ARTEP Black War EP Independent Official Website

ARTEP is an orchestral black metal band with a female leader, Petra Sobotka. This EP contains a quality and impressive work with the only exception being the production of the vocals that definitely sound black metal, but it's as if they are overwhelmed by radio static. The compositions and the orchestration are interesting and inspired, however I'm sure they have much more to give and they can improve even more in the future, especially when it comes to the processing of the melodic parts of the songs. The total duration of this CD is approximately 20 minutes and the production is pretty good and fitting. The rhythm parts are mainly mid tempo with some fast outbursts here and there. ARTEP prove that they definitely have lots of potential and abilities, so I'll have high expectations from their new full length work! 

GRND_0 Destroyer/Creator 279 Productions Official Website

Interesting debut from the Greek death metallers GRND_0 who prove to be pretty inspired and with a wide variety of influences and elements enriching their sound. "Destroyer/Creator" is a full and highly professional album with a beautiful artwork and layout and a very good production that has nothing to envy from releases of well established world wide acts. Actually what I really liked about this band is that it won't let you get bored since almost each and every song has a different approach and feel to it. They are all death metal like I said, but there are songs that lean more towards grind, other songs that tend to have more atmospheric and melodic passages and there are some other songs that have a more progressive approach and a technical structure. Add to the above the three bonus tracks and the video for the song "Cold Logic" and I think you have a pretty good package if you enjoy the death metal sound!

Christine  Parastatidou

FEN The Malediction Fields Code666 Records Official Website

Atmospheric black metal that smells of forests and is filled with ethereal keyboards and acoustic guitars is what we are offered here from FEN. Rhythm wise the album moves on mid to slow tempos with only a few faster outbursts. If you like this specific genre, then fine! You're gonna enjoy this as well! Personally I found it boring and especially when the clean and totally mellow vocals appeared, then the scenery became rather irritating for me! Their compositions had some interesting parts, but there were also moments that I kept hearing the same ideas over and over again, something that's really boring! These guys have potential, but I think they have a long way ahead of them till they succeed their goals...

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

TIMECUT Timecut Valery Records Official Website

I'm listening to this album for the second time, as I write this. The first song is nagging at me, 'cause it's as if I've heard it before (I mean BEFORE the first time I listened to it... hardy, har, har... thought you got me, there, eh?). There's something VERY familiar about it. Did they totally rip off another band/group? I wish I could place it. The voice and vocal lines kind of remind me of something I've heard, before - in general, as well... but I just can't place it. Maybe it's some "pop band" that I'm slightly aware of? I'll admit I like some "mellow music" (but NOT "mellow METAL", for the most part... unless it's used as a "breather" and/or for "variety" - think TESTAMENT, etc. Okay... NOT mellow METAL when it's projected as being "severe" but - instead - is "weak", to my ears... how's that? "Deliberately mellow", is fine, but usually it's not really metal if most of the songs are "mellow" instead of one or two, only, on an album... so... a dichotomy, of sorts... a paradox... an oxymoron... a subjective discernment?). Anyway, it's somewhat possible I've stumbled upon another band that's very similiar to this but don't remember who it could be... I don't know... grrrrr! Haha. Whatever... so, I wouldn't really consider this "metal"... it has it's "heavy" moments but it's kind of "rare". The music's kind of "darkly psychedelic/hypnotically dreamy/atmospherically spacious" Hmm... fans of SOUNDGARDEN, KYUSS, CANDLEBOX, TOOL, Jerry Cantrell, KING'S X, JANE'S ADDICTION, MONSTER MAGNET, THE GATHERING, OPETH, etc. might get into this (not that they sound THAT much like those bands, but have a similar "vibe/rhythm/flow", in my opinion - I guess - here and there). I don't know... I find it pretty enjoyable, actually. It's sort of somber and reflective... seems like "soundtrack music", which is apropos since they label themselves "alternative/visual" on their Myspace page.

Tony  Mikkelson

THE PROPHECY Into the Light Code666 Records Official Website

The doom/death metallers THE PROPHECY have been around a decade now and so far they've released three official albums with this one being the newest addition to their discography. "Into the Light" is drawing a line to the band's death metal origins and influences that have been obviously reduced, having now only a decorative role or helping enhance the extremity of some compositions here and there. So the main points of this release are the melodied and the dark atmospheres that can be mesmerizing or even romantic to some, but to me they sound totally boring and tiring. You see their compositions might be quite technical with a dark atmosphere, but they are too melodic and too flat to my ears. What I'm saying is... their songs are pretty colourless and passionless, even when the death metal moments kick in... and if there's one thing I don't like, that's definitely nerveless music... 

Christine  Parastatidou

SINISTER The Silent Howl Massacre Records Official Website

So, this is a somewhat "familiar" name for me. I've had a couple/few CDs by this band in the past but never really blasted them very often. Most likely once or twice, each. They're one of those bands that are "good enough" to my ears but "nothing special". This being said... it seems "The Silent Howl" might grow on me... if I gave it a few more listens. I'm on my second listen right now and it pretty much is a solid release. It has a nice flow to it... is "jagged" enough to keep my interest for the most part. The first song is an excellent opener, actually. But thereafter, with each song... it seems to kind of go down hill, a bit. It gets into the same "trap" that most bands seem to get into - that of "not enough variety" or "virtuocity" between songs... mix it up, a tad, you know? Well, the third song adds some flair, actually... some quite technical and driving guitar playing! Kind of impressive! Yeah... I like this one, as well! Again... it seems this release could grow on me pretty easily if I weren't "stubborn"... haha. As for the vocals, I would imagine most of "you" know it's a female, yeah? Well, you can pretty much tell on about half the songs. The first one, in particular. It almost seems like on a few songs they've added some "effect" to "beef" the vocals up slightly... though, it could be that they are mixed back a little or the low end of the guitars/bass help to create the illusion of thickness? Anyway, you can hear the "feminine timber/undertone" pretty easily. Not that that matters... just an observation for those into the whole "good... for a girl" type of MEN-tality...ha. I'm just saying it lacks the full on "gutteral" aspect that a "dude" can usually produce... but not ALL "dudes"! Anyway, this album is a "step in the right direction"... and has my "stamp of approval"... like a boot on the skull of an enemy... stomp, STOMP!!! 

Tony  Mikkelson

FINAL ANSWER Visual Maze Steel Gallery Records Official Website

The album was released in 2008, but it wasn't until recently that I received a copy and here is what I have to say for the Greek band FINAL ANSWER. Some info first... the band was formed by musicians that participate in other Greek metal bands like DARK NIGHTMARE, REX MUNDI, TRANSCENDING BIZARRE?, BLADE OF SPIRIT and NIGHT THREAT. I don’t know if this makes them a project band or not. One other thing is that “Visual Maze” doesn’t hide their love for the U.S. metal. So, on “Visual Maze” you will have the chance to listen to songs that are influenced by 80’s U.S. metal bands like LETHAL, TITAN FORCE, CRIMSON GLORY and early QUEENSRYCHE. The good thing about this release is that the band, although it is influenced by these bands, it manages to create original songs and not just songs that remind you of compositions of the bands they are influenced from. The bad thing, in my opinion, is that in most of their compositions thry try to throw in many ideas and make them sound a bit “too much” and that has a result to tire the listener and  not let him/her pay attention to the good ideas that exist. However, there are songs that the band managed to keep the substance and made some worthy to be mentioned compositions like the following ones : “The Ultimate Challenge”, “At a Loss” and “An Unplugged Dream”. FINAL ANSWER is a talented band with more that capable musicians, but they have to tame their talent and try to create compositions that will have substance and not try to impress us with their abilities on their instruments. Finally, the band has covered the song of TITAN FORCE “Chase your Dreams" in which Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin (JAG PANZER, ex-TITAN FORCE, Ex-SATAN'S HOST) participates and for once more his effort is superb… 

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

THE HELLACOPTERS Head Off Wild Kingdom Records Official Website

THE HELLACOPTERS is a band dating back in 1994 and this is their new and last album as the band has decided to split up. THE HELLACOPTER’s music style is rock with some hard rock elements but with a unique sound of their own. After many albums and live shows THE HELLACOPTERS have decided that it was time for a cover album. On this album you will find twelve songs all cover versions showing the band’s main influences and style. I have to say that it is a good job done, one that will stay in the fans' minds although I would like the sound to be more dirty (as this defines the band’s style and attitude) and so modern as it is used to be nowadays. I believe that it will please every listener, fan or not, but as previously mentioned THE HELLACOPTERS won’t fly again in your CD player. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

SLYTRACT Explanation Unknown Noisehead Records Official Website

I'm liking this less and less with each song. It's a bit annoying 'cause there are a few interesting things amongst mostly rehashed and over rehearsed riffs/structures. This band reminds me of a python trying to act like a cobra or something... as its "heaviness" keeps it from being "fierce". I don't sense a "driving hunger", either... like it's digesting an antelope and is just kind of "hanging out". A cobra strikes whether it's hungry or not... it attacks just because it can and will spit venom in your eye - attempting to enter the window of your soul to bring its pain to the deepest core of your being. Destruction for destruction's sake. SLYTRACT just kind of "slithers lethargic-like" - flickering its tongue slightly wilily, in satisfaction of an easy meal, as its eyes glaze over, allowing anyone walking by to pass without trepidation. It's kind of like weight lifters who build their bodies up to intimidate because they lack inner confidence and social dexterity while expecting others to notice their visage and be awed by how powerful they seem to be, but most don't and don't care one way or the other... or, better/worse yet, laugh behind their backs at their pumped up mock bravado. I feel this way about SLYTRACT. They are "tight players" but it means nothing to me because they lack emotion... inner delving... passion... innovation... and vulnerability. Though, I'm not laughing behind their back(s). I'm yawning... pretty much - they are boring. Try as they might to be energetic and alive, they seem to be looking in the mirror at themselves in admiration of what they've "accomplished", instead of offering anything of "real substance".

Tony  Mikkelson

DOMINATE When Sickness Became Art Independent Official Website

"When Sickness Became Art" is the debut work of the Greeks DOMINATE who have started, with this album, to explore their sound, abilities and influences, whilst at the same time laying down the foundation of their music that clearly belongs to the death metal genre. Their songs have nothing to do with the modern Scandinavian melodic death metal sound, but they're closer to the European old school and the American branch of death metal. This means that their songs are heavy and voluminous with a concrete and hard pounding rhythm section, tempos that vary from mid to fast paced and vocals that are deep and guttural. There are some catchy riffs here that along with the slower tempos make some tracks sound pretty groovy and bring to my mind SIX FEET UNDER and DEBAUCHERY and all these are topped with some nice melodic guitar riffs. The drawback of this release is the production that's too poor and noisy, especially the drum sound that's too shallow at some points. This is something to be expected of course since this is the band's first work and more so since it's independent, but I think they should keep this in mind and take care of the production more on their next release. Other than that DOMINATE prove to be an interesting band that deserves your attention!

Christine  Parastatidou

PLACES OF POWER Now is the Hour Frontiers Records Official Website

PLACES OF POWER is a new band, that is mainly the collaboration between Bruce Targo (FOREIGNER) and Philip Bardowell (UNRULY CHILD) who together with other musicians have produced this great album. "Now is the Hour" is the name and pure hard rock is the game! With many melodies reminding us of 80’s rock bands, great mid tempo drums, very good riffs and solos, plus amazing smooth vocals, PLACES OF POWER have come to show us that rock 'n' roll will never die. The album consists of eleven compositions with both slow and fast songs and I also have to add that the mixing was done by Denis Ward (PINK CREAM 69), a man who needs no introduction for his work and production abilities. Nothing more to say than that "Now is the Hour" is a great album if you want to listen to some fucking great rock 'n' roll. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

LEGION OF THE DAMNED Cult of the Dead Massacre Records Official Website

The death/thrash metal combo from the Netherlands, LEGION OF THE DAMNED, seems to be rather productive since it's been releasing an album every year since its formation, which means "Cult of the Dead" is the band's fourth official studio release. Music-wise LEGION OF THE DAMNED hasn't made any changes or alterations in their sound, but they continue walking the same path which is no other than a pure mixture of death with thrash metal, with the latter being more dominant and prevailing. Their music is raw and simple in its structure and the lead guitar hasn't got a front role, which means the melodies and themes are mainly based on the rhythm section. The vocals are aggressive and violent shrieks, matching perfectly with the whole atmosphere and intensity of the release. So, "Cult of the Dead" is an album that's going to be appreciated by the fans of KREATOR, SLAYER and TORTURE SQUAD.

Christine  Parastatidou

AIRLESS Fight Lion Music Official Website

AIRLESS is a band from Spain and after they've already released two albums, this is their new work. "Fight" is an album which I believe really rocks and will make everyone who listens to it stand up and dance. From the first track of the record, a classic hard rock song, till the last one, AIRLESS offers us great moments with groovy sounds, catchy tunes, beautiful melodies from the the guitar with very good riffs and solos, heartfelt ballads that in general comprise a very good album. It is as if we listen to classic hard rock, but with a new fresh sound. Nothing more to say other than if you are ready to dance and stand up, then you definitely have to listen to AIRLESS.

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

BEYOND PERCEPTION The Final Descend Casket Music Official Website

The debut release of the Athenians BEYOND PERCEPTION presents a really dynamic and powerful combo that's here to make some noise and is determined to blow some heads off along the way! "The Final Descend" can't be easily and clearly classified under one genre, but it rather encompasses various elements from different genres with those of stoner metal and hardcore prevailing. This means that the album's well balanced, having both melodic or atmospheric parts and passages and aggressive bursts of violence. The vocals are very efficient and enhance the extremity of this release, moving clearly on the hardcore path, whilst the rhythm section is really tight, creating the necessary foundation upon which the compositions are build. I really liked the more mid paced parts of some songs, which create a dark and imposing end result. The production's also very good, serving the songs and generally this is a really good and promising work for the fans of this sound!

Christine  Parastatidou

FARTHER PAINT Lose Control Lion Music Official Website

FARTHER PAINT is a band hailing us from Italy and after several demos this is their debut album. "Lose Control" is an album moving in the progressive metal genre with heavy guitars, nice melodies with many electronic effects from the keys, many changes in the rhythms, plus some fast moments as well and some very good female vocals by Monia which really give a different style to every song. Eight compositions which will really please everyone and remind them of acts such as LEGER DE MAIN, VENTURIA and other suchlike bands. I have to say that FARTHER PAINT have much more to give and with this debut we only have a small taste of what the Italians are capable of. Till their next work…. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

DARKANE Demonic Art Massacre Records Official Website

After a three year hiatus, the Swedish powerful extreme combo DARKANE are back again with their fifth work that's filled with songs that will surely satisfy the band's fans and repay them for the long waiting with their aggressive and dynamic structures. "Demonic Art" finds DARKANE pretty changed, since not only have they moved to another label, but they also have a new singer, Jens Broman, who's known to us from his involvement with bands like CONSTRUCDEAD and THE DEFACED. Another change, perhaps the most obvious one, is a slight change in their sound, which has shed a great deal of its melodic death metal past and has mainly focused on a more straightforward thrash metal path. This doesn't mean that their sound has been so altered that you won't be able to tell it's DARKANE, it's just that the band decided to bring forth more extreme and sharp elements and leave the melodic riffs and themes a bit aside. So, some IN FLAMES and SOILWORK sounding moments are still present, only now the band's direction moves more towards the SLAYER, THE HAUNTED path. "Demonic Art" is a great work for the fans of this sound who enjoy pure, aggressive headbangers!

Christine  Parastatidou

V.A. Guitar Idol 2008 Lion Music Official Website

This album is referring to the Talent TV Show which I have to say that Greece should also have. As it already happens in many countries (including mine) there are shows such as Pop Idol or You Can Be A Star in which there is a committee which judges the talents of various competitors in order to find the best singing or dancing star, but the only thing these shows finally manage to achieve is to give "FOOD" to the afternoon Gossip TV Shows and mass media (at least that's what happens in my country). Well I have to say that Guitar Idol is a show far more different from the others as it concentrates only on the guitar skills of the participants and nothing more. All the eighteen people that have taken part in this are indeed very good players and the eighteen songs of this album cover a wide variety of musical styles. I hope that in the future I will see such a show in our country although I think it will be "RUINED".

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

THE EYES OF A TRAITOR A Clear Perception Listenable Records Official Website

THE EYES OF A TRAITOR is a UK based band that is about to release its debut full length work, a couple of years after their formation and after releasing the EP "By Sunset" last year. Musically they haven't "invented the wheel" and by that I mean their music is far from being labeled as inspired or original, but actually it rather follows a path already trod by countless bands. This band, too, doesn't manage to make the difference or differentiate itself from the rest of the groups that deliver the latest trend in metal... and I'm talking about metalcore of course. Truth must be told, if you like metalcore music, then you'll surely dig "A Clear Perception" since it's catchy, tight and aggressive with pissed off high rasps and a decent chunky guitar work with nice solos. There are even some progressive passages in the guitar parts and the rhythm section is sharp and filled with edge. However I feel like stressing it out one more time, this is a decent and yet ordinary work. It's not bad and in fact if originality isn't a prerequisite for you, then you'll enjoy this, but for the rest of you who got fed up of listening to the same stuff again and again and feel disgusted by the current lack of inspiration from most modern bands, there are plenty of other releases you should check out, so leave this one aside.

Christine  Parastatidou

SOFIA Search and Destroy Wild Kingdom Records Official Website

SOFIA is a project from Sweden formed by Sofia Allard a former DJ and model in the vocal section and Carl Michael Herlofsson in the effects mix and sound engineering. This is their third album but it's not considered as a new work because it contains cover songs of punk and rock acts from the 80’s and 70’s. What’s new is the music approach which they give to these tracks. Imagine songs such as "Chinese Rocks",  "Search and Destroy" by THE STOOGES, "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" by RAMONES, "London Calling" by THE CLASH, "Pretty Vacant" by SEX PISTOLS and many others performed with female vocals (which I have to say are good with a deep dark attitude) and an electrical lounge sound. I have to say that this is a fine experiment but not something that you will hear more than one or two times. If you are into punk rock and want to hear something new then go for it. I will pass...

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

ELI Darkness Will Fall Lion Music Official Website

ELI's debut in the discography came this year with their eloquently titled album "Darkness Will Fall" which presents the Italian trio playing a beautiful blend of gothic metal. The band is fronted by the female vocalist Eliza Pezzuto, who's also handling the vocals in IVORY MOON and the line up is completed with the contribution of the guitarist, bassist and keyboardist Lars Eric Mattsson (CONDITION RED, BOOK OF REFLECTIONS, TORBEN ENEVOLDSEN) and the drummer Eddie Sledgehammer (MATTSON, BOOK OF REFLECTIONS). Like I mentioned earlier the trio delivers really beautiful, dark and filled with melodies gothic metal that brought to my mind LEAVES' EYES. In fact even Eliza's vocals reminded me a bit of Liv Kristine's interpretation, which means that we are talking here about a warm, emotive and full of substance voice that elevates the end result. To wrap it all up if you love nice melodies and sweet rhythms coupled with a great voice, then this is a top notch release waiting for you...

Christine  Parastatidou

COSTE APETREA Surprisingly Heavy Lion Music Official Website

Coste Apetrea is a guitar player from Sweden and after many works with well known musicians and various projects, he is back with a new album. "Surprisingly Heavy" is an album as its name says... The music style is progressive rock with many changes in the rhythms, smooth melodies and some fusion jazz parts as well, all these combined with a heavy sound mostly obvious and present in the guitar section and the general performance. I must say that this record will interest many listeners, not only of this genre as it combines elements from different music styles. Coste Apetrea is a very good musician and if you want to find it out on your own then this album is for you. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

BEAUTIFUL GREY Fine Forevers Amazing Records Official Website

BEAUTIFUL GREY is a new coming act from Sweden and “Fine Forever” is their debut release that moves in the classic rock sound, having influences from David Bowie and Elton John. I’m sure these two names are a good and clear reference as to what this band is up to and you can pretty much tell whether you’re into this sound or not. Personally I have to say I’m not, although there are some fine rock tunes here I enjoyed from time to time. What I didn’t like is that all the songs are too mellow and too cheesy, in fact the compositions are so sweet and nerveless that the end result sounded rather catatonic to me. I’d like the songs more if they had some edge here and there and a small dose of aggression, because as they are now they are way too bland and monotonous to me. I’ll definitely pass, but if you are a pure rocker, then you might want to check “Fine Forever” out. 

Christine  Parastatidou

MAGICA Wolves and Witches AFM Records Official Website

New album for the power metallers from Romania and the story is about to begin once more. "Wolves and Witches" is the new record and pure power metal is the sound you will hear. Starting from the first track a really amazing two minute intro till the last track, a beautiful five minute song the album has nothing to fear. With the ethereal vocals of Ana Mladinovici leading the way, the heavy guitars with the riffs and solos continuing the path and the beautiful melodies from the keys together with the fast double bass drums finishing the story, MAGICA are well back on track and shout out loud their presence in the power metal scene. The album includes ten songs plus one bonus track and in the limited edition there will also be a video of the making of the album. The fairytale is about to begin and MAGICA sit back comfortably and start to weave it. 

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis