Heavycore

Do you have the nut sack to send in your CD for review? We tell it like it is here, so don't whine if we give you some shit. We use different reviewers, so you'll see some from Wes Pollock, Pete Altieri, Luke Offield, Mike Stoltz, Bonesaw, Kris Ferguson, and Josh Thorne too.

1. We only review Heavycore bands. If you are not a member, but wish to submit a CD to see if you're Heavycore material, you should still fill out the online application. If we dig your band and allow you in the Core, then we can review the same CD you submitted. Cool?

2. Send one copy of your CD along with a short bio on the band, a photo if you have one, and your contact information. Please give us a good email address to send you the review when it's done. If you want to toss in extras like stickers . . . that's cool. If you really want to suck up and send a t-shirt, Pete wears a 2x. Ha.

3. We're going to be honest. If we don't like it and give you a bad review - we'll email you the review and if you want it added to the site, we'll give you that option. We don't want to slam on our brothers - but we also don't want to lie and say we liked something we didn't. Cool?

5. Make sure you include contact info, a bio and photo so we've got all the stuff we need to check you out. Most reviews are posted in two weeks, so we don't fuck around like most zines.

Expect your review in 2-3 weeks . . . depending on our workload. Sometimes things get backed up, but we will respond to you within one month and that's a lot better than most any magazine we know of.

These guys passed me a cd at a show I attended recently in Cincy and I must say they really threw the fuck down live. I really liked their energy on stage and the crowd seemed to really dig the shit out of them. You could tell the experience of this band shines through, as they really know how to feed of the crowd and let it fuel the performance.

The 5-song cd they submitted is well produced and showcases the talent of these ripping metal freaks. The drumming was really exceptional, and live I was completely blown away to find out their drummer is blind. Talk about hardcore - this guy flat out throws the fuck down and I was impressed to no end. The bass playing is also wicked and his sound on the cd is killer. The guitar playing is also ripping and live he had one of the most brutal tones I've heard in a long time. The vocals are clean most of the time, but don't let that scare you off. At times he reminded me of Ray Alder from Fates Warning, but then he would tear into a Phil-inspired rage that really kept things interesting.

Dark and haunting . . . those words best describe the band 13 Winters - hailing from the state of Maine. This live bootleg CD, "Down Below Zero" was recorded in July 2005 and features simple home-done artwork. The production of the CD isn't bad, considering it's a live bootleg, and it was produced by the band's keyboard player Roy Addams. All the photos that are on the CD booklet were taken by their fans - which is cool as hell.

This 8-song live CD has a good punch to it, with the ever-bestial vocals of frontwoman Diana Winters. She can belt it out like anyone can, and live she still has the same shrieking quality that their studio CD has. The guitar work from Matthue Schildroth is good, as is the bass playing from Casey Chick. The drummer, Mike Web, loses it a few times, which could be due to bad monitors, as he shreds it up on their studio CD "Where the Souls Wander". Overall, the band sounds good and continues on with their long-standing black metal traditions with gothic hints throughout.

They also included a kick ass DVD entitled "A Shadows Chance in Hell" that was a very creatively produced piece of work! It traces the history of 13 Winters with cool live clips from basement practices to big outdoor fests. The DVD takes you on the road with the band, as they drive a van with no brakes, and all the stupid shit that comes with hanging out with a metal band. It's very cool and includes over an hour of great footage. Fans of the band will eat this up and if you're not a fan . . . you just might become one after checking out these dark and twisted fuckers.

Don't listen to this CD if you're scared of the dark . . . . 13 Winters has released a full length slab of Hell-inspired heaviness entitled "Where the Souls Wander". Not all black metal bands are from Europe, as these evil wielding maniacs hail from Maine.

The production on this CD is good and is filled with plenty of creepy background noises and rituals to scare your grandma senseless. The cover art and liner notes are very professional and complete with lyrics and photos of the band members. From the looks of 13 Winters, you just might see one of them hanging out in a cemetery in a town near you. Musically the band is very good - bass player Roy Addams also plays some well placed keyboards and even violin. I was very impressed with his performance, as I was with drummer Mike Web and guitarist Matthue Schildroth. The vocalist is Die Winters and she kicks some good metal ass. She growls with the best of them and breaks into some actual singing too, proving her versatility. They also have some bonus features on this CD to include a video for the song "The Dead". It's very well done and captures the darkness of this band big time.

I hear lots of dark influences when I listen to this 13-song (how appropriate!) CD - ranging from Type O Negative, to Cradle of Filth and even some vintage Bathory for good measure. Horns up all the way - I'm sure Quorthon himself would approve 666 times over. They've got the black leather and pale faces to look like dead metal freaks for sure.

As the icing on their blood-red cake . . . . 13 Winters has a naked chick lying down on the back of the CD. I'm not 100% sure if it's Die Winters herself, but it's still a winner to have some flesh on the CD cover for this old metal pervert! Hell yeah.

So grab some candles, a copy of the Necronomicon and make sure you've got the "Where the Souls Wander" CD from 13 Winters - and check them out online at www.dark-valley-records.com

I was speechless putting this CD while driving my car the other day! If there was an award for Most Improved Metal Band it would have to be 3 Headed Moses because the new CD, "You Taste Like 80's" is really nothing short of an incredible effort. These guys took it up 666 notches with their latest 9-song bludgeoning. Even the unmastered tracks they sent me as a pre-release copy featured outstanding production and will only sound better with volumes pushed up to the max. They included a sample of the artwork that will be on the cover, and it features a hot slut on the hood of a car in a warped "salute" to the 80's. It's great stuff from a band that seems to be able to interchange humor with their attention-demanding style of play.

Musically this band continues to evolve and the talent they possess an ever-increasing war chest of brutality. The guitar duo that is Luke Offield and Ethan Folger are metal all the way this time around with nice crunching riffs coupled with very intricate harmonies and scorching leads. They really show off their talents with this effort. I especially liked "Hanging Upon an Upside-Down Cross" for the guitar work in the beginning and the guitar leads in pretty much every song. The bass playing of Nick Fizer has really improved and his tone is nice and meaty . . . which seemed to lack some on their last CD. Nick proves a bass player can venture away from the guitar players and still keep the foundation rock solid. Jeramy McCallister has a great drum sound on this CD and really puts the icing on the cake with his exceptional playing skills. I was very impressed with some of the cool beats he came up with as a perfect compliment to one of the most original bands I've ever heard before. In the "most improved" department - the drums really drive it home. Also heads and shoulders above their last effort, the vocals are outstanding. Luke does most of the singing, but Ethan and Nick also deliver the goods - which is one of the more interesting nuances of this band. Luke's clean vocals are much stronger than before and he really adds texture to the songs, while keeping his more evil roots with some nice growling added just at the right time. Every so often, he'll toss in a blistering high scream that feels like an ice pick in your eardrum . . . twisting and turning.

Another cool thing with this CD is that it features a very interesting 3-song story to end your listening adventure that explains what the 3 Headed Moses is. It's very well done and deserves to be heard. I've seen them perform it live and it was very wicked.

I was so blown away by this CD that I, for the first time, called the band to tell them how much I liked it. It was that good. I also threw in a proposal to them to master the CD for them, and I don't stick my name on just anything. These guys continue to make strides and really deserve the chance to take things to the next level.

So drag your ass to the Ozarks of Missouri and get into some 3 Headed Moses at www.3headedmoses.com or I'll come over to kick your ass and fuck your Mom.

Here's a Heavycore band with more heart than 1,000 poser bands put together. I've never met a band with a better attitude, drive, and pure love of the metal they play than 3 Headed Moses. They sent in their new full length cd, "10 Unholy Tracks From 1412 Rebel Drive", along with a bio and photos of the band for review. I was pumped to check it out.

These guys are from a hotbed of hard ass metal - Columbia Missouri. I dug the shit out of the cd, as it captures that 3HM sound that I've grown to love. I've seen them play live many times. The guitar sound is raw and nasty - just like it should be. Both Luke Offield and Ethan Folger do one hell of a job . . . filling in on axe duties in brutal fashion. Nick Fizer does a great job holding down the bottom end on the bass and does some nice fretwork to fill in the blanks. New drummer Jeramy McCalister really tightens up the ship and throws down like a madman with some kick ass double bass work and overall solid drumming. What makes this band unique is that they have three singers, with Luke, Nick, and Ethan all sharing the duties in a very interesting way. They mix up the deep growls with some actual singing in a way that you've never heard before. It makes them stand out in a pile of cds that is nearly falling off my very messy desk!

The production on the cd is very good and the packaging that they put together is professional. The bio they sent along shows how much they support Heavycore . . . as each member is sporting Heavycore shirts in the live shots.

A video for one of the songs, "Wacky Monkey Test" was featured on the Heavycore DVD "Roasting Posers Volume I" and the song "666 Pack & A Baseball Bat" is on the latest Heavycore compilation CD "Core Til Death III". I must say that my favorite track on this cd is "666 Pack & A Baseball Bat" - but I loved the whole thing. Opening it up with "Back to the Ozarks" was a savage kick to the wrinkly sack for sure. 666 kicks to be exact.

If you like your metal based in old school but with an edge that will surely slit your throat if you get too close - then 3 Headed Moses is your band. You have to check these guys out live if you want to really mosh it up right. Learn more about them at www.3headedmoses.com and become a metal-crazed hillbilly from the Ozarks along with them.

If ever a band deserved recognition for having a great attitude and pure love for the nastiest metal, 3-Headed Moses would get a parade from Heavycore. This band is brutal and old school all the way, hailing from the town of Columbia Missouri. I've also had the chance to check them out live, and they show improvement every time I've seen them. They're a young band who knows what sticking to your roots is all about.

Their 5-song demo has decent production for a demo and gives the listener a glimpse into their sound. I'd compare them to much of the good old school metal from the 80's like Overkill, Exodus, and old Megadeth with relentless riffing. One area of improvement would be to change up the drum beats, which tended to get repetitious at times. The vocals were a bit rough, but with an emerging metal band, these are things that certainly come with time.

Check out 3-Headed Moses if you can drag your ass to a show and you can visit them online at www.comobands.com/3HM

Strap on your mosh pit face for this one - because A Day to Fall brings it to the table in a huge way with this self-titled 6-song cd. The production kicks ass and the packaging was simple that they sent along with the cd - but the harsh metal that resides on the cd is more than worth checking out. This band hails from Clovis New Mexico and with some of the brutal acts coming from the Southwest, it's no wonder that A Day to Fall continues the fine tradition.

I'm hearing lots of influences when I check this cd out, and they range from Hatebreed riffing to even Strapping Young Lad speed at times. These guys mix it up nice and are extremely tight every step of the way. The song writing is strong and the tracks flow very well together. Musically the band members hold their own but the drummer is really intense and lays down some savage double bass stuff. The guitar players do some nice and tasty harmony parts that almost go back in time to Killers-era Iron Maiden. It's a wide variety of good metal rolled up into one potent brick of dynamite.

Definitely check out A Day to Fall if you like it hard, wicked, and real hard across the chin.

Aeon - Rise to Dominate (review by Pete)

Very seldom am I so blown away by a release, but "Rise to Dominate" from Aeon has literally not left my car stereo since I cracked open the envelope it came in from Metal Blade. Holy shit - this one is brutal from the first evil note to the very last . . . and every fucking one in between. It hasn't been since the early Venom stuff from the 80's that I've heard such blatantly wicked Satanic subject matter. However with Aeon, I actually wonder if they've got ice cold blood running through their veins as true soldiers in the legions of Hell itself. This 12-song offering of sickness came out September 4, 2007 on Metal Blade and is a must for your collection if you dig old school death metal with a few twists. They've been compared to Morbid Angel, Deicide, and Cannibal Corpse. I hear those influences, but I hear a lot more. These guys stand on their own as one of the premiere death metal bands of the day.

The twists with Aeon is their uncanny knack for actually using hooks in their songs. It sounds bizarre talking about hooks in death metal, but these guys do it and they do it with stunning creativity. Vocalist Tommy Dahlstrom is balls out one of the most demonic singers I've heard, and at the same time makes it a point for most of his words to be totally understandable, while growling like he's guarding the gates of Hell. His best work in my opinion is with the song "You Pray to Nothing" because I simply cannot get that chorus out of my head . . .

Even Cannibal Corpse bassist, Alex Webster said "It's rare to find a death metal band that is simultaneously crushingly brutal and infectiously catchy." That's the quote that prompted me to ask Metal Blade for the CD and I can't thank them enough for turning me onto this Swedish band that has taken over my stereo. The guitar duo of Daniel Dlimi and Zeb Nilsson is dark and evil just like the rest of the band. They create a wall of crunch with their intense guitar tone, and when they blast out harmonies and guitar leads - it's enough to shatter the stained glass of the neighborhood church. Bass player Max Carlberg keeps the bottom end thumping along and gives them one hell of a thunder from below, and drummer Nils Fjellstrom is simply incredible behind the kit. He's also in Dark Funeral and there recently was an issue with Aeon not being able to tour the US because of his conflicting schedule. According to their official web site, the band is looking for a permanent drummer. They're so incredibly wicked, I hope they're not looking for long.

I loved every damn song on this CD, but I must say "You Pray to Nothing" and "Caressed by the Holy Man" are the standouts. The lyrics are dark and twisted, and like I said before - Satanic as hell. Pun intended! They'll leave you chanting along, conjuring demons, denouncing the church, and busting out that sex-starved priest with the little girl on his lap.

I've found a new band to listen to over this whole thing and now I'm trying to find their earlier pre-Metal Blade releases. Check 'em out now and make sure you have no bibles near the computer . . . www.aeon666.com

After Dark - The Resurrection EP (review by Pete)

What can you say about a band that defines crossover hardcore metal and is still going strong since their first release in 1983! I got a copy of Agnostic Front's latest offering called "Warriors" and I must say I'm impressed with it. These guys still have it all these years later, and make no bones about the fact that they're coming to tear you to shreds from the word go. Agnostic Front are titans in the world of NYC metal mixed with one nasty hardcore edge!

The production on this CD rips as Roger Merit's (vocals) little brother Freddy Cricien takes controls of the knobs and makes this thing really hum along! Some of you may know of Freddy for his work with Madball, but he does an exceptional job on this CD. I also liked the street artwork on the cover, showing off some fine tattoo artwork.

Joseph James and Vinnie Stigma have one hell of a one-two punch on guitar duties. They don't do many guitar leads, but they rip out some brutal riffs that knock the listener on their ass. Mike Gallo has a sweet bass tone on this CD and with a good stereo, you can really feel it from across the room as he keeps the bottom strong and thick around every turn. I also dug the drumming from Steve Gallo who shows that playing good hardcore means the drummer has to beat that kit into submission. Beating the kit down seems to be something Steve Gallo enjoys doing as he thunders along with a very strong performance - keeping Agnostic Front chugging along. Roger Merit is legend on vocals, and he's got the power still in his leather lungs - with plenty of strong backing vocals that make their sound hardcore all the way!

This CD has 14 songs on it and every one of them ripped the skin from my face when I cranked it up. I must say from a first listen, the title track "Warriors" was one that really caught my ear. But if you dig Agnostic Front, I think you'll love this new one. So pick it up November 9, 2007 on Nuclear Blast because if you don't Roger and the boys may just pay your worthless ass a visit and beat you down NYC style!

I was very impressed with the package I got from Alchymist - they included two live videos, an animated video, pics, and a biography on one cdr. It's great to see a band that's all about self-promotion, which in this business is as vital as learning how to play your instruments. The production on the three song demo is very good, and is a compliment to their sound. I've seen them live a few times here in Illinois, and they can all play like real metal musicians should.

The vocal style of singer Judy (yes, it's a guy) is very unique, as he blends some deep gutteral growls with melodic mid-range vocals . . . . not at all like the whining nu-metal rage. He even throws in some high-pitched harmonies, along the lines of classic old Mercyful Fate. It's one of those, love it or hate it styles that makes the band stand out. Dennis provides some nice guitar work, while Darren and Robert lay down the rhythm section in true old school fashion.

Some good grooves and precise changes, make this one hell of a demo. Check these guys from Champaign Illinois out and take a trip back to some good old school metal.

"Fans of metal, death, and grindcore - the pain doesn't stop here . . . it only gets worse" were the words I first read on the bio that came along with the new All Shall Perish CD "The Price of Existence" on Nuclear Blast. With a release date of August 8th - this death metal extravaganza for the sick is ready for metal consumption. I was really impressed from start to finish with this Oakland California-based band. I had only heard of them before, and didn't have the privilege to check out their first Nuclear Blast release in 2005 "Hate. Malice. Revenge".

The production on this CD is outstanding, and the artwork on the cover is really wicked, featuring some futuristic cyber dude ripping his own head off. It's really intense and it fits the listening experience very well! This band will knock you on your ass without mercy one minute, and leave you wondering "what the hell was that?" the next with some incredible musicianship like the instrumental song "Interlude". Speaking of musicianship - there's not one weakness to be found here. These fuckers come to play and they know how to tear it up righteously with some of the best chops I've heard in a long time.

Ben Orum on rhythm guitar and Chris Storey on lead guitar provide a slamming one-two punch on axe duties. There tones are simply crushing and really bring the band into metal focus in a harsh way. I really was impressed with the many harmonies, guitar solos, and general wickedness from Chris Storey. The bass playing is also impressive from Mike Tiner, and the drumming is simply out of control from Matt Kuykendall. Matt's got some of the fastest feet I've heard and his blast beats are still ringing in my ears. They changed vocalists with this new release, and Hernan Hermida brings the wrath to the table with one brutal vocal performance. He's got some battle-scarred lungs for sure with some of the most evil guttural growls mixed in with some insane mid-range rasp. He does a killer job and really adds the final touch to a very incredibly talented group of metal musicians! Horns way the fuck up!

I really liked the entire CD, but I must say "The True Beast", "We Hold These Truths", and "Interlude" were among the tracks I dug the most. But pick this one up - it's brutally heavy, fast, and at times - just sheer insanity! They remind me at times of Kataklysm or Origin when it comes to a more technical style of death metal, but then they go off into a more Cannibal Corpse-inspired feel. They've also got a touch of Testament in them - it must be a "Bay Area Thing", but whatever it is, they studied their metal well and have created something very heavy indeed.

Go check them out online for more information, they'll be on tour for the entire summer 2006 and beyond - so check 'em out or die a slow fucking death. www.allshallperish.com

This is one ass kicking demo if I've ever heard one! All Will Fall from Troy Illinois really bring it to the table in a wicked in-your-face demo that blew me away from the beginning of the first track "Onslaught". The packaging is simple but very cool with lyrics and photos of the band. Listening to the demo, I heard a variety of influences ranging from Pantera, to Slayer, and even glimpses of Pissing Razors.

Very cool backing vocals with some deep ass growls, heavy riffing at all times from the guitars, and slamming bottom end insanity from the bass player and drummer. I dug the vocals, and at times wish they were a little up in the mix - but nonetheless it was a mosh pit inducing ride from the first to last track.

I dig these guys and can imagine they thrown down live. Check them out if you get a chance, or visit them online at www.allwillfall.tk

I must admit that I had never listened to Amon Amarth before getting their latest CD, "With Oden On Our Side". A good friend of mine told me about it, and I trusted his metal judgment. I was completely blown away with this bludgeoning release from Metal Blade Records. The production is incredible and brings out every essence that is Amon Amarth. I also loved the cool packaging, artwork, photos, and liner notes that came along with the release, as well as a bonus CD with some kick ass live stuff and demos of a few of the new songs. These Scandinavian Viking metal maniacs deserve a serious listen!

The guitarists Johan Soderberg and Olli Miikonen fit each other perfectly while they lay down some of the nastiest riffs, mixed with great mood altering harmonies that really put me on one of the Viking ships riding into battle. They've got great tones that compliment each other well, and carefully place great melodies and harmonies to add to the texture of the music. Bass player Ted Lundstrum keeps the bottom end roaring along and provides a great foundation for a forceful metal band, while drummer Fredrik Andersson blew me away with some kick ass double bass action. His drum sound really punches you in the chest and solidifies the sound of Amon Amarth.

I really liked the vocal performance by Johan Hegg, because he takes the death metal style and molds it to his own. He can get nasty with some of the most unholy guttural screams known to man. But at the same time, he can keep his words audible without having to read the lyric sheet. The lyrics he writes deserve to be understood, as he pens some great words that made me want to grab a sword and just start kicking some poser ass! He also puts some cool melody to gruff vocals, which can be difficult to do. Compared to his vocals on "Fate of Norns" or "Versus the World" - he's made the biggest improvement in the band. Throw in the fact that Johan is a burly bastard that sports a brutal Viking beard, and you've got one hell of a wicked front man for this band.

I really liked every song on this CD, but if I were to pick some stand out tracks, I would have to say "Asator" which bludgeons with some killer riffing breakdowns with Johan Hegg busting out the leather lungs - pushing them to the extreme. Also "Gods of War Arise" with a great chorus that makes you want to strap on the chainmail, and "Valhal Awaits" is one killer way to start the CD off. The entire offering is great and it left me wore out and ready to listen again . . . again and again!

After listening to this CD a few times, I got four of their other releases (all on Metal Blade) within a two-week period. I even got their "Wrath of the Norsemen" DVD. These guys kick my ass and play some of the most intense metal out there today. I assumed they were black metal (which isn't my thing) by the name, and was pleasantly surprised that they were a death metal band with a twist . . . busting out some thrash metal influences out of their bag of tricks.

These guys can play like metal masters of yore with a brutal axe duo of Peter Nisenkier and Jason Johnson who lay down plenty of tasty riffs, screaming harmonics, and leads that will singe your sack hair. I was really blown away by the obvious guitar experience in writing and performing on the record. Bass player Andy Critz does a good job laying down the concrete foundation, and drummer Mike Burns punishes his kit with no mercy. He throws in lots of wicked drum rolls and cymbal work to keep the listener guessing what's going to happen next. Singer Steve Bentley forgot that it's not the mid 1980's with a tremendous vocal performance. He's got a gritty, but clean style that reminds me of old Metal Church, with some Helloween, and even shades of Overkill tossed into the mix.

We often give metal bands respect based simply upon age or how long they have been around “paying their dues.” Not that this is a misconception but it may cause us to look over many bands that also deserve praise for their hard work; although, we have been shown many times that one of the enduring aspects of metal is: the rules do not always apply. When you look at the capacity for playing great metal as the more important aspect and keep properties like age to the side, we are freer to hear and understand these newer bands that display such capability and knowledge. Case in point: Angelfire from Elmhurst , IL . Angelfire’s style of thrash flows nearly effortlessly from a steady, confident, and grippingly melodic rhythm to a panic stricken and speedy dash through the gates of hell. They make use of quick tempo changes that keep you glued in eagerness for what might come next. Angelfire’s music seems to draw from so many great styles that to list them would be in vain and would detour me away from just enjoying the music. The best that can be said about this is that their roots are solid. There is a great use of “old school” melodious styles in portions small enough to be noticed but not so over laden with them that Angelfire’s sound becomes consumed by it, maintaining their inventiveness with guitar riffs that are fast enough to out-run a blender set to “puree.” All of this achieved with the band member’s current age being around 15 years old.

Overall the recording quality is very clear but with a tad too much focus on the bass drum. Also, on occasion, the instruments get slightly out of time, but I think this might be a possible diminutive flaw in the recording process and not the fault of the musicians themselves. Although the vocal method lights up your nerves like being rolled around in broken glass, maybe a little more time could be devoted to developing a more distinctive sound. My personal favorite on this demo is track #5 entitled “Die by my Hand.” It is a true example of how strong newer thrash metal forms can be when its foundations are strong in older harmonious sensibilities. We need to pay firm attention to newer, younger bands like Angelfire for soon THEY will be carrying the torch, and real metal will always be at an advantage because of it.

Angelfire, from Elmhurst , Illinois , Is back with their latest contribution to the metal world with the melody-laden Altered Perception. Let me just start by saying that this album is on fire! All the new tracks are recorded quite well with outstanding clarity between the ideally timed instruments. This most recent thrash/death collection is heaving with riffs and melodies that are truly interesting; even more so than the last album. This time around there is a more frequent use of the clean-toned and flowing tunes which add even more contrast and distinction to Angelfire’s strong-suit of the fast, flesh-tearing thrash riffs that are insistent, hostile and ever-changing. The vocals come through with far more lucidity than the last album and seem to get more vicious with each song, even mixing in the “double-death” vocals by having the demon screams twined by the low guttural roars. There’s even a special treat for any long-time Angelfire fans on this new album. They have re-recorded “To the Flames,” which is surely one of the strongest songs from the last album. This song could incite a riot on the cellular level. Although, throughout all of this progress from the last album to now, a bit more focus could be used on the solos. They tend to come across sounding forced and somewhat emotionless. By and large this album is a big step forward for Angelfire musically and chronologically as the last recording was released just last year. Their hard work and loyalty to metal music is paying off in a big way. Head to www.angelfirerocks.tk and get a hold of Altered Perception.

I have to say that if I could name my favorite Heavycore band, Antipathy would be at the top of my list. These guys fucking shred old school style and deliver like a sledgehammer to the nut sack with Imminent Peril. The cd has five tracks and each one is nastier than the next. The production is incredible and above most big label metal releases! I must say my favorite is No Escape, which the band also put on Heavycore's "Core Til Death" compilation. The intro with the dude getting his eyes gouged out gets a huge fuck yeah from the Core!

Antipathy mixes thrash, death, and even hints of black metal as they roar from track to track. Bass player and lead vocalist Samgar is fucking Satan on Earth. He's got a screeching voice along with deathly growls, and is able to perform some great bass acrobatics while doing it. I've seen these guys live and they all tear shit up. Luke Celente and Danny Wahlberg sling the axes and do one hell of a job - both combining to form one hellish tone. Alex Ghersini does a great job on drums, mixing sick blast beats with some serious old school Lombardo double kick stuff. These guys are the real deal and when it comes to metal, you just can't get any more metal than Antipathy.

I got my hands on the newest release from these New York City metal freaks at a show recently and I must say, it slays. This 4-song EP is brutal from the first note to the last and every one in between bashed my head in with the force of twenty freight trains. This 2003 release offers a new lineup with the departure of Samgar on bass/vocals and the addition of Max Kouzentsov on vocals and John Zenecky on bass. The new lineup proves to be very different than the last, but very wicked just the same. Max mixes things up from deep gutteral growls to nasty mid range screaming that makes me wonder what his throat looks like at the end of a set. The new bass player keeps things bottom heavy and pounding, and after meeting him at the show - he's metal through and through.

I really liked every track on here and the production was top notch. The guitar duo of Luke Celente and Danny Wahlberg is unreal as they scorch the frets like true metal warriors while drummer Alex Ghersini defies the laws of physics with his bashing. Seeing this band live, the listener can't help but marvel at how fast Alex moves behind the kit with ease.

Antipathy has a great attitude and are cool as fuck. I really hope this band gets a well deserved break and can provide the sickness to metal heads all over the globe.

Here's a 7-song cd from Missouri's Apnea for the fan of heavy ass metal played by musicians that throw down. These guys shred and leave no posers left standing when the amps are turned off. The production on the cd is strong and the packaging is simple but professional looking all the way. The songwriting is strong with well chosen harmonies tossed in at the right time, while keeping it heavier than hell itself with some brutal riffing.

The musicianship on the cd is kick ass and the vocals performance stood out as something more than the cookie monster vocals that seems to permeate heavier stuff. Blast beats galore, double bass poundings, and screaming guitar work coupled with bottom rattling grooves from the bass player round out Apnea's sound nicely. These guys bring it to the table in a huge way. It's killer to hear metal bands who can still do guitar solos the right way. I really liked the third track "Sinkhole" the best, as it seemed to really showcase the talent of the band. Each one of the tracks is strong and the cd is well worth the investment. As for influences I noticed - it's tough to say because they are very original in my opinion. I can't even name one band that this reminds me of and that's a good thing.

If Apnea’s latest release of Tainted Purity should be your first foray into their utterly unforgiving world, you are in for a real treat. This album is a prime example of just how much they are capable of and it shows why they are one of Missouri ’s top metal bands. With this album Apnea’s sound has never been more solidified. Tainted Purity shows much more thought in the songwriting and is heavier and harder with life-draining riffs of an unimaginable depth. The real signature within their style lies just beneath all of the heaviness. There is an underlying melody that is ever-present and watching. It steps forward from time to time to assert its control and once its aims are met, it returns to the background to lie in wait. The recording as a whole is more “in your face” than Apnea’s last albums which were given more of that “spooky cavern” feel, but this change of delivery is aggressive and works very well. The vocals, which have always been a strong side to Apnea’s music, have a bit more variation and experimentation in sounds, voices, and effects. For all of you pre-existing Apnea fans, there is even a remake of the song “God Complex” that was last seen on their Infinite Decay album. So whether you’ve enjoyed Apnea’s music for some time now, or you have yet to experience this new level of heavy and onerous metal, you should do all you can to obtain this new album and catch these guys at a show. Check them out at www.geocities.com/thebandapnea right away.

These guys turned up the "heavy" button this latest release, Tainted Purity, and are kicking poser ass big time. I was very impressed with the production on this CD, as Missouri's Apnea shows off their metal prowess with a killer 8-song offering. It features some simple, but cool artwork and homemade insert. This doesn't take away from another killer recording coming from Greg Ponder and his now infamous Funeral Home Recording Studio in Missouri.

Steve Allington is assigned to guitar and vocal duties and he does a great job at both. The guitar tone on this CD is nice and meaty, while his leads can tear the paint from your walls with ease. Steve also has a kick ass mid-range vocal style, with enough rasp to keep it metal all the way. When he wants to, he can put some cool melody into his vocals, without compromising the band's overall heaviness. I also dug the bass lines from Robbie Valentine, as he keeps roaming the bottom side of things with an unholy bass tone. The drumming from Jake Norman is thundering and ever-present. He's got a great drum sound and it pulls the band together nicely, while showing off his skills behind the kit.

I liked the whole CD, but I would say Smoldering was my favorite track for it's versatile changes and hard pounding grooves. This band deserves a serious listen. Check them out online at www.geocities.com/thebandapnea if you want to hear some of the most blistering metal in the underground.

This is one band that I had heard about . . . but never actually listened to until I got this promo kit from Nuclear Blast Records. I must say that I was totally floored when I put it into my CD player - because it knocked me on my ass from the opening title track "We Are the Nightmare". One word that came to mind right away, was WOW. The production of this CD is incredible, produced by Zeuss who's credits include Agnostic Front, Hatebreed, and Municipal Waste. It was done at Planet Z Studios in Massachusetts and mastered by Alan Douches who has done killer work with Kataklysm, Shadows Fall and more. The artwork is really sick - nice and evil looking . . . done by Mark Riddick. Apparently Riddick has done all their CD covers and from the looks of this one - I can see why. He's got an interesting flair for the sick and twisted. Overall - the packaging and polish is all there with Arsis' new release "We Are the Nightmare".

I don't even know where to start with the stunning musicianship here. The founder member, James Malone plays guitar and handles lead vocal duties with ease. His guitar playing is simply incredible and it twists and turns the listener around until they're wound up in a web of the most blistering, yet technical metal I've heard in a very long time. James teams up with Ryan Knight on guitars and the two of them put on a guitar clinic with some of the tastiest solos, sick ass harmonies, and some intense riffage. I'm completely blown away at the guitar playing on every track. The guitar leads are awesome in every song, but I think "Servants of the Night" offers some of their best work. There are no weak tracks on this 9-song offering. The bass playing by Noah Martin is just as incredible, as he throws down and holds his own playing alongside such a cacophony of brutality. The drumming by Darren Cesca is a mind-blower if you try and imagine that only one person is playing that drum kit. He does some of the most wicked rolls that go on for days, while laying down blast beats that would knock your Mom and Grandma into the dirt. Everything he does behind that drum set is just awesome. The vocals by James Malone are great too, I like his style of keeping it more of a mid range rasp most of the time, and then when you least expect it - a deep death metal growl. He mixes things up just right in my opinion and I think it's a perfect compliment to the intricate music going on.

Calling this band death metal is really selling them short. I think Arsis is in a class all by themselves with this release. It's a stunning piece of musicianship and song writing, while still keeping things oh-so-brutal with bludgeoning riffs around every corner. I don't think I could name a favorite track here, but if I had to I would say "We Are the Nightmare" or "Servants of the Night". But I think the whole thing slays and is more than worth the price of admission. This CD comes out April 15, 2008 and you need it . . . you must have it.

Catch this band on tour with Shadows Fall in April 2008 also . . . I'm sure they're incredible to watch. I like this band so much, I went on ebay and bought a copy of their last release on another label. I can't wait to check it out.

I'm sold - Arisis fucking rules and all false metal bands should die a slow, painful death!

These guys have been Heavycore members for a long time and have always tore it up in the most wicked of ways! They sent me their latest creation "Mailbox Full of Mousetraps" and I was intrigued by the title for a band that bludgeons the way Backhoe Butchery does. When I first put it in and heard them throwing down, it reminded me of some old school hardcore like Black Flag mixed with the NYC hardcore metal bands like SOD or early Anthrax. At times I even hear glimpses of old Venom intertwined. They've got an interesting mix going on, because as the CD moves through the tracks, you begin to hear even more influences like Sepultura, Pantera, and more riff-intensive styles. The production is strong and done by Greg Ponder and the renown Midwest studio The Funeral Home.

Backhoe Butchery are a 3-piece that sounds like an army of the undead. Willie is on guitar and vocal duties and does a good job leading the charge. He's got a real hardcore edge to his voice, which explains why I'm hearing old NYC hardcore stuff here. The bass player is a chick - Ann, and she throws down with the rest of them and proves she's more than capable of holding the bottom end in check. She also does some wild screaming in the song "Paranoid . . . No Really Paranoid" and does backups in some of the others as well. New addition to the band, Eric, is the new drummer and he chugs along with a hard-hitting hardcore style of playing. The whole band kicks ass and makes it sound like they recorded it back in the day with a lot of energy and rage.

I liked the whole CD but I would say "Tear Your Head Off" and "I Saw Your Cross" were my personal favorites. Definitely check out "Mailbox Full Of Mousetraps" - find out how to get your own copy at www.myspace.com/backhoebutchery

I may not totally get some of the European black metal stuff, but what I do know is that Austria's Belphegor is truly an evil entity that is bent on taking over the planet. These guys have been hammering out the music of Satan since 1995 with their debut "The Last Supper" . . . and now they continue their blackened trend with "Pestapokalpse VI". The production is really strong and the cover art is vivid and disturbing at the same time. It compliments their sound perfectly - complete with plenty of flames to burn your poser soul. Nuclear Blast sent along a sheet of paper with the CD that really sums this band up well - "Leather, bullet belts, blood, skulls, spikes, daggers, inverted crosses, goat heads, pentagrams, hyperblasts, death, black, metal, art. You in?"

Helmuth provides the lead vocals that are possessed by Lucifer himself. He is also credited with guitars as well as chainsaws. Sigurd is the second half of this demonic duo and providing some brutal guitar work that nearly melted my speakers. They employ session bass player Robin Eaglestone and drummer Nefastus who throw down along with them to create some really dark and evil music. These songs must be what a person hears on their descent into HELL . . . complete with flames crackling in the background on the song "Angel of Retribution". This is NOT to be confused with the Judas Priest song of the same name.

Definitely check out this black metal madness if that's your thing. Make sure you also bring some animal blood, black candles, and some wiling chick who doesn't mind being sacrificed before the night is over. This CD drops 10-31-06 here in the US - so take this one to the kid's Halloween party at school.

Here's a Heavycore band from Chicago that knows what heavy is all about. Bite the Hand put out this 3-song live recording. The production is very good and while the packaging is very simple - it showcases the talent of this band.

These guys mix it up well musically - showing off the talent that they possess. I first got a taste of Bite the Hand from the "Roasting Posers Volume I" DVD and I can hear improvements all the way around with this new demo. The guitar player has a nice tone and does some very cool things, while the bass playing and drumming thunder 24/7 with a very bottom heavy groove. Vocally, these guys are strong, as the singer shows his various styles from screaming all out to a cool mid-range growl.

Check these guys out online at www.BiteTheHand.com for more information and how to get slapped around like a bitch.

This band really stands out as one of the premiere bands playing old school metal like it was done back in the 1980's. Germany's Blind Guardian has a new 11-song metal feast for the masses on Nuclear Blast that was released in September 2006. The production is among the best of today with incredible clarity that you don't hear every day. I could hear each and every instrument with bludgeoning precision! The CD artwork is also impressive with a fire breathing dragon letting loose his fury. I was completely blown away by this entire package. Nuclear Blast continues to set themselves apart with the most professional releases around.

Even though this was a promotional CD that a voice chime in once or twice each song saying "you are listening to Blind Guardian - A Twist in the Myth" . . . it didn't take away from the experience. The lead vocal performance from Hansi Kursch was really over the top with some of the best vocal harmonies I've had the privilege to hear. When it comes to originality - Hansi is head and shoulders above most. The guitar combination of Andre Olbrich and Marcus Siepen is just as incredible as I've heard them. Andre lays down some mind-blowing guitar solos to make all those nu-metal pukes want to go pawn their shit right away. He really knows how to put the tastiest melodies amongst the chaos. Oliver Harzworth somehow keeps up with these two axemasters and keeps the bottom end nice and thick, while drummer Frederick Ehmke shows he can command a drum set to do some amazing things. His drum sound was the standout for me on this CD - it really thunders nicely.

This is epic metal in the finest order. This is music that warriors in Medieval times would have been listening to while wielding swords and spilling the blood of their enemy on the battlefield. This music is majestic for lack of another word. One comment made by another reviewer is appropriate - "you'll believe a band can fly".

I do like my music a little heavier than these guys, but I cannot help but be amazed at how they expertly write music and have some of the best talent around. This new "A Twist in the Myth" is a definite must for any fans of classic old school metal with the most incredible modern recording techniques. Check them out for sure at www.Blind-Guardian.com

Here's a legendary old school metal band from Germany who refuses to listen to what anyone today says about metal and does things their own way. Blind Guardian really puts out some classic metal with the "Fly" single, complete with two bonus tracks that will not appear on their upcoming full length. Their cover of "In a Gadda Da Vida" to close out the CD is really cool. This Nuclear Blast band are true to the cause once again with some of the most impressive production I've heard in a while. The artwork that came with it is also incredible and metal all the way!

The guitar duo of rhythm guitarist Marcus Siepen and lead scorcher Andre Olbrich is simply jaw-dropping. They do it all from nice chunky riffs, to fret-smoking leads, and even some killer acoustic stuff in "Skalds and Shadows". They use their guitars like weapons and know exactly how to work it to maximize the listening experience. The bass player is a guest musician, Oliver Halzworth, and he also shows his wares with the rest of the band. I would have liked to hear him a little more, but there's so much going on that it's not hard to get lost. Drummer Fredrick Ehmke also plays a flute among other percussion and it's intense to just listen to him. The vocals of Hansi Kursch are all over the place and very impressive. He's got a little bit of a Jethro Tull sound to him at times, but then he darts to somewhere else and leaves the listener wondering what will smack them next.

Their next full length, coming on Nuclear Blast, will be "A Twist to the Myth" and it's slated to see the light of day Fall 2006. So brace yourselves for one hell of a listening experience. If you like your metal old school with great modern production - with plenty of twists and turns so that you'll need to bring popcorn to drop behind you so you can find your way back.

"In a world full of compromise - some don't" phrase found in their liner notes really sums up the creed of this metal band. Bolt Thrower from England has been playing some of the most killer metal since the mid 1980's and has overcome lots of adversity along the way. This time they find vocalist Karl Willetts into the fray with one of the most bludgeoning performances I've heard on a CD in a long time.

The production of "Those Once Loyal" is incredible and the artwork is great - and very different than anything they've ever done before. I really liked the inside booklet with all the lyrics and liner notes "chiseled" out of stone which really fits nicely to the hard and brutal sound of Bolt Thrower. The musicianship is great as always, with the guitar duo of Barry Thompson and Ward Gavin. These guys create one hell of a mood with some of the tastiest harmonies I've heard and a guitar tone that sent shivers up my spine. Bass player Jo Bench has an incredible tone on this CD with plenty of bottom end with an evil distorted signal that brings up the rear in fine form. Martin Kearns throws down on drums like always, with an onslaught of double bass fury and thunder on command.

I love this entire CD - but my favorite tracks were "Kill Chain" and "Granite Wall". Every one of the songs deserves a serious listen. It's classic Bolt Thrower, as this band continues to improve what's made them great all these years. It's a must for any fan, and if you're not a fan, strap on a weapon and report for duty right now!

This Metal Blade band continues to forge on . . . despite adversity. Go check them out online at www.boltthrower.com

Here are some foul-mouthed Australian metal freaks that spew forth their brand of porn metal for the masses with their full length "Burger Grill". The production on the cd is excellent, and the packaging is outstanding with some really kick ass perverted artwork. They also included a promotional cdr with a biography, photos, and more. Bowel Mouth has their shit together and knows how to present the entire package in all it's disturbing glory.

The first track, "Fuck Truck", starts out like a sledgehammer to the sack with some bludgeoning rhythms and aggressive vocals. Some of the song titles are fucking hilarious, such as "Turkey Slappin'", "Mexican Facewash", and "Dutch Oven". I hear many influences when I scanned the cd listening to various tracks, but the one that really stood out was Blooduster. They mix it up nicely like Blooduster does, and toss in the funny audio between songs that is the Blooduster trademark. Ironically, both are from Australia. I also hear some US hardcore sounds as well as even glimpses of grindcore at times. To make it even better, they've got a female bass player that totally throws down and is also hot as hell. How much cooler can you get? This 3-piece band definitely brings it to the table and then some.

With 17 songs to satisfy your metal palette, and plenty of porn to make even the seasoned sick fuck blush for a moment, Bowel Mouth tears it up. Definitely worth checking out - go visit them online at www.bowelmouth.com and find out how to get your filthy dick beaters on this killer cd.

There's no doubt about it. The Revolution is well underway, the "Red Hair Revolution." Though this revolution may not be televised, you should not hesitate to grab the sounds that accompany it and get a copy of Bowlscraper's 2004 release. Right from the start, there's a fresh intensity to this album that grabs you tightly around the neck. Bowlscraper's sound has all the might of metal but there's another outstanding quality to it, this cd has all the great assets of really kick ass, low-down and dirty rock and roll.

The up-beat guitar solos and the unique style of the vocalist bring much of this in. But when the time to rock has passed and the time to get heavy arrives, he follows step for step with the other musicians and goes into a white knuckle, roaring frenzy. Their hardcore methods will have all your muscles flexing as the concentration of the album increases. And the strength definitely does increase as the album progresses. There's no slowing down here. Their rhythms flip back and forth from a meticulous and steady pounding to a rapid bashing as the guitars, bass and drums kick into high gear and hit you from all sides. The double bass blazes away and the guitars strike with mechanical precision. This is a proper example of a head-banging, fist swinging album and with lyrics like, "The things in life I most enjoy are WOMEN, WEED, and BOOZE!!!" You can't go wrong with that! Every instrument comes through with it's own voice and implausible clarity.

I also implore you to listen to this album the way that I'm sure Bowlscraper themselves would encourage you to listen to it, HIGH AS HELL. Light one up and check Bolwscraper out at www.bowlscraper.net.

Someone forgot to tell the guys in Cavalar that the 70's were over and metal had gone into many new places since then! Here's a band from London England who sounds like they've been locked in a dingy practice room since the 1970's and have recently come up for air. The production on their new CD "As A Metal of Fact" is very good with simple, but professional artwork . . . complete with lyrics and a pic of the band. Don't get me wrong - this band has a modern edge to their sound, but you can tell that their roots are deep and strong in the earliest forms of metal like Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and so on.

This 13-song offering features some nice guitar work from Tadeu Dias who has a nice tone and throws in some wicked solos on command. The rhythm section of bass player Marcus Ardanuy and drummer Amaldo Rogano are solid as the wood background on their CD cover and keep Cavalar thundering along. I dug the bass sound, but would have liked to hear him a little more in the mix. The vocals from Twitch are at times, spot on Ozzy from back in the day with Black Sabbath, but then he ventures off into other styles and keeps the listener wondering what's next. He's got great control over the microphone and is a throwback frontman for sure.

As mentioned, these guys have a definite Black Sabbath groove going on at times, but they do change things up and I thought the CD kicked ass. Of course they do a version of Sabbath's "Hole in the Sky" to close out the CD and as predicted - Twitch nails the Ozzy vocal lines with ease. Musically they mix it up nice and add their own flare to the song. I thought it was well-done and I'm a big Sabbath freak. I liked the whole CD, but I would say "Rush" or "God Damned Rebel" were the stand out tracks. The band even sent in a video for the first track on the CD "Rush" and it was very well done! It features the band playing live as well as on the streets of London - showing the dark side of human addiction. It appears the bass player is different on the video as compared to the pic on the CD - but he might have cut his hair. I can't tell. The video does a great job to show you the band seems fun live and has insight into the current state of humanity.

So if you dig your metal old school all the way and in a room filled with some dank 1970's pot smoke . . . . check them out online at www.cavalarrock.com

Cavitation is slamming it from the blue collar grittiness that is Burlington Iowa and proving that they've been doing their metal homework. The bio they sent in with the cd sites influences like Testament, Slayer, and Pantera and I must say I'm impressed. Their 6-song demo release "Laughing at the Ruin" has very good production and homemade packaging - which shows these guys have the resolve to promote themselves in the most professional way they can.

I really dug the tunes - nice and heavy at all times and showcasing the talent of the individual musicians. Frank Perez and John Hager share guitar duties and really add some tasty licks and harmonies into the heavy mix of riffing, grooves, and mind-punishing mosh pit rants. I really dug the vocals of Chaz Hinds who provides a good mid range gutteral throat attack while keeping things interesting with the occasional death metal growl done at the right times. Drummer Tim Wardlow and bass player Chad Robbins keep the low end thick like it should be and really tear it the fuck up.

The song writing is strong and I like the way they toss in a few samples between the tracks. Their sound is original, but shows glimpses of Pantera, Sepultura, and a variety of old school metal influences.

Canada spews forth yet another band that brings some serious blast beat pain with Cessate and their latest CD "Shattered Hopes". The production is good and gives the band a nice hard punch to the gut and follows up with a steel-toed boot to the chin. The cover art for the CD is cool and features some futuristic monster tearing shit up, which is exactly what this band does with amazing precision. Inside the booklet they've got the usual stuff like lyrics, liner notes, and band pics. It's very professionally done and is a good way to present the band to the metal masses.

I hear a variety of influences when I had this CD cranked up on my home stereo. I hear hints of Kataklysm - another killer Canadian band, but they've got plenty of heavy riffing to remind me of old Kreator or even some Testament. At times they dug down deep and brought the fires of HELL along for the ride with some Bathory-esque parts. Drummer Cheech really shines on this CD with blast beats of fury mixed in with some brutal grinding and lots of nice cymbal work. The bass player is named Pete - so they get extra points for that, and he handles the bass with a command of the frets and that meaty bottom end that is staple on any real metal CD. Justin shreds it up on the guitars and has a great crunching rhythm tone and his guitar solos jump out of the speakers and demand attention. I really liked some of the cool harmony stuff he did in "Belial Adytum" - but he tears it up on each track. Lead vocals from Harley are heavier than hell and bring plenty of nastiness to the table. He's got a cool style that doesn't fit neatly into a box and definitely varies it up from the usual death metal growling style.

This 10-song offering is well worth picking up for your death/thrash/black metal collection. These guys have one hell of a blend going on that kept me guessing what the hell they were going to do next. Just when I thought it was "safe" - they beat my ass with a rusty pipe into submission.

I had to run and check my calendar - because after throwing in this demo from Chainsaw Homicide, I could have sworn it was 1987 all over again. What a brutal first time effort from this new death metal band, hailing from the cornfields also known as Colfax Illinois. These guys haven't been together long, and have managed to spout off three sick ass tunes recorded live at practice.

Many images come to mind when listening to this raw as fuck demo - definite hints of early Cannibal Corpse and Obituary loom in the distance. You can also tell that these guys have had a steady diet of Slayer over the years, and a few serial killers tossed in for good measure. With song titles like Coprosexual, Zombie Attack, and Sharp Twisted Shrapnel Sodomy - it makes a person wonder what the hell these death metal hillbillies do in their spare time. The icing on the cake was the long sappy porn intro to the last track, which ends with the guy saying, "now get over here and suck my cock". How fitting!

I can only imagine how wicked these guys will be live. There's lots more intense, old school death metal to come from the cornfields.

Just on the name of this CD alone "Booze Broads, and Beelzebub" - all hail Chrome Division for being so fucking metal they must shit pure iron and puke up steel after a night hard drinking! I did a review of their last CD "Doomsday Rock N' Roll" and loved it. Well, this time they continue their fine tradition of classic metal in the vein of Motorhead and others who love to bust out the leather, denim, and spikes and drive their sound straight into your brain. It has a real 80's style feel, with better production of course. What started as the side project of members of the bands Dimmu Borgir and The Kovenant, Chrome Division is simple but metal all the way. For anyone who misses a time when metal was a little more simple, driving, and not over produced with drum triggers and flawless editing. This is raw, in-your-face and cannot be played at low volumes. You must crank it the fuck up! Just don't bitch if a band of bikers show up and ask you where the keg and the rolling papers are!

The production is great, as with any Nuclear Blast release, and done by Fredrik Nordstom at Studio Fredman outside of Gothenburg Sweden. The lineup includes Shagrath on rhythm guitar, Eddie Guz on lead vocals, Ricky Black on lead guitar, Luna on bass, and drumming by Tony White. These guys can play and while the style of the band is compared to a "drunken swagger", their sound has a tight crispness to it and would be the perfect music to drink a case of beer to! Ricky Black lays down some nice lead work in songs like "Wine of Sin" and more. The drumming is simple, but driving and works perfectly along with bass playing of Luna. I really dig Eddie Guz's vocal style, nice and gritty to accompany this band of bikers from hell. He's got a great sense of melody, and does it without sounding wimpy in any way.

To really showcase their variety of influences, the band even does a metallic cover of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man". It was an interesting twist to what I think is a great CD to crank up when you're driving or pounding some beers with your buddies! The whole 13-song offering is well worth the price of admission.

The CD comes out August 19, 2008 - so get a copy of it. If you don't, these hell-bound bastards might come to your house, throw a keg party and fuck your Mom!

www.chromedivision.com

If you dig old school Motorhead, mixed with some vintage Iron Maiden, a fifth of whiskey, a carton of filterless smokes, and a prostitute covered in jailhouse tats, then you will love Chrome Division. This Norwegian band really has an interesting origin, being founded by members of Dimmu Borgir and The Kovenant. It began as a jam session to let out some collective creativity, and now has become forged in steel with a new fresh lineup and a desire to kick some serious metal ass. This Nuclear Blast band has a new CD called "Doomsday Rock n' Roll" that I had the chance to check out with an advanced copy from the label along with a bio on the band. The CD was released here in the US on August 8th - so get your ass out to the store and pick this one up if you love down and filthy metal with a bar room feel.

The production on this CD is really strong and the cover art features some cool biker tat artwork - which totally fits with the band's leather and spikes image. Their musicianship is very kick ass with Shagrath on rhythm guitars with a thick and meaty tone that drives the guitars into your chest cavity. He shreds it along with the second guitar player Ricky Black - who also does some tasty leads that bring me back to the day when more metal bands did wicked guitar solos. Bjorn Luna holds down the fort with a bottom pounding bass tone, and drummer Tony White has a very good drum sound and keeps it simple - but driving and hard as hell. Eddie Guiz is the lead singer and he's got a great cigarette smoke hardened set of lungs and really puts together some great melody. His vocals are really a perfect fit for Chrome Division!

I do hear an obvious Motorhead influence here, but it's not a derogatory comment in the least. I also do hear some cool harmonies, a la Iron Maiden's "Killers" or "Number of the Beast". I dig that big time! But they offer their own sound to the table - while mixing together a fine buffet of metal influences. I really dug the whole CD, but I would say that "Serial Killer", "1st Regiment", and "Here Comes Another One" were the standout tracks for me. It's good hard metal, heavy enough to satisfy the ones who dig that stuff, but light enough you could put it on and not scare your neighbors senseless. It will just sound like twenty hard ass bikers came over with a couple kegs of beer, some dope, a couple wild chicks, and hijacked your stereo until dawn! Why not join them? Sounds like one hell of a party!

Definitely check these guys out - it's worth your listen. You can get your ass bitchslapped in Hell's Custom Chopper Shop at www.ChromeDivision.com

This cd came in through the mail from a new Heavycore band from Pennsylvania called Circle of Fear. Their Pain Scars Healing cd was simply packaged but the production was fucking slamming. I really dug it - right out of the box with a cool intro that busted out into an old school mosh pit influenced song.

These guys share a variety of influences, some of which I can pick out pretty easily - like Death, Cannibal Corpse, Sepultura, and possibly even a little old Pantera tossed in for good measure. The guitar sound is nice and heavy at all times - and there were a few tasty solos mixed in well. The bass playing and drumming were solid and provided the necessary foundation for this metal band that didn't forget its roots. The vocals were strong and complimented the band well.

From the bio they sent in, they've shared the stage with the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Pissing Razors, Dying Fetus and more. I'm sure they slam it live and if you can stick it out in the pit, I'd say go check out a Circle of Fear show.

Listening to this 2-song demo, I had to check my calendar to see if it was really 2005, as well as bust out the hookah for a round in tribute to these crazed fuckers from way down south. Hailing from Mississippi, Colossus has put together a doom fest for the mellower metal fan of metal days gone by. These guys bring it to life on this kick ass demo CD.

The production is decent and the "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas" sound bites really add to the laid back feel of their music. I can hear some real old school, THC-induced influences like Black Sabbath (a la Master of Reality or Sabotage era) with hints of Motorhead and even some Corrosion of Conformity. Both tracks are very heavy and grind to a full bag of slow riffs and monstrous screams.

Here's a band that goes for the throat from the word go, and doesn't let go while they twist and turn that knife in your gut! A big fuck yeah to the NYC band Combat for their latest CD release "Ruination". The production kicks ass all over the place and nearly knocked me off my chair while doing this review. I also dug the artwork and entire packaging on their That's Heavy Records release.

This CD is jam packed with nine songs that have a serious hardcore edge to them. I hear a variety of influences when I listen to this 3-piece with a serious attitude problem. I'm hearing lots of NYC influences like Agnostic Front, SOD/MOD, and Pro-Pain. But then I hear glimpses of old Slayer from the Show No Mercy days of yore with even a dash or two of the Bay Area thrash movement pioneers Exodus. Jeff Rossbach lays down some nice chucky guitar work and screaming leads that sets him apart from most hardcore bands. Bob Eubank handles bass duties and lead vocals - and he does it with some serious fucking authority. I liked his bottom pounding tone on bass and his vocals are rough and gritty, but very audible and make the listener want to raise their glass and scream along with him. Rex "Deadfoot" Rossbach blasts away behind his kit, delivering the metal goods with plenty of kicks and ear-piercing snare blasts. He's got a good drum sound and I liked his style . . . he mixed things up when they needed it.

I really thought the whole CD kicked total ass but "Destructure" was probably my favorite. The title track "Ruination" was also very killer and opens up with some wicked double kicks and searing guitar action - so it's sure to start a mosh pit on cue. Pick up this CD if you dig your metal hardcore with serious metal attitude. Check out their website at www.deadfoot.com

Here's another European band that can flat out play their metal with class and know what their metal roots are all about. Communic are from Finland and they have a new CD called "Waves of Visual Decay" that features some really incredible production. Originally CommunicHate, they shortened the name up and have produced one hell of a CD for the ages. It seems all the Nuclear Blast bands have been putting out some of the best quality releases of the labels I've heard. The CD also features some really wicked artwork from Anthony Clarkson that I cannot do any justice trying to explain it. It fits the listening experience with stunning visual presentation. He's done artwork for Hypocrisy and Exodus among others.

All of the musicians are devastatingly good on this CD. Lead vocals and guitar duty are covered by Oddleif Stensland with a command that forces you to listen to him. He's got an incredible voice that goes from Geoff Tate to Ray Alder and Rob Halford at times. He's awesome and has a range like few others. His guitar playing is also fantastic, the entire time adding texture to each song. Erik Mortensen is also more than capable on bass and keeps the thunder rolling along with drummer Tor Atle Andersen. These two are locked in like few other rhythm sections and keep Communic rumbling along with no breath in between. Their song writing is exceptional and it reminds me in a way to Fates Warning, but much heavier with some mosh pit inducing riffs mixed in at the right time.

This 7-song CD is one of the most adventurous offerings I've heard in a long time. These guys can do it all. With lots of emotion and drama in "Frozen Asleep in the Park" and into a thick riffing bonanza with "My Bleeding Victim" . . . keeping lots of melody and harmony the whole way. They've got a great knack for writing hooks in the music without sacrificing their heaviness. The last song "At Dewy Pride" was simply an amazing way to close this CD out. I was spent by the time it was all over!

Definitely check out this new CD coming May 19, 2006 to a store near you. It's a feast for the true metal fan who loves melody mixed in with savage heaviness and skill. Check them out online for more information at www.communic.org

When Conquest sent in their $10 for Heavycore membership, they included a promotional DVD for promotional purposes only. The packaging was simple and obviously done at home, but the content was excellent. It was done in a casual interview format with their singer/guitarist and showed various clips of them playing live over this past summer. From what I heard of their music, Conquest is true metal all the way. Their music is based in old school, but offers much of the exciting double kick drums and brutal riffing that any metal head would dig.

I thought the DVD was well done and offers an insight into what makes Conquest what they are. This is a balls-out metal band from the word go and if you dig it heavy, thrashy, in your face, and wicked - then you need to check them out.

The guys in Crowning Apathy gave me their 12-song cd, Shades of Gray, at a show in Cincinnati recently. I really dug their live performance, which was full of energy and great crowd reactions. The cd does a good job at capturing the fury that is Crowning Apathy. The production is good and the packaging simple in true old school fashion.

The sound of this band is tough for me to categorize, which is a good thing. Driving guitars, tuned down and brutal at all times - combined with excellent bass playing and drumming comprise the music of this hard hitting Cincy area band. The vocals are very good, and I liked the way they mix it up. The growling vocals/clean vocals has been done a bit too much in lots of other bands - but these fuckers do it right and it adds a killer dimension to the sound.

If you dig your metal nice and heavy with some sick grooves tossed in for good measure, then check out Crowning Apathy for one hell of an ass kicking Heavycore style.

This Canadian band proves that you can not fit neatly into a box and still create one hell of a growing fan base. Cryptopsy's latest CD on Century Media is "Once Was Not" and it's a non-stop trip to metal mayhem with one of the most diverse metal CD's I've ever heard before. The production is killer and it was recorded at Studio Vortex in Canada. Much to the adoration of their rabid fans, "Once Was Not" brings with it the much anticipated return of vocalist Lord Worm to the fray.

Cryptopsy continues to baffle listeners with some incredible musicianship with wicked guitar chops from Alex Ashburn - who goes into some acoustic stuff and jazz influenced rhythms at times. Bass player Eric Langlois somehow keeps up with the guitar player but ventures off the path with all kinds of cool bass grooves to coincide with the incredible talents of drummer Flo Mounier. Flo can blast beat with the best of them but keeps things moving and interesting with lots of cool cymbal work and interesting beats. Of course Lord Worm is nothing short of over the top with plenty of throat-shredding screams to last me a lifetime!

This 7th CD from Cryptopsy shows that they stick to their roots and don't give in to what anyone else is doing. I liked the whole CD, but would have to say that I dug "The Frantic Pace of the Dying" and "Carrionsine" the best. Don't forget about some cool cover art too, which features an interesting futuristic burning city with a flag being stuck into the ground. It's very fitting - as I can imagine Cryptopsy as being the soundtrack to Armageddon.

Check these maniacs out online at www.cryptopsy.net and pick up the new "Once Was Not" CD if you want something daring to be different and worthy enough for any real metal freak's collection.

It's not often that I get a chance to review a band that was so influential on the metal scene as Death Angel. Back in the day, they had the one and only Cliff Burton cheering them on at bar shows! These Bay Area thrash gods are at it again, but this time utilizing the skills of producer Nick Raskulinecz of Rush, Velvet Revolver, and Shadows Fall fame. Their latest CD is on Nuclear Blast - Killing Season. It sounds amazing to say the least, with some killer production, coupled with some wicked cover art. Their new 11-song CD shows that Death Angel has not lost their knack for great song writing filled with plenty of hooks . . . delivering the metal goods in a big way!

The guitar duo of Ted Aguilar and Rob Cavestany is nothing short of epic on this CD. They show off their wares with a "very metal" acoustic intro with the first track "Lord of Hate" and "Dethroned", but know when to bust it out and blister into a 80's era riff attack with songs like "Sonic Beatdown", "Buried Alive", "When Worlds Collide" and more. I love their guitar tone - mixed together is sounds like a true wall of metal as they slice, dice, and rip anyone preaching false metal to shreds. Of course when it comes to true metal guitar soloing, these guys know how to do it right and scorch frets with the best of them. I really liked the solos in all songs, but "Soulless" was probably my favorite. Bass player Dennis Pepa has a nice bottom grinding tone, and keeps the foundation strong and true to accompany two shredding guitarists. Drummer Andy Galeon, who was in a bad bus accident in 1990, causing the band to be sidetracked for a number of years . . . shows he's back with a vengeance. He has a great drum sound on this CD and I dig the way he uses his kit to keep the songs moving and twisting into true Death Angel form. In my opinion, the focal point of Death Angel has always been vocalist Mark Osegueda. He's got a tremendous voice that has only aged like fine wine over these 20 plus years! I loved his vocals on the recent Nuclear Blast All Star CD that came out in 2007, and on this new Death Angel CD he shines in a big way. Mark uses melody in a way that keeps the listener pounding his fist in the air, while not compromising the heaviness that metal freaks love.

I think every one of these 11 tracks kicks total ass. As for picking a couple of stand out tracks, I would have to say "Soulless", "When Worlds Collide", and the title track "Killing Season". This CD is a must for anyone who's into guitar dominating metal with great mid range vocals with grit . . . you won't be let down. Pick up a copy of this great Nuclear Blast release!

I got knocked down to the floor with the Deflagration cd "The Pain You Can't Forget". What a brutal mix of old school metal, and hardcore nasty enough to abort a fetus before the first track gets done. These guys come at you with both barrels white hot with a blend of styles and great production to make this 10-track cd a must have.

I hear lots of influences when I listen to Deflagration, but Pro-Pain and Hatebreed come to mind first. They strike hard and fast with a blistering guitar crunch, nice drum sounds, and relentless bottom pounding bass. The vocals have a heavy hardcore influence, and keep it gritty and mid range where you can still understand the lyrics. The guitar players toss in some well-placed solos to give it the old school feel. Horns up all the way!

This four piece hails from Ohio, but you would swear they were hanging out in the NYC clubs with their obvious east coast influences raging loud and clear! The liner notes of the cd come with lyrics and pics of the band and look very professional. Their tour manager included a very slick packet complete with bio, photo, and stickers. I dug the whole thing while I listened to the cd.

Without a doubt you'll want to check this out if you dig it heavy as fuck and brutal 24-7. You can visit them online at www.deflagration.net or email them at kevinz@turbosurf.net

Now, THIS is metal! Detriment’s 2003 release of “Surreal” has it all. Metal with all the right influences. Heavy as hell with crushing guitars, bashing bass and drums, and all out vocal authority. Not to use these as comparisons to the band itself but you can hear tints of other great bands such as Megadeath, Anthrax, Iced Earth, Brainstorm, and even King Diamond. Even though some of these similar styles are used, Detriment is a force all it’s own. Real thought and originality have gone into these songs, and the ability displayed by every member of the band really brings these thoughts across.

Rob Malvagno’s vocals have a quick delivery with plenty of range and wrought with emotion. A dominating mid-range is his forte, but he also has the capability to belt out highs, hold them out and hold them in tune. Brett Stephani and Dennis Guadio have a guitar style that is tremendous and overwhelming. They have massive amounts of that thick, crunchy tone but still maintaining lots of bite for accents in the right places. The riffs are driving and vary from a fast-paced pummeling to a slow methodic bruising. Their solos really tell just as much of each song’s story as the vocals with each note describing and each bend unfolding more of the tale. The masterful bass playing by Kevin Cassidy rumbles right along with the guitars or at times carries a melody all his own. Great velocity and precision is his to command. The drum style of John Deposito is exactly what is needed to push Detriment’s sound through the wall and right at you. He knows when to get flashy and more importantly, he knows when to keep it straight and simple for the good of the song. This is refreshing in a metal world that is often moving to the blast beat. John does more than just “keep the beat.” He has the capacity to shape his drum parts into “riffs” the same as any guitarist to truly make the songs whole.

Dew-Scented from Germany turn loose their 7th CD upon the metal masses with "Incinerate" on Nuclear Blast Records. With a release date of March 30, 2007, Dew-Scented wants the world to know they've got some new shit to sink your teeth into. The production is wicked to say the least - they recorded it in Germany with Jorg Uken, and then later had Andy Sneap mix it. Andy's credits include Exodus, Kreator, and Arch Enemy. The artwork is also great and I'm sure the final packaging from Nuclear Blast will be professional looking.

I thought the guitar playing was wicked and heavy at all times. Hendrick Bache and Flo Mueller handle the axes and really keep the listener on the edge of their seat wondering what brutal riff they'll toss their way. They throw road blocks in the way by tossing in a fret-singing solo when they need to like on "That's Why I Despise You". Alexander Pahl does a great job holding down the fort on bass with some quick picking along the way. I was very impressed with the drum sound and playing from Uwe Werning who flat out tears up those drums to shreds. His fast feet and double bass work is really what shines here in my opinion. Leif Jensen fronts the band on lead vocals and has a good mid range sound with plenty of gravel to satisfy the metal freaks, but a good sense of melody to keep the ship straight on course. These guys really bring the whole package to the table and this CD is a great example of how tight a metal band can be - while severing your head off with the precision of a team of brain surgeons!

I liked the tracks "Vanish Away" and "That's Why I Despise You" the best, but I think the whole CD kicks total metal ass. I would strongly suggest picking up this new CD from Dew-Scented. If you don't, they just might show up at your house and kick your old man's ass! Check 'em out online at www.dew-scented.de

Can someone pass me a fuckin' neckbrace? I just got done listening to the brutal free EP from Diabolic Intent entitled "Forcing Censored Content". The production quality of the songs were excellent and the artwork that was available was also cool as hell with lyrics and a picture of the band. While the EP only had three songs on it, I can tell that this band would be beyond intense to see live.

Their music features lots of interesting changes, keeping the listener guessing what was going to jump out at them at the next turn. At times they throw down in a blast beat fury that sounds like unholy gunfire, but around the next turn comes a slowed down mosh-inducing riff. While I listened to this volley of death metal madness, it forced me up out of my chair and careening off the walls screaming "666 motherfucker". The musicianship is outstanding all the way around and it's obvious this band has done it's metal homework with a variety of influences that are nearly too many to mention. I hear glimpses of good old school death metal like Obituary and Cannibal Corpse, while at other times they rip into some insanely progressive madness ala Strapping Young Lad or even Watchtower.

Hailing from sunny Florida, these guys have paid their dues and have shared the stage with some legends like Cannibal Corpse, Cryptopsy, Immolation, and tons more. If you want to listen to this FREE EP yourself, then get your ass to their website at www.diabolicintent.com and see if you can be spared an untimely death!

Slamming it with bone crunching fury out of Hollywood California, Dia De Los Muertos deserve your attention right now! They're latest CD "Day of the Dead" features only five songs, but they pack one hell of a death metal punch with kick ass production and some killer artwork throughout. They've also got the lyrics, pics, and liner notes to satisfy your metal palette. Most of the lyrics are in Spanish, but they speak the common language of metal that all of us can understand.

These guys are death metal to the bone with lots of old school influences like Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, and Suffocation. What is interesting about this CD, is that each song features a different vocalist. I'm not sure if they ever found one singer or not, but don't let that change your mind on this band. The singers they feature are fucking incredible, especially Loana dP Valencia who throws down on the opening track "We Rise/We Kill". She's unbelievable! Some of you may know Loana from her vocal prowess with LA's Dreams of Damnation. Drummer Alfonso Pinzon and bass player Vincent Price team up on vocals for the title song "Day of the Dead", and the others are performed by Maldito X, Andres Giminez, and Alex Okendo. Each on of them adds their own flare to the songs - but keep a common thread of death throughout. Andres Jaramillo kills with his guitar on these five songs - with a savage meaty tone and screaming leads . . . he's old school all the way.

Check them out online at www.cinismorecords.com and prepare to have flesh ripped from your bones as soon as the music begins! These guys fucking rule. I can't wait to hear more from them in the future.

Tearing it up from Canada, Divinity proves they can throw down with the best of them with their first full length CD "Allegory" on Nuclear Blast Records. I was really impressed with the sweet production on this CD, but then when I saw that Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Aborted, Dark Tranquility) did the mixing and mastering, I was not surprised. He's got one hell of an evil touch on metal production! I also liked the strange cover art by Mattias Norten, and it's sure to turn some heads in the music stores. Like with all Nuclear Blast releases, this one really shows why they are first rate when it comes to how to put out a metal release.

The guitar work from James Duncan and Sacha Laskow is really insane. These guys throw it down and tear those frets to shreds with some of the most intense riffs and into incredible solos. These guys show their roots are strong in the metal that has come before, but are taking it to a new level. I really dug their guitar tones as well - it gave the CD the balls it needed. I liked their work in the track "Power Control" probably the best, but they all rip. Nick Foster assumes bass playing duties, and does a great job keeping up with that wicked guitar duo. I would have liked to hear him a bit more in the mix, but with all that's going on - it's tough to sometimes bring the bass up without making things a bit muddy. Brett Duncan does a great job on drums - throwing in a variety of beats to keep me wondering what he was going to do next. I did like that he didn't blast beat the CD to death - which it seems is the trend these days with heavy music.

The vocals of Sean Jenkins are versatile as he mixes in deathly growls, with mid range rasp as well as a bit of the melodic stuff. I must admit, I'm not a fan of that melodic vocal because so many bands are doing it now. I think it shows off his vocal skill, but it seems a bit predictable when he uses it. I would rather hear him not do that, or at least not as much. I will say the guy has lungs of leather with serious power behind it. He has a couple other singers come in and do guest spots.

I think this 10-song offering from Divinity is bad ass to say the least. Fans of Soilwork and Strapping Young Lad will dig it big time. There were some glimpses of later Death in a couple of the songs, which I really liked. The CD came out in March 2008, so pick it up. Check them out online at www.divinity.ca

Lock up all the posers and burn those fuckers to the ground - that's what you'll want to do when you listen to the new Doom Syndicate cd, "Bringing Salvation". Holy shit - my ass got blown back a few feet when I heard the opening track "Black Sleep of Cabbie". This 9-song cd features some incredible production quality with an intense piece of art on the cover as well as a slick inside booklet featuring lyrics, pics, and more. Huge fuck yeahs for these guys mentioning Heavycore in their thanks and even slapping our logo on the inside booklet. They've got 666 thumbs up from us here at the CORE. This is some intense death metal with hints of black metal at times.

The musical talent in this band is unreal. Scott Doom on lead guitar is a monster on the frets and stomps ass at all times. He lays down some of the best solos I've heard in a very long time, and together with rhythm/lead guitar player Rob Milani - they bring the pain all day long with a sick ass crunch. Bass player Chip, also shows off his talents with some intense work and also provides some growling back up on vocals. There were a few times I thought he could have come up in the mix - but I'm a bass player (ha). The drummer, Dan Brooks, is fucking unbelievable. We recently saw them at a Heavycore show and he was absolutely insane behind the kit - some serious double bass action. I also love the vocal style of Jr. Martin as he belts out some of the sickest growls, mixed in with some insane higher stuff that really blew my ass away watching him live. These guys are the real deal - each one of them flat out shreds. My favorite track on the cd is "Fearless in the Face of Death" - but each one of them kicked my ass bloody.

Not only is Doom Syndicate an incredible band, but they are cool mother fuckers and are all about supporting Heavycore. We're proud of them here, as they embark on a tour with Macabre and Cataclysm. I'm sure they'll do us proud and represent the Core, as well as their label - Rotting Corpse Records.

Check out Rotting Corpse Records online for more information about these guys and their other metal acts at www.rottingcorpserecords.com

Can I get a fuck yeah with this thrash metal attack from the urban decay of Los Angeles California? Dreams of Damnation comes out swinging with their first full length CD "Epic Tales of Vengeance". I heard them on myspace recently, but I wasn't prepared for the extreme beating I was about to get when I tossed this into my truck's CD player. Those infinity speakers were begging for mercy, but I cranked it up higher and made my neighbors lock the doors tight while I head banged in the driveway. These guys kicked my ass!

The production is outstanding - with plenty of meat for fans of the heavier side of things. It sounds like they took a time capsule back to the late 1980's when thrash metal reigned supreme. They've got none other than Dark Angel axemaster, Jim Durkin, playing with them and laying down some insane riffing with enough triplets to make a poser soil themselves. Jim's sound is wicked as hell and he's got plenty of solos to throw out and show that he's old school all the way. But the band goes much deeper and doesn't hang it's collective hats on Jim alone, because they have a second guitar player who holds his own on rhythms - Rick Alsup. Bass player Matt Arner does a great job, and his tone is good. I would have liked to hear him just a shade more in the mix, but then maybe that's the bass player in me. Miguel A. Moran throws the fuck down on the drums and his double bass fury kept me banging the night away. He does some killer cymbal work in various places - which I really enjoy to hear from a drummer. The vocals by Loana dP Valencia are simply nasty as hell. She's got one of the most e