PLEASURE MAKER Twisted Desire Perris Records Official Website

PLEASURE MAKER's come back after their 2004 debut album "Love on the Rocks" proves to be really strong and powerful with an excellent album filled with catchy and uplifting songs. The Brazilians have managed to create and release a piece of work that even the big names of this genre would envy since it's uptempo, catchy and filled with sweet and beautiful melodies. The musicianship of the band members is also noteworthy and you'll enjoy here some great guitar themes and riffs that are supported by a very good rhythm section and a charismatic singer! I really think this is a great album for all the fans of the AOR, glam rock and melodic hard rock sound, especially if you love bands such as DOKKEN, BON JOVI and DEF LEPPARD.

Christine  Parastatidou

WIZARD Thor Massacre Records Official Website

I follow WIZARD from their debut album till now. They might not be the best or the most original band out there, but they have a decent sound and there were many the times they offered me a long time of quality head banging (“Bound by Metal” in my opinion is an album that every fan of German metal should listen to). They've also had some mediocre moments when they added some happy HELLOWEEN metal touches in their sound on “Odin” and “Magic Circle” (It's not strange the fact that these albums were released by Limb). With “Goochan”, however, they seemed to have returned back to the sound that made them known and appreciated to a certain part of fans (those who love German metal). With their new release now, which is a concept about the Viking god Thor, the band verifies their comeback to its metal roots for good. So, if you want to listen to sharp guitars and hymnologic choruses then “Thor” is an album that gives you these kind of elements with generosity! There are two special songs though that I want to refer to especially, because they defer from what WIZARD usually do and have an epic touch: the first one is called “Asgard” and it has almost a BATHORY touch in its chorus and the other one is “Serpents Venom” which starts with acoustic guitars and turns into an epic mid – tempo thunder! Finally check out the song “Ressurection” which is a heavy metal thunder!! I would say that their album sounds almost as good as their “Bound by Metal” album, but the last 3 songs as they are in the promo seemed to me pointless and ruined a bit the great scent the album gave me up until then. However, “Thor” is a good release that won’t disappoint the people who want to listen to good Teutonic metal…

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

WINTER PARADE Two Perris Records Official Website

The Norwegians WINTER PARADE despite their country's legacy and reputation in the extreme sound, have decided to carve and follow a different path... a totally different path actually playing 70s inspired hard rock with songs filled with melodies and lots of keyboard parts. Their sound, to give you a better clue, is close to bands like ASIA, TOTO, KANSAS, etc and I'm sure "Two" is going to be loved by the old school hard rockers and those who like the aforementioned bands. The performance of the band members is really great, the singer has an amazing and passionate voice and the production is top notch. So to wrap it all up if you like sweet and melodic hard rock, this can prove to be a really good choice. As for me and people like me who don't like too much melody and think that such sounds are a bit too cheesy and mellow, look some place else for a release that will shake your world.

Christine  Parastatidou

LIZHARD Lizhard Perris Records Official Website

The Italians LIZHARD have originally formed in 1995, but they kicked off as a cover band back then, playing songs from their favourite and most beloved hard rock bands. However, recently they've decided to move to the next level and start writing their own material which resulted in the release of their self titled debut that saw the light of day a few months ago. The end result is simply stunning and I have to say we are lucky they changed their mind and wrote their own tunes! These guys have an excellent feel for nice hooks, energetic sing along choruses and uplifting songs! Their sleaze hard rock sound is being infused by a great deal of blues elements something that gives more edge to the songs, making them sound dirtier and catchier. Some melodies and riffs will definitely stick to your mind from the very first time and generally the power and dynamics of this album will take you along! The band members prove to be real craftsmen offering us both sweet melodies and beautiful solos with uptempo rhythms and all this is topped by an amazing vocalist! Luke Marsilio is definitely a charesmatic singer who elevates the end result aces high with his emotive performance! This is an album that all the hard rock fans should check out!

Christine  Parastatidou

IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY Nomad Perris Records Official Website

Guitarist IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY is a former student of Berklee College of Music in Boston who debuted in 2000 with his "Fallen Angel" album. Five years later he released his sophomore work "The Holy Grail" and a couple of months ago the time has come for his third studio work titled "Nomad" that features an all-star line-up of guest players including singer Doogie White (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, RAINBOW), Jochen Mayer (CASANOVA, DEMON DRIVE, DOMAIN), Frank Kraus (DEMON DRIVE), Paul Logue (EDEN'S CURSE) and Holger Seeger (MIDNITE CLUB). To cut a long story short if you enjoy the classic hard rock sound and you adore bands such as DEEP PURPLE, URIAH HEEP, RAINBOW and the likes, then this is an album that can guarantee your satisfaction. Iain proves to be a real craftsman creating beautiful melodies and great solos with his guitar, without ever showing off, but by always having as his first priority his melodies and riffs making sure they serve the songs. Add to this some incredible and extremely passionate vocals and you have a really great 70s hard rock album that has a true and pure classic and old fashioned sound.

Christine  Parastatidou

XYZ The Best of Perris Records Official Website

The U.S. has offered some really great bands and has been the main driving force behind the huge hard rock, glam and poser explosion that took place in the 80s. I was too young to witness all these the time they were happening, so I can only learn stuff by searching, listening and digging out lost diamonds, like everyone, who was too young to have lived through that era, does. XYZ is one more bright example of how good, powerful and catchy hard rock used to be in the 80s and why it gained so much momentum and turned out to be one of the most important and famous branches of our beloved music. This best of release epitomizes the whole XYZ history and promises a strong come back, since reunions of 80s bands are a common thing nowadays. So if you are into catchy hard rock with nice guitar themes and great vocals and you've never listened to XYZ before, then a best of compilation is always a good starting point...

Christine  Parastatidou

DIRTY LOOKS California Free Ride Perris Records Official Website

I have to admit I wasn't aware of this band and "California Free Ride" is their first album I had the chance to listen to, but the truth is that DIRTY LOOKS have been around for a really long time being founded in the early 80s. They've started releasing albums in 1985 and so far this is their 11th official studio release that came out 12 years after its predecessor, because the band called it a day some time around 1994, when things started going bad for the hard rock and metal sound. Anyway, they are back again and this is good news for the fans of this band and for everyone out there who digs classic uptempo hard rock with catchy riffs and the trademark hoarse/raucous vocals. DIRTY LOOKS have remained loyal to their sound and by that, since I have no reference, I mean that they haven't added any modern or alien elements to their music. Their songs smell of the 80s and have this classic, old fashioned scent, whilst even the production has an 80s sound, being a bit low and not crystal clear. This is surely a good work for those who love the pure hard rock sound!

Christine  Parastatidou

SERPENTCULT Weight of Light Rise Above Records Official Website

This Belgian act proves to be quite active since they've been around a couple of years so far and yet they have already released their sophomore official work titled "Weight of Light". To be honest with you I was expecting a black metal release from a band with such a moniker and such a gloomy Lovecraftian cover artwork, but I was proven wrong. This female fronted band supposedly plays groovy doom metal. Their music is definitely doom metal, but where are the groovy elements and what do they mean by that? Personally I couldn't trace any single groovy or catchy moments, just mid paced or creeping slow, monotonous doom metal, the kind we've already listened to countless times so far. The only difference here is the female vocalist, but for me this isn't much of a reason to make me buy or enjoy this album. Anyway to cut a long story short these were some of the most boring and tiring 45 minutes of my life...

Christine  Parastatidou

STUCK MOJO The Great Revival Napalm Records Official Website

The U.S. has given us some great and worthy bands that have brought many times heavy metal music to the next level, but at the same time it has also spawned bands such as this that are more of a disgrace if you ask me. I guess STUCK MOJO must have lots of fans out there since they are not a new band, but I really can't see why... I mean I could see it when the first tunes came out of the speakers, but as soon as the vocals kicked in I got shocked. Again... not because they were bad, but because they were alien to our familiar metal sound. STUCK MOJO is labeled as an alternative rock/metal band only lately they turned more towards a pure rap metal direction, since they've added a rapper in the group, who does a great deal of vocals. Perhaps the biggest part, whilst the rock/metal vocalist also sings some parts trying to create a contradiction. It's really a shame cause the album has some really nice and catchy riffs. As for the vocals... I guess they are really good for those who like and listen to rap music. They have what's needed, but personally I hate, despise and loathe rap, so I can't stand this crossover creation.

Christine  Parastatidou

REVOLTING COCKS Sex-o Olympic-o 13th Planet Records Official Website

I'm not sure how many people are familiar with the name REVOLTING COCKS, the truth however is that this band has been around for a very long time. Being originally founded in 1985 by MINISTRY mastermind Al Jourgensen and Luc Van Acker along with a few more, they disbanded around 1994 and a decade later they reformed with the only original member being Al Jourgensen who called it a day with MINISTRY and now totally focuses all his efforts and inspiration on this band. Musically you won't find many changes or differences with MINISTRY, since REVOLTING COCKS, too, play a mixture of alternative rock with industrial with the latter prevailing. The difference is that the lyrics are more fun based and sex oriented, given through a humorous approach. I can't say this is bad stuff or not worthy of the band's past and "heritage", but there were songs I found pretty lame or boring compared to some other ones that kicked some serious ass. Anyway this is an album that has to be loved by fans of ROB ZOMBIE, WHITE ZOMBIE, WEDESNDAY 13 and the likes.

Christine  Parastatidou

THYRFING Hels Vite Regain Records Official Website

The Swedes THYRFING after making some important decisions regarding the band and after a three year break, they are back again with their brand new and sixth in a row opus titled "Hels Vite". Having in their ranks the vocalist Jens Ryden (PROFUNDI, x-NAGLFAR), who I think is one of the best and most intense in the extreme metal genre, they set sailed towards a quite different approach this time, an approach that is more aggressive and definitely closer to the pure black metal sound. This doesn't mean they've shed all their Viking metal elements away. Not at all! Their epic or Viking, if you prefer, elements are still there and present, only now the black metal darkness and extremity have come forth and prevailed! Their compositions carry the coldness of the northern lands, something that like I said is enhanced and enriched by the incredible vocals of Jens Ryden, and at the same time they also have an intense epic atmosphere. "Hels Vite" is surely a good and more than decent album, but there were moments the songs sounded too long and tiring to me and there were a few bland moments that reduced the end result. All in all, this is a good album with some mediocre moments with two songs mainly standing out for me are "Griftefrid" and "Tre Vintrar – Två Solar". 

Christine  Parastatidou

ALL THAT REMAINS Overcome Prosthetic Records Official Website

I was expecting something different from this release... I've had the chance to listen to ALL THAT REMAINS' previous works and I knew they were a tight, aggressive metalcore combo. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for their latest endeavour which is rather too mainstream and too commercial metalcore, too typical and too ordinary with not the slightest scent of personality or chatacter on behalf of the band. This is really sad because ALL THAT REMAINS kicked off really powerfully and have gained lots of fans throughout the years with their tough and edgy sound. "Overcome" is not a bad album... it's rather mediocre because it's way too ordinary and the compositions too cheesy, which means that if you are a metalcore fan you'll know what to expect from each song right from the very first notes. Another drawback of this album is that it's too melodic, something that if you ask me was done on purpose so that the band would be able to broaden their fan base and gain even more who don't listen to very extreme or aggressive music. What they did though was to lose many of the fans they already had. I guess there might be people who'll like this release, but it's way too commercial and too pretentious for my taste.

Christine  Parastatidou

DIMENSION ZERO He Who Shall Not Bleed VIC Records Official Website

DIMENSION ZERO is an all star band hailing from Sweden and "He Who Shall Not Bleed" is their third official release that came four years after their sophomore work. The band having as driving forces Jesper Strombland (IN FLAMES), Daniel Antonsson (SOILWORK) and ex MARDUK singer/drummer Jocke Gothberg, can only guarantee quality and a top notch end result! The 11 compositions that appear here are really tight and aggressive, they're like a blast with their searing ferocity and boisterous sound. The rhythm section is really concrete and heavy, the guitar themes either have the edge of thrash metal or are more melodic and atmospheric close to the Gotenborg death metal sound and the vocals sound like demonic growls filled with hatred. They are truly ideal for this sound, giving the songs more driving force and a black metal hue. The production is flawless and crystal clear as you should expect, so if you are fans of the more classic and traditional death/thrash metal sound, this is an album that deserves your attention! This is where melody and aggressiveness collide, but still I need to underline that there's nothing original or pioneering here, which means that if you are looking for originality, you should check some place else...

Christine  Parastatidou

DEADLOCK Manifesto Lifeforce Records Official Website

DEADLOCK is one more moniker that is used too much and by too many bands... Actually there are three bands, all coming from Germany with this name. The DEADLOCK we are dealing with here comes from Schwarzenfeld, Bavaria and "Manifesto" is their 4th official release dealing with issues like veganism and liberation. So far so good and to be precise this is were all the good things end pretty much. The band plays dark melodic death metal with lots of modern keyboard touches and samples, something that's way too ordinary and uninspired and it's enriched with the usual heavy guitars, the catchy riffs and the dual growling male and ethereal female vocals... Grab almost whichever modern melodic death metal album and you'll listen to pretty much the same sound and riffs, no difference at all and it's really a shame cause these guys are true craftsmen. Even so, I'd give this release a higher grade if it weren't for the song "Deathrace", which kicked off rather typically but around the fourth minute the music just stops and a rapper comes forth. I really try to be open minded, but rap is a kind of music I simply despise and detest, plus the whole thing sounded too pretentious to me. They made me feel that they did this just to create a fuss or to make a difference... anyway this is were the album got ruined for me and this is where I stopped paying attention to the rest of the songs that continued in their mediocre and uninspired way till this album reached its end. This is definitely one of the worst albums I've listened to lately!

Christine  Parastatidou

FOLKODIA Odes from the Past Stygian Crypt Productions Official Website

FOLKODIA is the side project of the international act FOLKEARTH and it actually consists of pretty much the same members. "Odes from the Past" is their debut endeavour in the official discography and it presents a band whose sound dwells in the folk/Viking metal and in fact this album is close to the sound of the latest FOLKEARTH releases... which means that all the compositions are well taken care of, they have a good production and a very good artwork and all in all this is a package that's going to please the worldwide folk/Viking metallers. However, I have to be honest with you... I expected something more or at least something different from this release and by that I mean that I don't see a point to release an album under a different moniker, when its sound is exactly the same, identical I'd say to FOLKEARTH's music. These musicians could simply release "Odes from the Past" as FOLKEARTH and there would be no difference or change to the facts. So from that aspect I'm rather disappointed cause to me making a side project means trying to play something different or else there's no point in doing so. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that some of the songs sounded too passionless, too plain and ordinary, without a certain flavour to spice them up and make them sound appealing. For me this is the kind of music you let to play in the background, whilst doing something else that requires your attention.

Christine  Parastatidou

DECADENCE 3rd Stage of Decay Massacre Records Official Website

I knew there were many bands out there that use the moniker DECADENCE, but I didn't know there were that many!! Anyway in order to avoid any misunderstandings, this is the DECADENCE from Sweden we're dealing with, who deliver songs that balance between the old school thrash and melodic death metal sounds. "3rd Stage of Decay" was originally released in 2006 by HTI Records in a limited edition and a few months ago it got re-released by Massacre Records as a worldwide edition. There are no changes or differences to the songs or to the sound of this release, with the exception of the Japanese edition that contains a bonus track. Like I previously said this album balances perfectly between the aggressiveness and ferocity of thrash metal and the atmosphere and technicality of melodic death metal... which means that if you appreciate technical playing being intertwined with melodies and aggressive riffs, this is a release that has it all in abundance and won't disappoint you! The performance of all the band members is superb, their bondage is obvious and the production is very good and ideal for this particular sound. A further advantage of DECADENCE is their vocalist Metallic Kitty... yep! You got that right! She's a woman and she kicks some serious ass! In fact she embarrasses and humiliates lots of male vocalists with her passionate and aggressive interpretation. You get to understand she is a woman and yet she captures and communicates the messages of the lyrics in a superb fashion that can only leave you speechless. All in all this is a more than decent release, highly recommended to all the melodic death/thrash maniacs out there!

Christine  Parastatidou

PROSPERITY DENIED Consciousless Noisehead Records Official Website

As we all know metalcore and hardcore reign supreme these last few years and many bands, that deliver this kind of sound, emerge. One such band is PROSPERITY DENIED from Austria who just exist a couple of years and in 2007 released their debut album titled "Consciousless" dealing with topics that criticise the sociopolitical situation of our times. Suitable issues for the kind of music they play, since hardcore is all about intensity, aggressiveness and rage... Their performance is tight, they obvisouly are a bonded band and their songs are catchy and uplifting with lots of death metal elements added in. However their compositions are rather typical and ordinary, which means I got a bit tired from a point on. "Consciousless" is a decent album that's going to be appreciated by the hardcore maniacs since it contains some pissed off moments and catchy riffs, but for someone like me who's not that crazy for this genre, the end result sounded too common with not much setting it apart from the rest of the releases.

Christine  Parastatidou

DANKO JONES Never Too Loud Bad Taste Records Official Website

The Canadians DANKO JONES who were named after their mainman, who's also the guitarist and vocalist of the band, have released their latest official work, which is also their fifth full length album if I'm not mistaken. Music-wise this trio delivers rock music which is enriched with a few punk rock elements and sounds quite energetic and dynamic at the beginning... and I'm saying at the beginning, because after a while their compositions sounded too much alike, making it hard for me to discern and understand where one ended and another one started... The lyrics are uplifting and bring a smile to your face, they are definitely ideal for this kind of music and the songs contain some really nice hooks and catchy riffs, but like I said from a point on the end result sounded too level and too ordinary to me and the songs lost what edge and energy they had... so after a while I was thinking "OK! Let's get it over with, cause this is too much for me". I'm not saying that the punk rockers won't like this stuff, but people like me will definitely smile and then just change the CD to one of their liking.

Christine  Parastatidou

NEPTUNE Acts of Supremacy Noisehead Records Official Website

Four years after the release of their debut full length work, the Italian NEPTUNE strike back with their dynamic sophomore album that still remains loyal to the contemporary Scandinavian melodic death metal sound as it was carved and shaped mainly by acts like IN FLAMES, SOILWORK and SONIC SYNDICATE with some occasional DARK TRANQUILLITY resemblances. Their music might not be original, but their compositions are tight filled with catchy riffs, superb rhythms and a really enraged vocalist, qualities and attributes that make the end result a true head banger! I don't think there's more to add here, since I'm sure the aforementioned bands gave you a pretty good insight as to what NEPTUNE's music is all about. So if you are looking for some high energy songs delivered with lots of passion, I think you should give "Acts of Supremacy" a try...

Christine  Parastatidou

VII GATES In Hoc Signo Vinces Lion Music Official Website

VII GATES is a band hailing us from Sweden and after four years of absence they are back with a brand new record. Continuing in the same way, they offer us great moments of pure classic heavy metal with a more powerful sound. Their heavy guitar riffs, that remind us of 80’s band sounds, the mid tempo drums with the bombastic sound and the very good melodies, but also the harsh sounding vocals are some elements which will make you understand that the Swedes play heavy metal to the bone. "The Lake", "Immortal", "The Mad Minstrels (With Delusions of Grandeur)" and "The Skyrider" are some highlights of the album that will make you smile and relish the heaviness. Get ready for a heavy powerful fist in your ears.

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

FLEGETHON Behind a Side of Times Marche Funebre Productions Official Website

The Russian band FLEGETHON has been around since 1999 and since then this one man band has released 8 full length works along with a couple of split releases, so we can easily say this is a highly productive band. However "Behind a Side of Times" isn't a new addition to the band's discography, since this CD was originally released in 2005 by Satanarsa Records and just recently, a few months ago Marche Funebre Productions decided to re-release it. The sound of FLEGETHON can be easily placed among the black/ atmospheric metal and funeral doom with lots of ambient touches. Actually this 4-track release that has a total duration of approximately one hour and 20 minutes has a horror film soundtrack feel to it with lots of dark sound effects and a really gloomy atmosphere. Personally I'm not a fan of this kind of sound and I enjoy powerful and dynamic songs, but I have to be as objective as possible here, so I have to admit there's an interesting and imposing atmosphere here. The grade below is my attempt to be objective taking into consideration both those who like this genre and those who don't.

Christine  Parastatidou

VISION DIVINE Nine Degrees West of the Moon Frontiers Records Official Website

New album for the power metallers VISION DIVINE and prepare for a journey to the moon of heavy metal. With Fabio Lione returning on the vocals after having already sung on the first two albums and the general style of VISION DIVINE having changed, the album is sure to please every listener. Containing more mid tempo songs without of course missing some fast tracks, heavy guitar solos, a very good work in the drums section, great melodies from the keys and vocals from a man whose voice is known to many "Nine Degres West of the Moon" is a record of pure melodic power metal and definitely a must for every fan of this genre. There is also be a cover version of the song "A Touch of Evil" by JUDAS PRIEST (a very good choice and performance I must say) plus a demo version of the song "Fading Shadow". Be sure to check it out!

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

TOMORROW'S EVE Tales from Serpentia Lion Music Official Website

German progressive metallers are hitting the stores with a brand new album. As it's the case with many groups lately this is a concept album and believe me when I say it really is something special! "Tales from Serpentia" is the name and progressive power metal is the game. With melodies created only as TOMORROW'S EVE know, heavy guitars with many solos combined with the beautiful keys and heavy constantly changing drums plus the amazing vocals which really give in every song an angry dark sound. A sound that the concept story requires, so all in all TOMORROW'S EVE can pride themselves in producing a very very good record! Get ready to lose yourselves in the tales sung and created by TOMORROW'S EVE. Enjoy! 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

SHADRANE Temporal Killed By Records Official Website

SHADRANE is a band formed by Vivien Lalu who is in the keyboard section together with the Bissonette brothers Matt and Greg and a plethora of other musicians who have joined the band in a project that will truly please everyone. "Temporal" is their debut album and progressive power metal flows throughout the whole album. All the guys in this band have more than proven their skill each in different acts and yet they play as if it’s their first time. With heavy guitars riffy to the edge, hard pounding drums with many changes and very good vocals by Goran Edman (MALMSTEEN,BRAZEN ABBOT) and Bjorn Jansson (RIDE THE SKY, BEYOND TWILIGHT), the band from France can well pride themselves in the creation and very good production of a great debut album. Add in all these the great key solos from Gary Wehrkamp and Alex Argento and there you have it all! Nothing more to say since the album speaks for itself.

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

HELLSINGLAND UNDERGROUND Hellsingland Underground Killed By Records Official Website

Their name was bit tricky for me. I thought that I had to do with another northen band that plays a kind of black metal music. However, their sound is much more shiny and it carries the smell of the bourbon in it. Yes, I think you got it right, HELLSINGLAND UNDERGROUND is a southern rock band that has lot of influences from bands like LYNRYD SKYNRYD and from time to time they also brought to my mind BOB DYLAN. Although they are from Sweden, their sound is a 100% U.S. oriented. In fact they do it so well, that not even U.S. rock bands can play the way they do! Surely, their music has nothing to do with heavy metal, but in case someone who digs this kind of music reads this presentation, then I can say with no hesitation that he/she has to check them out. 

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

EXILIA My Own Army AFM Records Official Website

EXILIA is a band hailing us from Milan, Italy. "My Own Army" is their newest work, an album somewhat stronger in sound than their previous (as they say). Their music style is nu-metal with some grunge elements, something that you will understand from the style and tunes of the songs. There are heavy guitars here with really good solos, hard pounding mid tempo drums and the female vocals of Masha blend really well with the rest of the music, giving also a gothic sound in some songs. What I didn’t like is that the songs sound somewhat alike with a music pattern same in each and every one of them. Also the sound  is not very good and I believe there should be more attentive work to it. All in all it is a good album but not one that will stay long in your CD player. 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

THE LAW Distorted Anthems From The Suburbs Metalcentral Records Official Website

I have the feeling that metal bands from all the genres check out and revisit the 80’s legacy of this music in order to draw influences and compose songs with substance. So after many tries and experimentations, I have seen some new bands that try to return the music back to the basics and I believe that they do a very good job! THE LAW is such a band. Their sound can be simply put in three words: BAY AREA THRASH. It doesn’t matter if they come from Sweden. Their sound is compact, the guitars are sharp as razors and above all they are an amazing riffing machine!!! A big plus is their singer Tobias Jansson (also member of bands like ANGEL BLAKE and TREASURE LAND), who sings mostly aggressive, but there are times he uses a power metal kind of singing that gives to the band's sound more variety. On this album you will also find a cover of OVERKILL’s “Elimination” (from “The Years of Decay” album), which is well performed, but quite close to the original track. By the way the band has contributed three songs to the documentary "Get Thrashed" (note: the songs are "Lawman & The Law / Anthem" and "Can U Not Talk").

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

DORO Fear No Evil AFM Records Official Website

Now what can one say about a woman who is in the metal scene for many years and has offered us great moments of pure hard rock and heavy metal? Dorothea Pesch (still beautiful and shiny as always) is back with a new album that truly rocks. "Fear No Evil" is the name of it and rest assured that evil will burst into your ears after listening to it. There are fast songs with catchy tunes, there are slow songs with the heavy guitars leading the way, there are melodic songs with the beautiful vocals of Doro sounding like sweet lullabies in your ears and generally this is a very good work that will please everyone. The album will include eleven songs and there will also be a limited edition with two bonus tracks and a video for the song "Herzblut". The album speaks for itself and Doro has come back to make us feel safe with her voice and fear nothing. Enjoy!

Sotos  "D.T Ace"  Koukidis

GEMINI FIVE Sex Drugs Anarchy Wild Kingdom Records Official Website

They might think that they play glam rock, but they sound much heavier. If all the glam/poser metal bands sounded like GEMINI FIVE then probably I'd be wearing all the time my leopard like skintights (oops I didn’t want this to be known :P). Anyway, seriously know these guys from Sweden have no pop elements in their sound, but on the contrary their music is more heavy metal than many power metal bands that I have listened to lately. Actually, “Sex Drugs Anarchy” is a hard ‘n’ heavy album with lots of dirty rock ‘n’ roll attitude in it. So if you love to listen to bands like early MOTLEY CRUE and PRETTY MAIDS, then GEMINI FIVE is going to be a 100% satisfaction for you. Songs like “All Pistols”, “Sex Drugs Anarchy” and “Scream 4 Me” will be included on my portable MP3 player and keep me company for a long time. So, leave aside the prejudice you might have and listen to this band, we're talking about a serious hard ‘n’ heavy album here…

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

CESSATION OF LIFE Path of Totality Independent Official Website

Why is it that bands like CESSATION OF LIFE who have something different and special going on, don't get the chance they deserve and instead we see hundreds of uninspired copy cats signing to record labels every day? It's really a shame, cause this is surely a talented and full of variety band with a rather unique and recognisable sound! These Americans have set sail to play catchy and in your face speed metal and they have achieved to deliver a top notch album! "Path of Totality" simply has it all, it's rich in texture, ideas, melodies and riffs, so there won't be a single moment you're going to feel tired or bored. This is as catchy album and almost every song has a different sound and approach to it and I liked a lot the fact that they mix speed metal with other genres like classic heavy metal, N.W.O.B.H.M. and thrash, whilst there are also moments that they flirt with melodic death metal as well. There's nothing I can say about the technique and performance of these guys. This is a top quality release from every aspect and CESSATION OF LIFE members are superb craftsmen. I liked a lot the solos and the shredding of Marty, they are catchy, edgy and to the point! The rhythm section is stable and concrete as a stone wall and Chris' vocals are ideal for this genre. They are the kind of vocals we all have mentally linked to speed metal and they add to the intensity and aggressiveness of the album. Personally I recommend "Path of Totality" to all the fans of bands like OVERKILL, MANNILA ROAD and ANNIHILATOR. Cool stuff!!!

Christine  Parastatidou

THE WONDERFOOLS Too Late to Die Young Wild Kingdom Records Official Website

Their label claims that THE WONDERFOOLS play a kind of modern punk rock. Well, if this is punk rock then this revolutionary genre of rock music is in serious crisis. I don’t know much about this genre, but I am sure that out there exist many more bands that sound more punk and are certainly much more rock than this group. Now, if we ignore the wrong way that this band is labeled, we can say that their music has a quite common pop/rock sound which is orchestrated in such a way that will give them a lot of airplay in the various rock shows on TV and radio. “Too Late to Die Young” is not the album that will shock the foundations of rock music, but on the other hand it ain’t bad at all and I am sure that the people who dig this kind of music will enjoy it. So I’ll give them a 7 because I want to be honest and not act like a bad ass metal head that despises everything else. Surely, I won’t listen to this album on my own free will, but on the other hand they are not bad in the kind of music they play. So the fans of the pop/rock sound can give them a try :)

Nick  "Verkaim"  Parastatidis

BIRTHMARK Product Of Black Days V2 Records Official Website

BIRTHMARK is a new band although it dates back in 1997 hailing us from Athens, Greece. Their music is alternative rock with some pop tunes and a little bit of metal sounds. What really struck me is the way all the instruments are blended together with the melodic guitars and the mid tempo drums giving their place to the amazing soft vocals of Adamantine (I wish I had her every night besides me singing lullabies to me) plus the violin parts by Panagiotis Delinikolas which are really something special. What I didn’t like is the lack of ideas which really made every song sound the same although the tunes make you want to stand up and dance. I hope in the near future they will improve in this part as I believe the band has ambitions and the potential to do it. Nothing more to say than sit back and relax with the sound of BIRTHMARK. 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

ROT The Time Has Come Records On Top Official Website

There are releases like this one that make you proud of your native scene and make you think diversity and originality do exist! The Greeks ROT are a bright example of what I was just saying simply because I think they've managed to mold and shape a personal sound that makes them easily recognisable whilst at the same time it's rather innovative and imaginative. Their style? Hmm... hard to describe, though atmosphere and mid tempos are key ingredients here... Personally they brought to my mind bands like SENTENCED, EVERGREY and DEBASE, but at the same time their songs also have a modern twist. I really liked the vocals and I believe Mylo has done a superb job offering us some really passionate and emotive interpretations whilst being sufficiently and efficiently supported by the rest of the guys whose performance is top notch! I really can't find any flaws here or things that could have been done differently since I also liked the production and the package of this album which is really beautiful and great! The CD is also enhanced containing the video clip of the song "The Path", which according to me is one of the best of the album! I also liked the cover song "Everytime We Touch", which the band managed to adapt and present through their personal sound and I'd also like to congratulate the female vocalist, Frosso Stylianou, on her stunning interpretation! If you like unique stuff, give these guys a try! They have something really good going on here! 

Christine  Parastatidou

ARKENSTONE Dead Human Resource Casket Records Official Website

ARKENSTONE is a band hailing us from Heraclion, Crete in Greece. This is their full debut album although the band has already a record consisting of both their demos. Their music style is heavy power metal but with a thrashy addition, something that you will understand from the vocals and the general performance of the band. The key ingredients of this album are the heavy riffs that make your head blow, the fast drums which make your ears ache, the vocals changing from harsh to clean ones and generally the songs that will pull you to the limits and give you a sense of hatred. The guys from Crete are very good players and know what they have come to do, something which is obvious from the very good production of "Dead Human Resource". I sure hope they continue in the same way and offers us dark melodies with thrashy tunes.

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

THE MODERN AGE SLAVERY Damned to Blindess Napalm Records Official Website

Fast and insane deathcore with the kind of vocals that are considered to be characteristic of this certain genre is what THE MODERN AGE SLAVERY deliver. The guitars are pretty imaginative and inspired and they create insane, psychotic and wild, high quality riffs. The rhythm parts are technical, without tiring you and they are full of fast parts as well as some slower or more mid tempo ones with a few rather groovy elements. The bondage and the chemistry of this band move on high standards and along with the chaotic production and their brutal sound, they create a great and well taken care of outcome.

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

SEVENTH WONDER Mercy Falls Listenable Records Official Website

I have to admit one thing. I am in love with progressive metal. And that idea is confirmed with SEVENTH WONDER’s new album! These Swedish progressive metallers are back with a concept record that will truly be loved. Starting from the intro and finishing with the seven minute closing track one can understand that what I am telling you is true... A combination of melodies with very good keys, heavy guitars with harsh riffs mixed together with the very good vocals and the fast drums with the many changes. A true masterpiece I would say and don’t think I'm exaggerating one bit, just listen to this album. DREAM THEATER meets SYMPHONY X in this mixture of melodic sounds and heavy parts... Get ready to show no mercy to your ears as you turn up the volume. Enjoy!!! 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

FALLEN ANGELS Rise from Ashes Metal On Metal Records Official Website

Pure '80s - 90s thrash metal is what we get from FALLEN ANGELS in the vein of SLAYER. The album's production is pretty dirty, like it should be for such a release, so don't think this release isn't professional work or not well taken care of. It's just that you won't find an overpolished sound here, but their music rather pounds on you straight on the head making you want to start headbanging relentlessly. The riffs are sharp, fast and melodic and they bring to mind the good old SLAYER, whilst the bondage between the guitars is superb. The drums and the bass guitar worthly support the thrash metal holocaust of FALLEN ANGELS... This band may indeed be old fashioned and old school, but it's a thousand times better than most modern garbage that are being released lately. I'd also like to note that the guitar solos are very good too, fast and technical. I'm pretty sure the fans of pure thrash metal are going to love this, so make sure you check these guys out!

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

ADAGIO Archangels in Black Listenable Records Official Website

The French progressive power metallers ADAGIO are back with a brand new album. "Archangels in Black" is the name of it and indeed black is the colour that can describe it. With a new man in the vocals, Mr Christian Pallin (a very good voice I must say) plus the usual elements that have made ADAGIO’s sound unique, meaning the heavy guitars, the beautiful melodies from the keys and the fast drums with the many changes, make this album worthy to be listened to.The guys from France can well pride themselves in releasing a very good comeback. Nine songs containing both melody and heaviness with nice combinations between keys and guitar solos consist an output that will make the listeners headbang to the end. Get ready to lose yourself in the dark atmosphere that ADAGIO creates. Enjoy! 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis

INFRAVISION The Epileptic Serenity Secret Port Records Official Website

INFRAVISION is an entirely Greek combo and I have to admit they are extremely interesting! The album starts with an amazing classical sounding metal track close to the style of Mussorgsky and later on when the second track starts we move to a heavy thrash-death metal approach that's been enriched with modern and yet classic melodies of the 20th century along with superb melodic guitar solos! The third track starts with a very fast tempo, followed by groovy rhythms as well as some clean vocals that are rather off in my personal opinion. To sum it all up I can say that INFRAVISION combine fast brutal elements with slow and groovy parts that are infused with a good atmosphere and enriched with some electro solos from the high quality keyboard parts, classical music and death metal through which we sense a great deal of passion and power. This is a band that addresses to listeners with a musical education and an open mind and since I belong to this category I give them...

George  "Death Dealer - Echoes From Erebus"  Kefalas

VENTURIA Hybrid Lion Music Records Official Website

VENTURIA is a band that comes to us from Montpellier, France. This is their second work and melodic progressive metal is their music style. What really struck me in VENTURIA is the great combination between the two vocalists. On one side we have the harsh vocals of Mark Ferreira and then in full harmony come the female vocals of Lydie Robin, giving a different style to every song. Add in all these the very good guitar riffs and solos, the fast drums with the many changes and the wonderful melodies from the keys and there you have a very good progressive metal album. “Hybrid” consists of ten compositions with fast songs, mid tempo ones and generally we're dealing here with a very good output that will please every listener. Nothing more to say since I believe the album speaks for itself. Enjoy! 

Sotos  "D. T Ace"  Koukidis