AC/DC - Flick Of The Switch
Overlooked but immediately catchy and with lots of crunch. There is just something about this album that gives it a charm of its own, Brian's vocals being immensely powerful.
Alice Cooper - Trash
It's hard to not rock along to this one, a fine balance of catchy choruses and raw attitude.
Candlemass - Candlemass
Different is sometimes good, as in the case with Candlemass. The rhythm section is just as solid as it is heavy and I really dig the cool grave-like atmospheres they create.
Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter
A solid debut with bombastic capacity. Unfortunately I recognise elements also found elsewhere, especially Symphony X stuff. When you got this much talent as these guys, why not make your music something more of your own? Anyway this is advanced but accessible music with plenty of cool melodies.
Ivanhoe - Walk In Mindfields
What a nice surprise, never really heard these guys before but this is a collection of some very comprehensive Progressive Metal kept nicely to the point.
Jacobs Dream - Drama Of The Ages
My first real encounter with the band and I must say that I'm not impressed. I find a tendency for this to become rather dull, static, muddy and well kind of greyish, the poor production adding its own weight to it. The at times dragging vocals frequently irritate me and I'm having a hard time finding the binding elements.
There are some interesting moments and decent songs to enjoy but overall this is just not working.
John West - Earth Maker
A special album with a vibe of its own: Relaxing, profound and experimental.
Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Approach: All guns blazing. Result: Sore neck.
Compact as ever and with a hardness that will find its way through the thickest shell. I'm really excited about this album even though I miss some calmer and more harmonious cuts.
Poverty's No Crime - One In A Million
I finally got around to buy this one and it's exactly what I hoped for. Intelligent Progressive Metal with a unique sound and approach to creating music. Well played without overdoing it, profiting from compelling keys and great melodies.
Dare To Fly gives a good glimpse of their imaginative and highly dynamic style.
Redemption - The Fullness Of Time
I'm still trying to grasp the full capacity of this amazing album, sounding bombastically heavy and fascinatingly spellbinding. I loved the first one and this sounds even better, setting a new standard for Metal and progressive music. I know I'm looking at this from the perspective of a hard-core progressive music lover, but whatever your taste in Metal is, I would recommend you to check this out, just to make sure you're not missing out of a groundbreaking release. Curious? Take a listen to
Threads here.
Look out for a full review soon.
Royal Hunt - Eyewitness
Some killer songs are to be found on this one, featuring fantastic keyboard passages and harmonious vocals. Better get my hands on the new one.
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Intelligent, emotional and captivating. A progressive wonder that always leaves you enlightened.
Tesla - Into The Now
Hard Rock with a twist, a refreshing and diverse album that keeps evolving.
