Anthrophobia - Pulse
I don’t think this is the same band that recorded 1996’s Framework [Actually, this was the same band. - Editor], but because I have long since broken Framework in a game of backyard Tron, I can’t compare them directly. Anyway, this isn’t bad for what it is, which is hard edged, guitar driven Pop. There’s a little Hardcore influence, but although not bad, this is nothing special.
(0) Comment(s)
Another Society - Blood Wrong
Precisely played Hardcore / Alternative / Metal, in more or less the same style as Helmet, I guess, although not as rigid. Not bad, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to hear it.
(0) Comment(s)
Anorexia Nervosa - Exile
This is a little strange. There are 13 tracks and most consist of 2 short parts, a musical band part with instruments & players, and a sequenced keyboard sounding part. Each with it’s own definitive subtitle. The band parts are called “sequences” and the electronic parts are called “actions,” which seems a bit mismatched, and they’re all numbered accordingly. After briefing the song titles with the “prologue,” numbered “cycles,” “sequences,” “actions” and all the movements, not to mention the enticing cover to the album itself, I figured I was in for a musical interpretation of The Lesbian Dominatrix Training Bible. But sadly no. The musical parts are intense but not always. The sequenced “ambient” sections are really interesting and I like them most of all. The vox range from harsh droning & growls to wailing & whining, or maybe that’s crying. The drones of the vocalist get a little old, and sound like a suicidal Elmer Fudd at times. But that’s okay depending on your mood. The production is sharp, but a few tracks seem underdeveloped. Maybe I got my hopes up because of the cover. And the disk is pink?
(0) Comment(s)
Ancient Wisdom - The Calling
There is so much negative emotion and ominous atmosphere within these songs that I’m hard pressed to not call the style played by AW Black Doom. Generally the drums are kept slow, accenting the depressing riffs. Keyboards highlight, rather that support, these dismal dirges. This is close to perfection, and made even closer by the knowledge that Marcus more or less did everything himself.
(0) Comment(s)
Ancient - Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends
Vampire wannabe simple Gothic Black Metal.
[Metal Curse #11 had an additional loose page (“Last Second Additions”) inserted into the centerfold of the zine, featuring a bunch of even-shorter-than-usual “bonus” reviews of stuff that arrived after the deadline for that issue. This is one of those “Last Second Additions” reviews.]
(0) Comment(s)
Am I Blood - Am I Blood
Nuclear Blast releases quite a few CDs. Because there are so many, however, inevitably a few get released that are just a tad below par. This is one such album. They call what they make “old school Metal,” which I guess is a pretty good description. It’s an OK album, with occasional heights in the shape of songs like “Awake” and “Lust,” but, frankly, I would wait until it’s in the sale bin before I’d get it.
(0) Comment(s)
Alien on My Mind - Alien on My Mind
AoMM plays a type of Metal slightly more progressive and technical than, for example, fellow Germans, Helloween. Also less Thrashy, and although it is expertly played, less interesting & too tame.
(0) Comment(s)
Algophobia - Algophobia
It’s very difficult to be both extremely technical and extremely memorable at the same time. I wouldn’t say that Algophobia have exactly perfected this, but they’ve come pretty close. Their Black/Death attack is precise, yet emotionally powerful, and covers the known range of speeds. The playing & composition is nothing short of stunning. But there is something that keeps this just short of perfection…
(0) Comment(s)
Algaion - General Enmity
The raw, early Asphyx-like, guitar sound is almost not right for these classic Iron Maiden galloping riffs. But it along with the heavier perhaps more Venom inspired riffs, and the growled Black/Death vocals give this a really pissed off, edgy feeling, elevating it above the standard Euro-Metal (true Power Metal). Fans of stuff like Helloween will probably not like the raspy vocals, but they are part of what makes this a more menacing monster.
(0) Comment(s)
Page 273 of 388 pages « First < 271 272 273 274 275 > Last »
