drippings in another headbanging fast paced song with a good vocal highs and lows, as Death dealer even improves the pace with excellent double pedal drum performance that lead very well the verses as the chorus comes intense and epic to catch you in the moshpit.

Of hearts that burn will make you break your neck banging your head with a non-stop pounding rhythms with long instrumental intervals as the seven Sins of Arthur mc Gregor epic start bring you to the top going in crescendo with galloping and complex riff and drum combo, the slow mid tempo vocal parts are astonishing and epic but clearly dominated by the virtuous guitar performance.

Is this the way it ends is a good name for an unusual kind of song, but in reality is a melancholic and beautiful act with one of the best vocal interpretations coordinated with piano and violins that finalise the album leaving the listener with the feeling of playing the full length again and again.

Overall the album is all you want to listen for any speed heavy and power metal preferences, the production is crystal clear and the good quality of the record is constantly high, the highlight tracks are numerous but specifically better in the first half of the album, being tha track Metal Unity their best song, so if you like Gamma Ray, Primal Fear, Accept or Tyran Pace, this album should be a must-have in your collection.

9 / 10

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Re;eased by Killer Records

Review made by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM THE PROPHECY BY FORENSICK

Forensick is a traditional heavy metal band from Southern Germany, founded in 2010, the style lies between the melodic heavy metal and early power metal drippings, on the line of bands like Praying Mantis, Saracen, Tygers of pan tang or Bronz, forging a world of mid tempo pounding rhythm patterns, sophisticated compositions combining melodic clean mid range vocals with falsetto high pitched parts.
 Forensick is comprised by Tobias Hubner on the vocals, Stephan Vogt and Matthias Ehmig on the axes, Andreas on the bass and Julian Rocco on the drums. The band released their first album in 2012 having really positive feedback by the media like Metal Hammer or Rockhard Magazine. The Prophecy is their second full length and was released in July 2014 under Pure Underground Records.

The album opens with Hero of the day, developing a good galloping introduction leading to an excellent bridge and one of the best composed chorus of the album linked with a gem of the new wave of traditional heavy metal pure style, Doomsday machine, probably the most memorable verses of the band, so epic composition with changing pulses will make you bang your heads, specially in the fast paced solo.

A hard rocker riff introduces the track Dark secret, cached between melodic hard rock and heavy metal worlds, a mid tempo epic song with an outstanding composition and excellent changes of vocal lows and high pitched parts, linked with time of resistance, opening an increscendo missile of pure classic heavy metal, a real masterpiece with forceful straight vocal parts mix with the usual melodic style creating a true epic metal atmosphere, remarkable the job on the guitars also with an excellent coordination and harmony.

Rising from the silence to another traditional heavy metal pulse When the war begins, astonishing changes of rhythm with galloping riffs and drumbeats on verses and chorus, bringing memories from the symptom of the universe by black Sabbath, clearly a top track and a highlight of the band's style.

Beast within style is on the style of the nwobhm melodic heavy metal band Praying Mantis, (remember Only the children cry or nowhere to hide songs) and boosted with a stronger side taken from the roots of the speed metal, awesome the progression in this track, continued by the ballad of this full length, Lonesome words, outstanding the vocal interpretation in this one, the feeling created is intense and powerful.

Like a shot from a gun begins the track New reality, with a palm muted guitar riff, mid fast pounding drums and a crescendo structure on the vocal part exploding in a long effective chorus, pure old school classic heavy metal sound.

The tittle track, The prophecy is the last in line, combining the hard rocker and heavy metal riffs with galloping drums, heralding the most epic verses of the album, beautiful melodic parts sign of the band, the vocals reminds me a lot to Y&T and that's something remarkably great.

The prophecy by Forensick is composed with memorable melodic moments but still cuts with a sharp edged dangerous style, like a killer melodic heavy metal raised from the roots of the hard rock and NWOBHM; it could be more aggressive at some parts in need of more action, but still an excellent creation that will be followed by legions of true metal fans.

8 / 10


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union WB

REVIEW ALBUM RETURN OF THE REAPER BY GRAVE DIGGER + TOUR DATES

Grave Digger is a Heavy Power metal band from Germany, formed in 1980 as a speed metal band and evolved with the time to a heavy power metal band having released sixteen albums (with band name changes included) becoming one of the main heavy power metal bands on the scene. The Return of the reaper was released last July the 11th 2014 via Napalm Records featuring Chris Boltendahl as vocalist, Stefan on the drums, Katzenburg on the keyboard, Jens on the bass and Axel on the guitars.

The album start with the dark atmospheric piano of the Return of the reaper, awesomely attacked by the powerful speed metal riff of Hell funeral as one of the top tracks on the usual grave digger structure, catchy chorus and forceful riff that will make you bang your head. Wargod release a perfect synchronized palm mutes riffs with double pedal start unveiling a mid tempo fist in the air heavy metal track followed by one of the gems of this release, Tattooed rider, starting with a clear reminiscence to the synths of turbo era of Judas priest, this track develops a genuine heavy metal pulse, with the sign of the true German power metal, and an awesomely epic chorus with remarkable high pitched vocals on the background to sing along.

Ressurrection day is forged with a power progressive metal riff combining changes of pulse followed by Season of the witch, another surprise of this album, mid tempo pulse with strong guitar riffs that goes increscendo bringing memories from the warriors of the world track by manowar, but in this case combining a pure grave digger chorus, remarkable doom metal influenced bridge and outstanding composition in general and specially in the second half.

Road rage killer bring back this speed metal from within grave digger soul, headbanging track that will leave you breathless and hungry for more, and these guys are ready to attack again with Grave descrator, mid tempo heavy metal missile that keeps the pace in quality, being also awesome to play on the gigs involving band and crowd.

Satan's host take reminiscences of Motorhead on the instrumental and structure, with drippings of power metal, another demonstration of headbanging action linked with Dia de los muertos bringing an addictive mid tempo strong rhythm with drippings of hard rocker melodies.

Its the turn for a real masterpiece in the album, Death smiles at all of us, a mid fast pulsed heavy metal bomb heralding the best composed riff, developing a great harmony on the instrumental, creating changes of rhythm on verses and bridge awesomely well performed, and perfectioned with a catchy chorus to remember, being a good highlight of the album and the energy that grave digger still have.

Nothing to believe is the ballad, one of the few this band have composed; very emotive and intense, from the sad and amazingly well interpreted verses to the powerful chorus, ending in a shade to the deep silence.

Definitely this is the best Grave Digger creation since their 2003 album Rheingold, with most of the tracks being better than their average, and even though the strategy is mostly the same in their composition, in general every track will satisfy the fans hunger.

Tracks like Tattooed rider, Season of the witch and Dead smiles at all of us are the real masterpieces being better than the rest of the songs, truly highlights of the record.

The reaper is back and fully charged of speed power metal!

8,5 / 10

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Grave Digger Tour 2014


06.11.14 DE - Saarbrücken / Garage

07.11.14 DE - München / Backstage

08.11.14 DE - Andernach / JUZ

20.11.14 DE - Frankfurt / Batschkapp

21.11.14 DE - Speyer / Halle 101

22.11.14 DE - Glauchau / Alte Spinnerei

23.11.14 CZ - Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe

27.11.14 CH - Pratteln / Z7

28.11.14 DE - Regensburg / Airport Straubing

29.11.14 DE - Lahstedt/Peine / Black Hand Inn

05.12.14 DE - Lichtenfels / Stadthalle

06.12.14 IT - Milan / House of Ashes

07.12.14 DE - Ludwigsburg / Rofa

26.12.14 DE - Berlin / C-Club

27.12.14 DE - Rostock / Moya

28.12.14 DE - Hamburg / Markthalle

29.12.14 DE - Bochum / Zeche


Promotion by NAPALM RECORDS




Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM TO HELL BY COBRA

Cobra is a traditional heavy speed metal band from Peru, formed in 2005, had two demos ready by 2007, playing many gigs nationally and being well known in the national heavy metal scene, the release of their split album with Skull allowed them to gig in more south american countries in 2010.
Then, after working hard on the studio the first full length Lethal Strike came to light in 2011 via Austral Holocaust Records having good feedback from the media and also getting better known in Peru and abroad.

Finally To Hell was released last February 2014, after a year of hard work, and got distributed nationally and also in Europe thanks to Van Records.

Cobra style combines the aggressive side of Judas priest, timing it in the Defenders of the faith composition style, with the pulse and riffs from Motorhead and Venom melted in one; the vocalist is styled with high pitched, powerful techniques with sharp melodic moments, sounding like a mix of Judas priest, Exciter and Griffin.

The album starts with Beyond the curse, beginning like an epic in crescendo introduction that leads to the headbanging action in one of the top tracks of the band, from the awesome bass touch to start to the galloping drumbeats and the potent voice, this song is what true metal music sounds like, you will find yourself screaming with a fist in the air, (dudes that is a really powerful ending), outstanding bomb linked with Fallen soldier, kicking in with a fast tempo speed heavy metal style, accelerated Motorhead reminiscences and drippings of Enforcer, remarkable addictive chorus and memories of early Iron Maiden riffs, but keeping the band's sign.

Danger zone slows the drum pounding shots to a mid tempo hard rocker track, excellent interpretation on the vocals, changing from the mid range to the high pitched scream instantaneously. Rough riders takes the strong pulse of the previous song but its transformed in a genuine heavy metal attack.

Beware my wrath accelerates the speed taking you to the mosh pit, excellent harmony in the guitar duet, that is what i call a team work perfectly executed! Vocals are perfect, bringing the fury to the stage, great combo of lows and highs in a  sharp aggressive style.

When i walk the street keep the glory in the voice in another hard rocker- early heavy metal preference with powerful drumbeats, with a rhythm seen on bands like Airbourne or even Krokus or Saxon.

The tittle track To hell, blast the scene with one of the best performed songs of the album, fast paced speed metal that leaves you breathless and will make you bang your heads till the end! Awesome how they link the verses with the guitar shredding and the chords.

The last track, Inner demon, heralds their most sophisticated drums of the album, also being one of the best compositions and the most epic track up to date, forceful voice that goes in crescendo until the ultra high pitched vocals at the end, everything here is outstanding and it demonstrate the style of the band and defines their attitude very well.

Cobra released a true metal masterpiece that will be considered  a gem of the genre, without a doubt these guys are ready to the heavy metal attack nationally and internationally, with a genuine speed heavy metal that will call the attention of true metalheads around the globe, be aware of the deadly COBRA attack!

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY EVIL KILLER

Evil Killer is a traditional Heavy Speed metal band from Spain formed in 2012 and just releasing this demo in January 2013, the band is comprised by Ivan Vera on the lead guitars, Sergio on the drums, Ray on the bass and Mikel on the rhythm guitar and the vocals. The style of this band comes from the combination of the speed faction of NWOBHM bands like Jaguar, Savage or Virtue and the early German Power metal (Helloween on the early times, Walls of Jericho), and obviously Agent Steel or Judas Priest and Iron Maiden are three roots that are followed by the band with high pitched vocals, sharp guitars sounds with abundant shredding between chords and pure speed heavy metal drumbeats in general.

The demo starts with On guard as an instrumental track that bring you back to the essence of the classic heavy metal to attack forcefully with Fight, one of the top tracks in terms of composition, being an authentic speed metal with strong straight chorus and reminiscences of Victim of fate by Helloween at the changes of rhythm.

Adventures Mind mid tempo galloping start lose fuel in comparison with the rest of the material but, however, it improves slightly as it is getting to the mid final part, great changes of pulse and epic feeling in the last minute but the sudden end makes you feel like it is something missing or even incomplete; but it's a demo and it still sound awesome!

Return of my nightmare is another genuine heavy speed metal, a missile of headbanging pulse and powerful chorus, bringing memories from Stand to fight by Virtue, that will take you to the mosh pit, awesome composition also experimenting different changes of rhythm. Tracks like this and Fight defines the band's sound very well.

To finish we have the band's name track, Evil killer, as another fast tempo speed metal but this time more influenced on the power metal side, riveting from start to finish, great composition and better harmony in the sound.

Excellent point of entry of this spanish band, Evil Killer brings the true metal, very well learnt, becoming one more in the club of the new wave of traditional heavy metal. The production is clearly in the first steps and needs to be improved and I'm sure with a better production and keeping doing the compositions like this, this band will have a lot to say not only in Spain but in the European true metal scene; so Fight!

7,5 / 10

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF LET THE THUNDER ROAR BY BLACK TRACK

Black Track is a traditional heavy/speed metal from Mexico, formed in 2010 and releasing two demos in 2011 and 2012 to finally release an EP  the 12th of April 2014, called Let the thunder Roar via Metal Ways Records and it's inclusive of their second demo as bonus tracks. The band is comprised by Adrian on the bass, Lyon on the drums, Spider as the lead guitars and Rayo on the vocals and rhythm axe. their style heralds a speed heavy metal influenced by bands like Agent Steel and Iron Maiden on the roots and also from New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal bands (like Enforcer or Striker) with a very straight and strong compositions.

Let the Thunder Roar starts with the tittle track, with the rain and thunder unveiling an authentic speed metal headbanging anthem, remarkable instrumental all over, the harmony is perfect with the vocals and the rest of the band with a mid-high pitched vocals combining clean and sharp styles; with no lull The Wolf bites tonight start with a forceful riff in another excellent act with some Judas Priest memories on the changes of rhythm twisted with the Iron Maiden style by Adrian and Lyon; exceptional track continued by the instrumental Black Dragon (In Tokyo), well done melodies and headbanging action by axe masters and bassist.

Speed Force attack without warning, one of the fastest speed metal tracks with remarkable job by Rayo where we can find some high pitched screams mixed with impulsive combat vocal shots, outstanding changes of pulse and guitar solos noticing the influence of the Masters of Metal (Agent Steel) here and also on Cosmic Metal/ Into the darkness, being one of the best songs in the EP, wrecking necks from the beginning, mixed high pitched vocal parts with growling techniques are remarkable, but mid ranged parts have to be controlled better though.

After this headbanging EP the rest of the material belongs to the second demo, included here as a bonus tracks. Warrior's Attack  is the first in line of the bonus tracks and combines an excellent chorus and instrumental with a power feeling, however the vocals still needed to be improved on the melodic sections. Demon is another strong speed metal bomb, impulsive on the vocals (better performed here).

The werewolf bring some thrash metal influence, good headbanging song finishing with Revenge is Mine (Heavy Metal Command), with an accelerating riff on the Iron Maiden influence side, vocals are used better here keeping the mid-high range mixing with short hasty sharp style; the guitars and drums work together really good on the galloping pulse that shades to the silence.

Black Track forged really good material, the roots of heavy speed metal that influenced the band made them pass successfully this point of entry, bounding to develop a heavy speed metal with a large range on the vocals and a forceful instrumental; As a first EP this is an exceptional job, the vocals have improved since their demo section as you can see how better is the EP compared with the bonus tracks that follows,still need of improvement but good job! keep a close eye on them because they really have what it takes to keep it true.

7.5 / 10


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Posted by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY BLIZZEN

Blizzen is a Traditional Heavy metal band from Germany, formed in January 2014 and just released their first demo. The band comprises Gereon Nikolay on drums, Marvin Kiefer and Andi Heindl on the guitars and Daniel Stecki on the vocals and the bass.

The style of the band is genuine heavy speed metal influenced by big bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden but also following the steps from bands like Virtue and Tokyo Blade, developing also a similar touch like Skull Fist or Enforcer. This first demo consist in three killer tracks starting with the catchy Gone Wild as a fast tempo speed metal bomb with a great job by Gereon on the pedal and also introducing high pitched vocals that evolves from clean high tones to mid sharp techniques, riveting from start to finish, this powerful track is continued by Peace is for the weak, as a mid tempo song, excellent on the guitars with reminiscences of Between the hammer and the anvil on the riffs,the long chorus is amazingly epic and improved with a crescendo ending.

Strike the hammer is the last track of this demo as it starts straight with a riff on the style of Iron Maiden to evolve to a mid fast tempo authentic heavy speed metal, forging an outstanding galloping pulse and melodic vocals on the bridge, the chorus is surprisingly strong, definitely you will raise your fists singing along and headbanging till the end.

Blizzen got what it takes to become a top band on this new wave of traditional heavy metal, the attitude is energetic as it should be, the sound need to be improved in the studio as well as the consistency on the vocals, but being their first demo is just excellent! Keep an eye on this guys because they start strong and ready to strike the hammer!

8 / 10



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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB