INTERVIEW WITH KAMIL "MADNESS" FROM THUNDERWAR

The epic death metal band Thunderwar released their first EP Birth of Thunder last year 2013, getting global recognition and generally very positive feedback from the media (click here to read the review), and now they are getting ready for their first studio album that could come to light anytime in 2015.

Meanwhile I had the chance to interview the vocalist and bass master Kamil "Madness":

- Hi! It’s a pleasure to interview you so Thank you for taking the 

time.

Hail to England!

- Thunderwar is a new band that released its first EP in 2013, tell me 

the beginnings, how did you choose the name and how the band was formed?

It's a long and boring story. I will try to shorten it.  I’ve known Vit, 

the drummer for a long time. We both played in thrash metal band when we 

were kids. When our squad broke up, we decided to create new, heavier 

and more devilish pack. We were looking for good guitarists, who love 

death metal.

We met them by chance. I knew Olszak and Witold by sight from concerts. 

I didn't know that I will play with them in Thunderwar. They came to the 

rehearsal and they were delighted.  They had the experience and they 

were hungry for metal, just like me and Vit. From the start we were on 

the same page. Now we are true friends.  At the beginning we were called 

Perun, in the name of the pagan, Slavic God - Perun The Thunderer. Then 

we recorded the first single called "Eagle of Glory" - our metal 

interpretation of Polish national emblem. We changed the name because we 

wanted to be more understandable to foreigners and also still to refer 

to the old name. So now we are Thunderwar. Word formation at the level 

of a high school student, but we think it sounds cool.

- How long did it take to create the birth of thunder? Are you happy 

with the result?

First and foremost, EP "The Birth of Thunder" is just a remain of the 

first album that was never released. We chose the best tracks from 

rejected by us album, and this is the way how The Birth of Thunder 

appeared. We are happy with the result. People like it, we also like it. 

If that record came out in that shape back then, surely we wouldn't be 

in such good moods today.  That material really sucked. Not because 

compositions were weak. Sound and mixes were totally fucked. We had to 

rescue our stuff but only three tracks survived.  I think that the whole 

process of creating our debut took more than one year.

- How did the international media respond after the release of your 

first EP?

We owe the big response to our managers. They shipped the material 

wherever they could. The result is the increasing number of fans from 

all around the world, especially from USA, UK and Brazil.  It's fucking 

awesome when someone from the other end of the globe can hear and  

appreciate our blasphemous work.

- Could you describe the metal scene in Poland?

Poland is a powerful metal bastion. Every metal maniac should know bands 

like Vader, Behemoth or Decapitated. We are very proud of these bands. 

But our metal scene isn't only those three hordes. There is a fucking 

great underground scene in Poland. Most of these bands are just amazing. 

We played national tour with mighty Pandemonium, Hellspawn and Deep 

Desolation.  Unforgettable memories and well spent time.  Also we played 

with Azarath, powerful formation from Tczew. They went on tour with 

Morbid Angel in Poland. I can’t forget to mention our friends from 

Bestiality and Morthus, young bands with great potential and talent. I 

especially recommend you polish black metal bands like Furia, Mgła, 

Plaga, Morowe or Infernal War.

- The epic death metal style of Thunderwar is really well composed and 

performed, what are your influences?

Thanks! It is hard to say. We listen to a lot of music. Blues, hard 

rock, heavy, thrash, death and black metal. It is our religion. But I 

think our greatest idols like Bathory, Dissection or Morbid Angel have 

the greatest impact on us. Of course, we always try to create our own 

climate. I think we succeeded, but people usually associate us with a 

mix of American and Swedish metal scene. Maybe they're god damn right.

- Are you preparing a full length? If so, how is the process going? 

Could you anticipate some details?

Actually we are recording a new album. Drums and guitars are done. Next 

step - bass and vocals.

Want some details? Hmm... Full album is going to be darker and more epic 

than "The Birth of Thunder". You won't be disappointed.

- Have you signed with any record label?

No, we haven't yet.

- Are there plans to tour Europe in the future?

There aren't any special plans for now. But when we are finally done 

with our LP, certainly we will think about conquering Europe.

- Which countries would you like to play?

We have never played abroad, so we’re going to be excited no matter 

which country it would be.

- You have shared stage with big names like Amon Amarth, which other 

bands have shared stage with Thunderwar?

We have also shared stage with such stars as Carcass, Obituary and 

Azarath. We hope the list will be much longer in the future!

- One of the bands you play with are Morthus, I see they share similar 

tastes, and also are a new band with one EP, do you know them? How is 

the relation with Morthus?

Yeah, we know these bastards.  We are often sharing the stage together. 

I really like them!

- Which bands would you like to share stage in the future?

Hmm… tough question. I would love to play with pioneers of death and 

black metal, who motivate us to fight. I don't know, maybe Morbid Angel, 

Watain, Behemoth or Entombed?

- Tell me how do you remember your best moment on stage.

It was when we played before Carcass in Warsaw. The place was full, it 

was our first performance with such a large audience. When we played our 

death metal epos – Vimana: The Chariots in Heaven, I showed them horns 

from the stage.  Almost the entire audience responded with the same 

gesture. It was very meaningful and memorable moment for me. I was 

exhausted but it filled me with extraordinary energy and gave me 

strength for the rest of the show.

- Could you leave a message for your fans?

What can I say? Wait for new album, and be ready for freezing cold, and 

demonic blizzard, because The Thunderer doesn't show mercy!  Stay heavy.

- Thank you so much for your time and also thanks to your manager Slawomir for making 

it possible, hope to see you soon in London!

Thank you very much! We will visit London for sure, it's just a matter 

of time!

https://www.facebook.com/thunderwarofficial

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CONTACT   thunderwarbandofficial@gmail.com

Post 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 VOICES OF ETERNITY BY BLOOD&IRON

Blood & Iron is a power heavy metal band from India formed in 2005 and released two full lengths, Blood and Iron in 2007 and Dynamite world in 2009, receiving positive feedback by the media, taking a long break and line up changes until they came back to the studio in 2013, releasing their third album Voices of eternity via Pure Steel Records on the 26th of September 2014.

Blood & Iron present a pure heavy metal sound in its essence with a  power metal perfectly melted, the mid high pitched Halford styled vocals works very well into the Iced earth - Grave digger instrumental compositions together with progressive touches. The final line up is based on Ashish and Vikram on the guitars and Praveen on the drums, with the special guests on lead vocals Giles Lavery (from the australian Dragonsclaw) and Youmni (from the band Ascendant from Dubai) taking the back vocals. Vin Nair, lead singer of Dubai-based rock band ‘Vin Sinners’ takes on the part of ‘the Narrator’ on ‘Ghost of a Memory’. Riju “Dr. Hex”, bassist of Mumbai-based metal band “Albatross” handles the bass on ‘Eternal Rites’.

The whole album is forged with very effective choruses, Eternal rites and Legion calls to the traditional power metal with Queensryche influences in a sophisticated headbanging structure and changes of rhythm with awesome chorus and a really epic feeling as the mid fast galloping pulse of Ascendant mixes impulsive powerful chorus also presented in the mid to fast paced Burning bridges, offering higher vocal ranges, being one of the best acts of the record.

Encapsulating the bands sound we find the track Your own voice, with the right touch of progressive, and a headbanging heavy power metal soul also present on tracks like Underground Rebellion, one of the best tracks of the band combining the awesome catchy chorus and forceful verses with thrash influence.

Ghost of a memory starts as an acoustic ballad that very effectively evolves to an intense mid fast tempo bomb, the vocals offer one of the best interpretations of the album with great highs and lows tunes along with an outstanding guitars performance continued by Path not taken, which heralds a mid tempo ballad with a good harmony forging acoustic and electric parts leaded by a remarkable job on the vocals as finally Redemption day kicks in creating a memorable chorus and great compositions with sophisticated drum touches for a perfect ending.

The album offers a great quality in general terms, with powerful and strong attitude, the production is good but could be better, however, what you're gonna be sure , Blood and iron forged a non-stop headbanging record to be included on every metal maniac essentials for this year.

8 / 10

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Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads union FB

INTERVIEW WITH STRANGER BLAZE

The speed thrash metal band Stranger Blaze released their debut album one year ago and the second one, Soulbreaker, is coming soon; in the meantime the band gave us some time to answer key questions about their history, past, present and future of the band.

If you like to check the review of their 2013 album Let destrution begins, click here

Hello guys and Thank you for taking the time! Tell me a bit of history of the band, how did you decide the band's name?

Hey Hello and thanks for the space… well, basically the name of the band is because we were trying to get something to represent what we are doing with our music. You know, we come from a country that unfortunately hasn't a well-known band to represent our land, you know so we felt identified with these 2 words. Stranger, because, like I told you, we come from the unknown Mexican scene to the global metal stuff but we want to burn it down like a fire, a blaze (in a good sense haha). It could sound funny but that was the best option we had at that moment hahaha

 As far as I know the band was formed four years ago and the first full length was released last year, how do you value the process of creating and recording the album?

Stranger Blaze, as a band, started in 2011, 2010 was the year when we started to play guitar, and I’m talking about Albert Gaona and me. That foo taught me the first chords and notes on guitar, but in 2011 we completed the first line up. The LET DESTRUCTION BEGIN album was released in august 2013 but, we released the first EP in October 2011. The composition process was easy to be honest, it took a time when we were at recordings, cause it was the first time that we worked on the studio. The drums section was pretty quick to record, then the bass line stuff, the rhythm guitar section was very easy, but the real problem came with the lead guitar. at that time, the lead guitarist was not interested too much in the music business. This guy missed a lot of recording seasons, as a matter of fact, we lost a lot of time. But once completed, we didn’t have any other problem. The whole recording process took like 3 weeks so far. I can tell you that we tried to show what we felt in every single song at that time, we weren’t well experienced musicians at those days, but everything was honest, I mean, we don’t want to write about a billions of demons in a song just to make people think we are true and scary metalheads, we just wanted to put our ideas on the album. People could say "they are not the greatest band in the world but these motherfuckers are real.

You mention in your bio that the band started on a heavy speed metal style idea, but the final sound reveals a high thrash metal influence, how this influence came to the band's sound?

That’s a good question because nobody asked it before, but it is very simple, we love thrash metal bands specially Albert Gaona and me, since the beginning, we wanted to make fast music but a little bit different. Adolfo Sanchez, the current drummer, comes from black and death metal influences but we had clear that we would make fast shit and actually we love the results.

Its easy to see that you carry the true spirit of thrash metal attitude, how is the people reacting on the concerts?

The crowd is always insane, sometimes we are in the gig clubs, bars or whatever, and there are like 30 or 25 people and we are like "oh man this sucks" then we are on the stage and you see a lot of motherfuckers killing each other. They always multiply like fuckin' gremlins haha, it is awesome.

After your first album, how is the international metal scene reacting?

We received a lot of good reviews around the world, as an underground metal band, you don’t expect too much with the first strike, but this time it happened. we received good comments from people around the world, one guy in Osaka Japan asked us to send him a couple of CD's for his metal store, we already sent the album to Europe, the United States, and that shit is kicking over south America too...and obviously in Mexico. And after the Colombian tour the status of the band is growing and growing, like we say, you cannot stop the indestructible machinery...

I see how true metal in Mexico is getting bigger in consequence of the growing wave of traditional heavy metal bands worldwide, how do you value this situation?

It is a good thing but at the same time a bad thing, because there’s a lot of people listening to metal but a reality about this country is that always one wants to be better than the other one, the people is fighting each other to see who knows more about old school thrash metal bands, and it’s like, stop being a moron go and listen all the bands no matter if they are old or new, fuck that, it’s about the music, who cares if you know what colour Gary Holt´s underwear was when Exodus released Bonded by blood, just go and enjoy metal dawg .. But at the same time there are a lot of people with open mind that knows how to appreciate the new stuff as they do with old school music, I love that.

Could you name the bands that most influenced your style?

 Actually, I have non usual taste, because I can listen to Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, and Destruction but also I love Metalcore bands, like Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, stuff like that. I like Mexican American rap music too, but I don’t let the rap world to influence my compositions haha. Albert Gaona prefers the old school metal stuff, bands like Slayer, Exodus, Violence, DRI, Testament, Heather, and Adolfo Sanchez is more like Cannibal corpse, Cannabis Corpse Immortal, Burzum, Brandon Reyes likes Thrash metal stuff but he is more into blues music.

The production is on the average quality as a first album for a independent release, how was the work with the band members in the studio?

At the beginning was kinda hard, cause like I told you we had not been working on the studio before, metronome was a challenge for us, but we beat that motherfucker. We wanted to make something professional, and I guess we did it. Every one of us knew the purpose and the expectative of the album, so we did our best on the recording seasons, and we enjoyed that shit as fuck.

You are working on the the second album, Soulbreaker, how do you feel recording this album?

We are exploring on different ways regardless of people comments, but we love to do it, and we know the people will enjoy this album from beginning to end, we are taking a time to think in every single detail, the purpose on this, is to make something bigger and better than the last album, we want to take the next step to find our own sound, it is exciting.

Could you anticipate any details of the new album? 

This shit will be fast, aggressive and technical; every single song will be like a kick in the balls and a punch in the face. you will find thrash metal, heavy metal, a lot of riffs, melodies, instrumental and technical songs...damn were gonna take the people from the neck and beat the shit down of them. At the lyrics you can find something to feel identified with, and real histories, for example there’s a song called "Into the gates of darkness" it is a song that i wrote when i got enough inspiration from the army life. There is the instrumental song "Dreams on the steel" dedicated to the Central American immigrants that cross Mexico to reach the American dream, leaving the family and facing death every single day just to give a better life to their people, real heroes dawg.

Have you had any promo agencies, record label offers since the release of Let destruction begins?

Well, to be honest, we received some invitations with Mexican agencies, but we wanted the first album to be independent, and we would try to get a label for the second one. So we're gonna send the album to some American and European labels, to spread the fire over the world.

Could you tell me how do you remember the best gig you performed?

 One of my favourites was the first one, because we were the unknown band, it was a homemade gig on someone’s backyard and that shit became a hell when we started to play... But homie, the real one wasn’t even in our country; it was in Bogota, Colombia. I remember that pretty well, full house, those fuckers killing each other, doing stage diving, singing the songs, I remember in the last song of the set list, it was thrash demolition, we asked the people  to make a wall of death.. that shit was a war zone, I remember after the show I saw some kids bleeding as fuck, and one of them was like, hey you Mexican fuckers, you are awesome this shit was the best gig in my life... and I was like "thanks foo it was mine too... by the way I’m sorry for your blood" hahaha

Which countries would you like to visit In the future?

Well we want to play in every single country around the world, right now we are planning to go to Central America, cause we heard those fuckers are insane and we want to be witnesses of that. Also we want to go to the rest of south America, visit Europe, Asia for sure and personally I want to go back to the United States, even if we have to go illegally, fuck the migra hahahha I’m kidding but yes, we want to break people ears over the United States too, Canada.. Basically we want to play in every single country on earth.

Which bands would you like to share stage with?

Obviously we have our favourite bands, personally I would like to play with bands like Angelus Apatrida, Trivium, Metallica, Exodus and those legendary bands, you know what I'm sayin'?

What are the plans after the release of your album Soulbreaker?

 Well were gonna make the first Official video, I won’t tell you which song we chose for that, it will be a surprise. also, we want to make a tour over central America, south America  and the big jump to Europe for sure, were gonna tour over Mexico again for sure, like I told you we would try to sign with some big world company, so we can spread the Stranger Blaze music easily over the world. We will work on the third album too; in fact, we already have a couple of ideas for the third one, so the indestructible machinery is getting bigger and stronger.  

To finalize, could you leave a message for your fans?

We don’t have fans, despite what fuckers think, we just have brothers and sisters, so we want to say to all our raza over there to support and believe in the new school metal bands, no matter which sub genre they play, if you love metal, take a chance to listen the new bands, support for their local scenes and stop being pendejos hahaha ... greetings to all the crazy fuckers around the world! 

Thank you very much guys! Hope we see you soon in Europe!

Thank you very much for the interview brother, peace

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM LET DESTRUCTION BEGINS BY STRANGER BLAZE

Stranger Blaze is a speed thrash metal band from Mexico formed in 2010 by Eliud Urdiales (vocalist) and Albert Garcia (former guitarist), step by step creating the band's sound and eventually changing members until the release of their first EP Let destruction begins in 2011 touring nationally and after changing guitarist adding Brandon Reyes the release of their first full length Let destruction begins came to light in july 2013, touring Mexico and Colombia and receiving great recognition nationally and internationally.

Stranger Blaze is actually working in their second album, Soulbreaker.

The band is finally comprised by Alberto on the bass, Eliud on the vocals, Adolfo Sanchez on the drums and Brandon on the guitar.

Prayer of tyrants opens the album with one of the best creations of the band with a straight fast tempo speed thrash metal missile that alternates from slow to mid and fast pulsed rhythms, the composition is excellent and the harmony is nearly perfect by all members of the band, taking you to 2010 the prophecy, heralding a typical thrash pounding rhythm adding a clear speed metal riff, strong and straight harsh vocals on mid and high pitched shots are the ingredients that will take you to the moshpit right away.

Lacking of reason evokes the mid tempo thrash pulse seen on Metallica style, creating a catchy chorus and deserving to be another top track of the band perfectly linked with Assassins letter, track that combines an early Metallica style with strong vocal shots, losing grip on the cleared vocal parts but still riveting like hell on a rhythm changing instrumentals.

Death machine is created effectively with three different pure old-school thrash metal riffs, simple and headbanging, this track doesn't need anything else, its just as wild as thrash should be and with no break links to No fear, excellent track that goes increscendo to another catchy true thrash metal rhythm, on the pace of the band's average which is great already, this song is stronger and the vocal hateful shots are just outstanding.

Above the nations attack you with no mercy in another moshpiting true speed thrash bomb, on the line of bands like Razor or the recent Evil Invaders, the chorus come from within forceful verses like a strike from a hammer.

Rage is the most convenient name for this song, releasing a bomb of mid tempo hate with an excellent interpretation continued by the last track on the list, Thrash demolition, explodes with true thrash force in an anthem that will be a masterpiece of the genre, combining Exodus and Slayer best styles, the best track of the album that will kill you on the moshpit wrecking your  necks with this furious mass destruction attack, just astonishing my friends.

Stranger blaze take the roots of thrash metal to create a mass destructive thrash metal attack with this album, the production is not the best, but eventually will improve because the great quality of the compositions, simple but really effective!

7,5 / 10




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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

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 FIRST EP BY TOLEDO STEEL

Toledo Steel are a classic heavy metal band from Southampton, UK, formed in 2011 and releasing their first demo in december 2012, Toledo Steel have been touring around the country and finally after adding the second guitarist to the band the first EP came out in August 2013, consisting in three missiles of pure heavy metal encapsulating the essence of NWOBHM.
The band comprises Rich Rutter on the vocals, Kyle House and Tom Potter on the guitars, David Lovell with the bass and Matt Dobson on drums.

The ep starts with Alcatraz with a classic heavy speed metal riff, headbanging moshpiting pulse developing a strong straight high pitched vocals, awesome sharp sound all over the song by Rich and axe masters Kyle and Tom, the chorus is also exceptional, made to be singed along in every gig, fists in the air; as we continue with Black widow, taking reminiscences from Iron Maiden and memories of heavier than metal by Skull Fist on the main riff, forging a powerful melodies on the vocals where the lows and high pitched styles are amazingly well combined; well done on the drums creating Judas priest late 70s techniques combined with drippings of power metal styled structure.

Flames arise take us back to the mid 80s with a truly headbanging authentic heavy speed metal with drippings of epic melodies, reminiscences of bands like Virtue, the mid tempo changing rhythm is outstanding, true metal in every chord! The instrumental parts are in an excellent harmony leaving you breathless til the end!

Overall this first EP by Toledo Steel  is riveting from start to finish with a crystal clear production, awesome job by every single member of the band,for sure Toledo Steel not only are here to stay, this band will probably be one of the leading bands of the new wave of traditional heavy metal.

8,5 / 10


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW ALBUM CRUCIFIED BY MPIRE OF EVIL

Mpire of evil is all about the thrash blackened metal from Venom during their Prime Evil to Waste lands era, formed in 2010, is the reunion band for the evil bass/vocalist Tony "Demolition man" Dolan (ex ATOMKRAFT, ex VENOM)  and  former Venom members, Jeff Mantas Dunn on the dark axes together with Antton on drums. They release three studio albums, the first included two original tracks among covers from different bands like Judas Priest or Motorhead, called "Creatures of the Black" in 2011.
One year after, they released the full length Hell to the holy, receiving positive feedbacks worldwide! JXN Jackson joined the band on the drums after Antton left, and in 2013 they released Crucified.

Crucified is built with Venom covers re recorded to perfection and keeping the raw and heavy sound of Venom, most of the tracks belong to the Waste Lands album (Kissing the beast, Black Legions, Need to kill, Crucified, Wolverine), also the tittle track Temple of Ice, and from Prime Evil (Parasite, Blackened are the priests and Carnivorous) and I have to say that as a compilation is a true bomb of speed thrash blackened metal of non stop headbanging, brought from the underrated most unknown eras of Venom where the influence of the former singer of Atomkraft, Dolan, influenced with thrash speed metal with the apocalyptic and evil feeling combined with the style of Mr Jeff. The vocals evolved in a more growling low pitched style going high at some points, but even this way gives a more rotten evil feeling than before, added with the strong drumbeats of JXN make this an improvement for the originals, being the chance of many people who didn't know this side of Venom and also start following what Mpire of Evil is about!

And after enjoying such a thrash speed metal feast is time to analyse the new Mpire of Evil tracks; Demone is a machine gun pulse on the drums that explodes in strong straight verses, headbanging as hell and breathtaking track where the drummer JXN makes an extraordinary job with some sophisticated details here and there and a forceful attitude in harmony with Mantas on the guitars and Dolan shots on the chorus.

But the best is yet to come, Take it all takes the thrash metal old school style and twistes it with headbanging and amazingly catchy chorus taken from black rock and roll elements, remarkable the  vocals here as Dolan really matches the higher pitched voice he used to do on his travel with Venom, great in-crescendo ending!

Mpire of Evil put the listener in the atmosphere of the Venom influence and then step forward with two atomic bombs that will be really enjoyed by old Venom fans and also for new metal maniacs with hunger of true thrash metal. They where capable of keeping the roots of what they created, a beast that had to be rided, and so they did! Excelent job guys!

8,5 / 10


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

REVIEW ALBUM CULPABLE BY OKER

Oker is a classic heavy metal band from Spain, formed in 2005 by Lolo and Alvaro on the guitars, being well established with stable members in 2009 with the release of their first EP "Dale caña" and the first full length "Burlando a la muerte" in 2011 having both of them very positive reviews by the media. The style is a rock and roll lifestyle and social matters themed heavy metal in spanish, influenced by old school spanish heavy metal bands like Angeles del infierno, Obus or Panzer; and also Judas Priest or Motorhead classic style riffs are very common in their compositions. After signing with Warner Music, Oker released their second album "Culpable" in November 2013.

The album starts with Vuelvo a resurgir, a potent drumbeats unveiling a classic mid-fast heavy metal riffs, astonishing headbanging piece! Excellent voice by Xina, powerful, sharp and aggressive vocals in an outstanding track that continues with the tittle track, Culpable, hard rocker riffs and vocals melodies that twist to an angry pure heavy metal bridge and chorus where everyone will scream "culpable!" making the perfect combo to be one of the gems of this record.
Mid tempo and strong drumming mark the rhythm on Heavy metal, true hard rock heavy metal piece made with the colaboration on the voice by Silver Solorzano (Silver Fist), resulting in a very solid track followed by Nunca lo fuiste with a classic heavy metal riffs, the instrumental in this song is impeccable and again the voice make a perfect interpretation in harmony with the rest of the band in this enjoyable round. But without a doubt, Xina's voice characteristical style is better analysed in the next track Que mas da, mid-tempo hard rocker song where the melodic voice collides with clean and sharp contrasts, the chorus is phenomenal, one of the best of the band.

Prejuicios is next, drums pounding and sharp forceful electric voice lead the track, the structure is in-crescendo creating the atmosphere that lead you to bang your head, also remarkable job by the drums with some sophisticated details all over the track. Ultimo Adios is the ballad of the album, clearly divided in two parts made as an anthem that starts as an intense, emotive beginning, nostalgic and sad first part that turns to a powerful breathtaking second part where the anger reigns.
The instrumental track "el rugir de los convictos" continues being a refined new wave of traditional heavy metal cut, competing with Shreds not dead by Skull Fist with an awesome job by Lolo and Alvaro on the axes, and also adding more fuel with the colaboration of Willy Gascon (Steelhorse), Patricia (Lizzies) and Jaime (Wild) , impeccable job by these guys that continues without a break with Corre, another 100% Oker style track, hard rocker piece mixed with heavy metal adding powerful vocals and catchy chorus in this headbanging as hell song.

The last act of the album is dedicated to the working class and the people's fight from one of the towns where the founding members of the band belong, Vallecas, as a cover from Patxi Andion, actually the most loyal metalized version of the original that will be forever memorable.

Oker created an  outstanding album, marking that the classic heavy metal in spanish is their style, if you think in true spanish heavy metal, strong, aggressive and also like hints of hard rock in your veins, you definately will like Culpable. The fact actually is that I haven't seen a spanish heavy metal band as good as these guys since the golden 80s with Obus, Angeles or Baron Rojo; now is the turn of the young blood of Oker and their album Culpable to take the lead of the heavy rock in spanish as an influence for new bands and also as a key for the international scene where the english language is predominant. Very impressive job guys!

8 / 10

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Line up:
Carmen Xina (vocals)
Lolo Vallekas (guitar)
Alvaro Destroyer (guitar)
Jose A (drums)
Luis (bass)


REVIEW EP THE END OF TIME BY LIZZIES

Lizzies is a full female line-up classic heavy metal band from Madrid, Spain, formed in 2010, released this first EP "End of time" in October 2013, influenced by bands like Judas Priest, Girlschool or Motorhead to name some, to create a sound loyal to the NWOBHM.

The album starts with Sacrifice, sudden powerful riffs forging the scene for the headbanging rhythm, classic heavy metal in its deep roots, simple and straight structure with chorus made to scream with your fist in the air. Awesome start as it continues with Blindslave, mid-fast tempo pure heavy metal, remarkable the skills on the drums, melodic guitars sometimes make the track too weak in sound (need more consistency) but still an enjoyable song followed by Speed on the road, that kicks off powerful as hell, straight from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal filled up with some epic influence and combined with a sharp high pitched vocals, making this track the best of the EP; fascinating second half of the tune that links, without a break, with Heavy metal warriors, a piece that explodes with aggressive sharp guitars, a nonstop headbanging theme with an impeccable job from everyone that will be the trademark of the band.

Finally the tittle track, End of time, is a better composed tune with predominant changes of rhythm, excellent sharp vocals demonstrating the strength and glory of heavy metal.

Lizzies just started with an album that could have perfectly been taken from an early 80s classic heavy metal band, they followed that precise sound of the NWOBHM to compose an attractive album, made for the gigs, to enjoy with the headbanging crowd. The production will improve in the full length so keep an eye on them because they are young blood, truly strong metalheads!

7 / 10

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REVIEW EP THE ANGRY AND THE ENRAGED BY IMPLOSION CIRCLE

Implosion Circle is a thrash metal band with modern and power metal influence from Switzerland, formed in 2006 with a first album released in 2008 called "Man of contradiction" and a new EP released just in 2013 with fresh material named The angry and the enraged.

The album starts with Final Battle with a well worked epic acoustic intro linked with old school thrash metal rhythm, note to remark is the influence of power metal in the guitar riffs and solos, well combined on the vocals, melodic verses and harsh straight on the chorus in this headbanging piece that leads to There's nothing, excellent banging pulse mixed with modern vein verses. Neoclassical instrumental in some parts and even death metal rhythm riffs make this a very satisfying tune.

The angry and the enraged, the tittle track, begins like a machine gun power riff that changes for a slow Metallica style tempo, just to explode in the best and fastest headbanging action in the album, this track contains a high contrast of lights and darks, intense, forceful and very refined composition, with the instrumental taking the lead like virtuous thrash metal maniacs do.

Clockwork is another classic thrash old school in this EP, much simpler than the rest but really enjoyable, good pattern and melodic modern side chorus are good but not specially significant; as we continue to the last act, Circle, as one of the best of the band so far, excellent work on the guitars as they forge wonderful riffs with neoclassical structure all over the piece that is followed by a brilliant job by Blaser on the drums, straight and harsh vocals are predominant giving this song the aggressive component the EP needed. Without a doubt, the sign of the band and the way to follow in forthcoming albums (mid-tempo melodic ending is amazing by the way!).

Implosion circle made a good EP, they took the idea of modern thrash metal but keeping the essence of the old school true thrash metalians. The right combination between two vocal style singing gave them an excellent result. Outstanding job by the guitars that made a very sophisticated presence as well as the drums, leaving the sensation that they are going far with this EP, maybe will need more aggression in the vocals on the next album, but overall, we are witness of an awesome Metallica influenced thrash metal old school album with the touch of styles like neoclassical and death metal that will keep you banging your heads!

7 / 10

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REVIEW ALBUM "OF STONES AND STARS" BY CALADMOR

Caladmor is an epic folk metal band from Switzerland formed in 2001 (under the name Pale) and releasing their first album in 2010 called Midwinter and finally this album "Of stones and stars" released in 2013 with the support of Chrigel Glanzmann (Eluveitie) and Joel Gilardini (The land of the snow, Mulo Muto).

The album starts with The curse of the gods as a fast track of sharp guitars that take you to the folk metal world with added dose of epic style which will be the winning strategy of this band, full powerful chorus and great harmony on the vocals, developing a clear contrast between the growling harsh aggressive side with Maede and operistic soprano Babs singing folk poetry, as it  continues with The Raid as a mid-tempo shot with forceful headbanging rhythm that changes between the dark and lights, outstanding theatrical interpretation in this song,

The tittle track begins, Of stones and stars, as a slow pure folk metal taking you to a far away land when the fast guitar and drumbeats of Dawn of the deceiver break the spell and bring you to the mosh pit with one of the most thrashing style rhythms of the album mixed with modern metal influenced chorus, excellent instrumental, guitars do a positive job, as the flutes and pipes virtuous give the folk sign on this track.

Alvissmal begins with doom intro as the slow folk rhythms create the atmosphere again in one of the best chorus in the album, when the acoustic guitars of Laudine's lament change the tune as a lyrical operistic track, very well composed as the electric guitars and strong drums are in-crescendo during the song; outstanding voice in every aspect, developing multiple techniques of singing styles.

The dark riffs make the contrast with Mimir's born with a headbanging mid-temp

o apocalyptic feeling track to continue with another masterpiece, Nymph's Lure, one of the most intense bombs with a great act by the two vocalists making the perfect theatrical section of the Swiss band.

But this is not finished yet, Heralds of doom takes you to the battle with a full epic folk metal shot, marvellous chorus and  including orchestrated background and headbanging action that will keep your fist in the air, epic track that brings you to the Taberna Trollis, mid-fast tempo track with the most catchy chorus to sing along in the gigs, pint of beer in hand! Enjoyable from start to finish with the last track of the album, Helios sky , being like an epitaph orchestrated ending of sophisticated chorus with multiple vocals mixed in a harmonious canon  that shades to the final silence.

Caladmor really are very experienced in what they do, and they demonstrated they can create a masterpiece of pure Folk metal combined with medieval epic metal with refined orchestral structure album, good production also.
Of stones and stars is the work that will take Caladmor to the leading bands in the world of Folk metal scene, every member of the band work in perfect harmony and I have to remark the excellent quality of the two vocals, the interpretation of the themes are really impressive, excellent job.

9 / 10 




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