Reviews

B.IMPATIENT..'INTENSITY'

(Locomotive Records) Reviewed 5th December 2006

B.Impatient are a German 5 piece fronted by the rather good looking Brigitte Berg. And this band rocks. 'In My Head' kicks the cd off with an infectious chorus. Actually, you can't get the damn thing outta your head!! In-fact, all the tracks on this cd are so infectious, the album should come with a government health warning. My faves are 'Surrender' (a hit if ever I heard one), 'Distance', 'Fortune and Fate' and 'Too Much', although all the tracks on offer here (14 of them too) are worthy of a jolly good mention. Not a filler in sight! Following a tip off from within the industry, I was then able to track this cd down via the Amazon website. Glad I did. May be you should too. Using my favourite two words..."great stuff"!! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BARE INFINITY..'ALWAYS FOREVER'

(Emotion Art Records). Reviewed 29th August 2009

Before I start the review I would like to get something off my chest. The following is taken from a typical review of symphonic metal, in this case Bare Infinity "….the ring is more full with players than a wrestling royal rumble match. Fundamentally, and thanks to plethora of bands, there's a redundant monotony to the music. Every new band thinks they're better and different than those before when actually they're only reinventing the well. The challenge for the reviewer (and listener) is to find what's novel or promising about the newcomer." How can you put everyone from Within Temptation to Trail of Tears in the same bag? It’s ridiculous, and yet reviewers still persists in lumping them together out of ignorance. Secondly, the number of male fronted metal bands outnumber female fronted ones at least a thousand to one, and yet no one says ‘yet another male fronted band’, it just shows prejudice. Now back to the review. Bare Instict sound like every other female fronted band….. only joking. This is the album Delain would have made if they had followed the more commercial and keyboard driven Lucidity. I am supprised that the guitarist Tomas wrote the songs, because they have more akin to bands like Delain, Nightwish and Lunatica where the keyboard player writes the music; the guitars provide the power, while the keyboards supply the riffs and melodies. The band has been going since 2003 started by Tomas. They have been through a lot of tribulations, but finally they got new lead singer Angel, a very beautiful lady with an equally beautiful voice, and were able to record this debut album. A suitably orchestral intro leads into 4 prime gothic symphonic metal cuts, before the heavier ‘The Crying Shore’, featuring some growling. By the way, anti growling fans don’t have to worry, they are used sparingly and effectively. This is counterpointed by the lovely ‘I Dream of You’. They pick up the pace again over the next 4 tracks, moving towards a more ‘April Rain’ type sound. The awesome ‘Thrill Neverending’ rounds the album off nicely. This album is readily available from various music stores listed on their Myspace site www.myspace.com/bareinfinity, but it is crying out for international distribution. This is a mature debut that can really take on the top European bands. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

BATTLELORE..'EVERNIGHT'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 9th January 2007

Battlelore's new offering (their 4th) 'Evernight' is a bombastic blast of epic fantasy metal. Featuring the gorgeous female vocals of Kaisa Jouhki, and the beasty vocals of Tomi Mykkanen, I would even say this cd is better than their previous release 'Third Age Of The Sun', which I at the time rated quite highly. 'Evernight' remains loyal to the heritage of J R R Tolkein, kicking off with the rather catchy 'House Of Heroes' which leads straight into the ultra heavy 'Oceans Elysium'. 'Summon The Wolves' carries on the excellent work which continues to album's end. Standout tracks are a plenty, while there is enough energy in this album to light up much of London. A good album it is too for all you metal freaks out there. It gets released in Europe on 23rd/26th February (depending where you are), so pre order it now! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BATTLELORE..'THE LAST ALLIANCE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 5th October 2008

I would go as far as to say that this latest record from Finland's Battlelore, must rank as one of their best. 'The Last Alliance' continues the JR Tolkien inspired fantasy metal, featuring their trademark beauty and the beast sound, combining angelic female vocals courtesy of Kaisa Jouhki and the gruff vox from Tomi Mykkanen. Every track here from the moment you hit the play button is a highlight, including the slower ballad type 'Guardians'. Yep, this is another winner from this band, and if you are quick, there is a limited edition featuring a live dvd too. This release is on one of the bigger labels in the genre, so there is no excuse - just buy 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BATTLELORE..'DOOMBOUND'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 11th January 2011

Tolkien's The Children of Húrin, and in particular its tragic hero Túrin Turambar, are the inspiration behind BATTLELORE's latest album. Indeed, 'Doombound' is the Finn's very first concept album, giving Túrin's experiences and adventures new life. The band's unmistakable brand of epic fantasy metal revels in sonorous melodies, mystic and mysterious sounds, and heavy Middle Earth inspired riffs. The elven-like vocals of Kaisa Jouhki meet the Uruk-Hai screams of front orc Tomi Mykkänen, transforming tracks such as 'Kärmessurma', 'Olden Gods', and 'Last of the Lords' into an integral soundtrack to Tolkien's world. And with further tracks like 'Bloodstained', the driving 'Iron of Death', the catchy and equally heavy 'Fate of the Betrayed' and the epic 8 minute plus title track, this album shows the Finns at their very best. Indeed this has to be the ideal starting point for a journey to Middle Earth! Released on 28th January and availabe from all the usual outlets. 9/10 (Dave)

BEAUTIFUL THINGS..'DREAM WORLD'

(Summerside Records) Reviewed 29th April 2010

I have beautiful things to tell you, the pristine pop-rock debut from knee wobblingly gorgeous singer, songwriter and guitarist Dina D’Alessandro and her band, all the way from the City of the Angels (she has released two solo CD’s, but this is her first as Beautiful Things). The first thing that strikes you is the sheer quality of her song writing, she sounds like an established successful artist, such as Natalie Imbruglia, Dido, Alanis Morissette, and Sheryl Crow. The album starts with three stonewall classic pop-rock songs ‘Wonder Why’, ‘Hey Hey Hey’ and ‘Good To Me’ that ask for, no I’ll rephrase that, demand radio play, they are so catchy they stick like a limpet to your cranium, and won’t let go. She picks up the pace with the only cover; a version of Flock of Seagull’s (remember the hair style!) ‘Space Age Love Song’ which Dina makes her own, turning it into a cross between U2 and Simple Minds. The album continues in a similar vein with next three numbers, the moody driving ‘Back to Me Again’, the awesome ‘Astronaut’, and the toe tapping rocker ‘Everything’. Dina takes it down a touch for the next couple of tunes, The Band like Americana of title track ‘Dream World’ with it’s psychedelic pump organ, and the mellow, atmospheric ‘When the Night Comes Down’, with Dina’s The Edge style reverb laden guitar work. Finally we end on an upbeat but bittersweet note with the infectious ‘I Was Only Dreaming’. Forty minutes of pure pop-rock heaven, songs that will sound as good live as on the radio, a delightful pure voice, and a look that can stop traffic, Dina has all the ingredients for a massive future. And it’s easily available from CD Baby and her Myspace www.myspace.com/beautifulthingsmusic , so why not enter her Dream World. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge).

ROBIN BECK..'THE GREAT ESCAPE'

(Fastball/Sony Music) Reviewed 15th February 2011

Robin is one a helluva artist whose debut album 'Sweet Talk' was released in 1979. It was nonetheless thanks to a certain jingle that Robin's name came to prominence in 1988 when the song 'First Time' (a Coca-Cola theme tune) became a huge hit worldwide. In fact, the song held the number one chart position for three weeks in the UK (that was when we had decent music in the UK charts!). This was indeed the springboard to a new start in her recording career, and in the interim she met and married James Christian, record producer and singer with the melodic rock band 'House of Lords'. Now in 2011 we have her latest offering 'The Great Escape', and this is an awesome slab of melodic hard rock - 11 original songs written by Robin Beck, Tommy Denander and James Christian and produced by James Christian'. There are highlights galore here including the melodic opener 'The One', the catchy 'That All Depends' which is a duet with Joe Lynn Turner and the ballad 'Baby I'm Not A Bitch'. Other great tunes include the title track, 'Don't Think He's Ever Coming Home'and closer 'Til The End of Time' (a duet with hubby!). This record is prime time AOR, so if you like your music melodic, the kinda stuff that was all the rage in the late 70s and into the 80's, more especially Stateside, then this is one good album. Great stuff and well worth spending your hard earned cash...8.75/10 (Dave)

BELLADONNA..'THE NOIR ALBUM'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 14th April 2009

Personally invited by alt-rock producer supreme Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down) to record their sophomore album in her awesome all-analog studio in California, USA, in a few weeks of incendiary sessions, Belladonna had commited on tape 11 astounding rock noir Luana (vox)/Dani (guitar)-penned songs, that erupt from the speakers with sheer energy. This record is an awesome slab of tuneful, catchy alternative rock songs, with the sensual vocals of Luana making an impression right from the start. The 11 tracks on 'The Noir Album' will have you screaming for more and hitting the repeat button at the end. Personal faves...well erm.. let's suggest for starters 'Alchemical Romance', 'Love Me Til I Die' and Phoenix Rising', and they are just the first three tracks! Oh, let's not forget forth track out, that's the single, 'Til Death Do Us Part'. Indeed, they are all good on this record and I am impressed with the quality on offer here. Just take a trip to cdbaby.com or iTunes and buy it. It is not metal, but it's cool and you will not be disappointed! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BEL O KAN..'BIRTH OF A QUEEN'

(Brennus Music) Reviewed 25th January 2010

I was saying in my review of Wildpath that France is leading the World in the production of metal bands, well, guess where Bel O Kan come from? This symphonic metal septet were founded back in 2001 and after various line-up changes, trials and tribulations, they have now unleashed their debut CD on Brennus, who are doing a fantastic job in promoting French metal (e.g. Yotangor & Wildpath, etc.). Here you get two alluring blondes for the price of one, lead singer Sarah Liodenot with her pure folkish semi-operatic voice, and Marion Gibello on backing vocals. They get their name from the anthill (no, not the mob in Wacky Races) in Bernard Werber’s Les Fourmis trilogy about a colony of ants, hence the ant motif on the superb cover art (look closely, it is very clever), and no, don’t panic, Adam and his dandy highwaymen are nowhere to be seen. I love the way many French bands of all types introduce a folk element into their music, perhaps it is the strong Celtic link with Brittany, it certainly gives them a unique and distinctive sound and style, that lightness of touch that is so opposite of the Wagnerian Germanic bands. After the suitable grand orchestral ‘ant’ro ‘Birth of a Queen’ there follows a series of up-tempo symphonic semi-power-metalish ‘ant’hems, my favourites include the f’ant’astic ‘Utopia’, which reminds me of early melodic Epica, the fr’ant’ic rocker ‘Runaway’, and the jolly sea sh’ant’y ‘Blowing the Wind’. Vocally, Sarah is at her best when she uses vibrato and does not strain, and more backing vocals would have helped her and the music. That aside, and I do not want to make a mountain out of an anthill, this is a mighty fine first effort, full of great songs and musicianship, with an excellent contribution from Nico Diplanche on keys. Fans of the lighter side of symphonic power and rock metal should scuttle along to http://www.brennus-music.com/boutique/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=5248 and gather up a copy. 8.5/10. (Reviewed by Phil)

BENEDICTUM..'DOMINION'

(Frontiers Records) Reviewed 4th January 2011

Like clouds forming on the horizon, the impending storm and thunder of USA Metal band Benedictum once again loom before us, with the release of their 3rd album. Fronted by Veronica Freeman - whose unique and powerful style has been called one of the truly most extraordinary voices in Metal, this 63 minute + album contains an absolute musical journey with powerful riffs, well thought out lyrics and truly amazing musicianship. To be frank, this is some seriously heavy stuff from the Frontiers Stable, and from the moment the title track and opener powers it's way out of the speakers, you cannot help but crank it up and blow your mind! Adding to the already explosive sound are guest appearances by Jeff Pilson, Craig Goldy and none other than Rudy Sarzo on the fist pumping track 'Bang'. The powerful progressive sounding 'Epsilon' and closer 'Overture/The Temples of Syrinx' are epic 8+ minute tracks, while 'Seer', 'Prodigal Son' and the mid paced melodic 'Loud Silence' are amongst my faves. Buy this record when it hits the stores on Feb 18th and become a “Victim of Benedictum”! And with Grammy Award winning producer Ryan Greene (Megadeth, 5, MXPX, NOFX) at the helm, you won't regret it! A hard rockin' 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BENIGHTED SOUL..'START FROM SCRATCH'

(Savatage Records/Seasons of Mist)

What with Souls of Diotima and Benighted Soul, I'm turning into a soul music fan. I hasten to add, before you run off in horror, that this French band's style on their début album is best described as early Epica / later Nightwish / Anthropia progressive symphonic metal with occasional forays into later Epica. Vivacious Géraldine "Jay" Gadaut has a magnificent semi operatic voice that verges on operatic while the growls by guitarist Jérémie "James" Heyms are used sparingly and kept deep, melodic and low in the mix, they add to the drama without becoming dominant or detracting from the music. Nearly all the songs reach epic proportions, with eleven tunes weighing in at a whopping 70 minutes. The tracks tend to alternate between between fast and furious numbers and more majestic stately songs, but they all have a variety of moods and tempos ranging from quiet and melodic to heavy and thrashing creating a diverse and balanced listening experience. The theme behind the lyrics is the story of the little doll Anesidora, pictured on the cover, and the travails on her journey into adulthood. There is a touch of madness about many of the songs, 'Edge of Sanity' being a perfect example, with a recurring surrealist circus/theatre ambiance to fit in with the doll theme, not as overt as Dakrya, but done far more subtly. Production is rich, powerful and well balanced with superb keyboard and guitar work from Flavien "Flav" Morel and James respectively. There's not a weak tune in sight, but personal faves include the awesome 'Fallin' in Sin', the explosive 'Ticking Time Bomb' (excellent live video on Female Voices blog, recorded for French TV), the charging title track 'Start From Scratch', and the colossal closing track 'No Warning Sign'. This release should see the band mount an assault on the premier league of symphonic metal bands, everything about it smells of quality, and far from starting from scratch they sound like an experienced well honed professional unit. You can find them at Benighted Soul Website, and contrary to their name, I award them an enlightened score of 9/10 (Phil)

BERLINER BOMBEN CHOR..'WITH GREETINGS FROM HELL'

(Danse Macabre) Reviewed 3rd January 2011

With a name that translates as Berlin Bomber Choir and a logo of a three engined bomber you can tell that these German ain't no shrinking violets (historical note, there were no three engine bombers, the Luftwaffe only had medium twin engined bombers unlike the allies heavy four engined Lancaster and Flying Fortress). They produce 'goth'n'roll' that sounds like Billy Idol gone metal, mixed with some Damned, Stranglers, Clash and Ravenland. Lead singer Ilja Muromez has a fantastic deep gothic voice, a mix of Dave Vanian, Paul Roberts, JJ Burnel, Billy Idol and Dewindson Wolfheart. Playing the angel to his demon is Fräulein D, she even wears a pair of wings on stage, although she might really have wings, but that's unlikely (most lyrics in English). You get 12 incendiary rockers that come at you fast and furious, battering you around the ears and then scarpering pronto. Production is superb, they might draw their inspiration from bands of the past, but they sound 21st century. Billy Idol punk trash anthems like 'Rebel Angel No. 1' (video on Female Voices Blog) and 'One Million Souls', gothic nightmares like 'Danzig On My Back' and 'Cold Blood', and sleazy rock'n'rollers like 'Black Snake' and 'Blackest of the Black', where Fräulein D reveals she's really no angel. Play it loud, play it dirty and scare the poo out the neighbours. Available from their hellhole at http://shop.bombenchor.de/, a blackest of the black 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

BETO VAZQUEZ INFINITY..'EXISTENCE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 19th December 2010

Power metals answer to Tobias Sammet and Arjen Lucassen is back with a double album packed with 20 guest stars. However unlike those other projects this is not a concept album and each singer gets a song all to themselves. Joining main singer Jessica Lehto (Factory of Dreams) are Dusk (Crysalys), Gaby Koss (ex Haggard), Lady Angellyca (Forever Slave), Melissa Ferlaak (Echoterra), Mikki Straatsma (Viveynne), Simone Christinat (Legenda Aurea), Slava Popova (Operatika), and Sonya Scarlet (Theatres Des Vampires), phew! His first album released back in 2001 was very light and symphonic and is one of my favourite albums of all time, since then he has moved towards heavier power metal sound. Sonja sings the early Nightwish type number 'Council of My Dreams, a rather unusual combination with her dark seductive gothic tones. Power metal opera divas Slava and Melissa are on far more familiar ground with their songs, 'Future City' and 'Epic Travel' respectively, and Gaby gets the suitably medieval folk tinged number 'Ghost of Time'. 'Celestial Meeting' is the most symphonic and melodic song on the album and features the unique, wondrous, and tremulous semi operatic voice of Mikki, by far the stand out track and best vocal performance. Lady Angellyca's song 'Dark Night' has a pretty melody but but the guitars and drums are too loud and heavy, her soft sweet voice gets a bit lost, and the talking bit is a mess. 'Eyes of Destiny' with Dusk gets a bit hysterical, like a power metal Diablo Swing Orchestra, I had to grit my teeth at one point. Jessica is one of the main cast and gets four numbers that suit her Tarja esque voice, the pick being the title track 'Infinity'. A couple of songs feature big butch hairy men screaming, with Christian Bertoncelli on 'Tonight' sounding like he's got his wotsits trapped in his zip. The other highlight is the mean moody and magnificent bonus track 'To Live For The King' with tenor Darlo Schmunk. There are a few rather ordinary songs, a touch of pruning wouldn't go amiss, and there is a lot of umpah double peddling, sometimes when it's not needed. It is easy to set your expectations too high with this amount of talent on display, but despite the few faults this is still a fine traditional power metal album. The digipack is available from their website http://www.betovazquezinfinity.com.ar/, and a jewel case version is being released around the world, an infinite 8/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE..'WALKING WITH STRANGERS'

(Repo Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

I love The Birthday Massacre. I have all their previous releases, and for anybody like me that likes this band, this cd will not disappoint. If it ain't broken, why fix it - that's what I say!! 'Walking With Strangers' is this Canadian band's third release. It is classy catchy gothy electro pop/rock with hooks galore. The band are fronted by the gorgeous Chibi. Other band members include Rainbow on Guitar and programming, and Mike Falcore on Guitar, synths and percussion. The tracks on 'Walking With Strangers' merge into one another quite nicely. All the tracks here are of standout material, and I think I can honestly say that I have yet to hear a duff track from this band on this or any of their earlier cds! Indeed, closing track on this album, 'Movie' is one of the most beautiful you will hear this year! 'Walking With Strangers' is another awesome release by a very good band that has not really made any inroads here in the UK. No justice - shame! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

The BIRTHDAY MASSACRE..'PINS and NEEDLES'

(Alive/Cellar Door) Reviewed 17th September 2010

The Birthday Massacre has been around a wee while now, and I must admit that they are one of my favourite bands, their previous releases regularly returning to my cd player. Indeed, I have every release of theirs, and they never fail to disappoint. 2010 sees their latest record hitting the shelves, and I love this cd already. The heavy 'In The Dark' kicks things off, a hideously catchy song with some heavy guitar riffs, but still featuring the trademark Birthday Massacre sound. Indeed, the 'if it ain't broken, why fix it' policy continues throughout the cd. All the songs on this release are typically so melodic and catchy, but unmistakebly Birthday Massacre, with Chibi's vocals a joy to behold. On my review of their last full length studio release, 'Walking With Strangers', I did state that this band has yet to produce a "duff track". Well, they have not here either. Every one is a winner...get this album! It will not let you down... 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)