Genre: Deathcore

Label: Victory Records

Release-date: October 25th, 2011

Reviewer: IRoar

I literally just got my promo invite to listen to the new Carnifex album "Until I Feel Nothing" (out October 25th via Victory Records).
My first impression would be; the band continues their inhuman assault of death metal shredding, concrete crushing blend of slamming deathcore.

Deathcore is now a genre that has quickly over-saturated with countless numbers of bands, simply rehashing one another. So is the case with any genre that earns wide popularity.

There's a few deathcore bands that many extreme metal purists would still agree on; such as All Shall Perish, Job For A Cowboy, The Black Dhalia Murder and you guessed it, Carnifex. Mainly, because they still manage to keep it fresh and interesting. Carnifex enjoy throwing in a bludgeoning breakdown in every other song, which doesn't take away from the sheer brutality of the overall sound for the most part. But the only issue would be that no matter what you do, the formula will eventually grow stale after say the 4th or 5th track into the album.

On "Until I Feel Nothing," the band refines their sound; continuing what they set out to do with 2010's "Hell Choose Me" and that's to inflict the most brutally crushing death metal slams.

Carnifex are all about being as brutal as a deathcore band can be. There's no doubt they deliver the goods. Much like in the same vein as Job For A Cowboy, infusing breakdowns with machine gun death metal riffs, blast beats and the signature 3s of extreme metal vocals (highs, lows and pig squeals).

One of the highest points on "Until I Feel Nothing" is definitely album closer "Curse My Name." Starting off with an atmospheric opener, only to give way to demonically charged highs from vocalist Scott Lewis. "Curse My Name," brings on a variety of extreme metal technicality and melody. While also managing to blend-in a big breakdown to accompany the song's sludge-filled vibe.

All around, I definitely enjoyed "Until I Feel Nothing." And would surely recommend it to any extreme metal enthusiast, alright with some deathcore (read: breakdowns) in their metal.

Recommended tracks: Curse My Name, Wretched Entropy, We Spoke of Lies.

Click here to pre-order "Until I Feel Nothing" via Victory Records

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Genre: Metalcore/Groove Metal

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release Date: July 04, 2011

Reviewer: IRoar

Metalcore titans UNEARTH return with their 5th studio offering, titled "Darkness In The Light" a culmination of all UNEARTH's vintage hardcore/extreme metal hybrid.

Over the band's career, UNEARTH released some of the best Metalcore offerings (2004's The Oncoming Storm is still one of my all time favorite records in the genre) and with their latest release "Darkness In The Light" the band takes their signature sound into tighter territory.

For the recording of "Darkness In The Light" the band worked with Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley; due to former drummer Derek Kurswell parting ways with the band prior to working on the new album. Darkness In The Light was also produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who certainly leaves his apparent mark on the record. 'Shadows In The Light' feels like a tighter, heavier Killswitch hit. While 'Ruination of The Lost' sounds like a Trivium/Lamb of God hybrid, injected into an UNEARTH song.

The first single to be released to the public from "Darkness In The Light" was 'Eyes of Black' one of the record's heaviest songs. Opening with a almost At The Gates-like lead, the song breaks all barriers between metal and hardcore, proving that Unearth are worthy of their throne as one of Metalcore's biggest pit starters.

'Last Wish' and 'Arise The War Cry' are full on modern neck breakers. Filled with massive grooves courtesy of the mammoth guitar duo of Buz McGrath and Ken Susi.

'Equinox' feels like a bridge leading into more 'Oncoming Storm' territory. Bringing forth the UNEARTH beast of the early days with 'Coming of The Dark.' I can see fans screaming at the top of their lungs along with song's monstrous chorus, leaving everyone in the venue light headed. While closing track 'Disillusion' is the record's definite final knockout.

All in all; UNEARTH managed to once again put together a solid record. If any band today can write a fresh record in a genre over-saturated with hordes of manipulators. It'll be Massachusetts' Metalcore leaders UNEARTH.

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Click here to pre-order "Darkness In The Light" via iTunes

Click here to visit UNEARTH on Facebook

Genre: Metalcore

Label: Roadrunner Records

Released: January 18th, 2011

Reviewer: iRoar


Times of Grace. The project that reunites two of the most iconic figures in metalcore. Guitarist Adam D. and vocalist/former Killswitch Engage band mate Jesse Leach (The Empire Shall Fall); have just released their highly anticipated debut full length album; one which many old-school Killswitch fans have been dying for.

Back in 2007, Adam Dutkiewicz was hospitalized for severe back problems. During his time in the hospital, Adam began writing material on his own, which would eventually become the music for his latest project. He then looked for a voice to complete the picture he had envisioned for the material in hand. He contacted old friend, former band mate and one of the most monstrous vocalists in the genre. Jesse Leach; to aid in providing lyrics and vocal duties for what would eventually become TIMES OF GRACE.

The band has finally released their debut full length album "The Hymn of A Broken Man;" a heavy contender to be one of the strongest efforts that Adam D. has worked on since Killswitch Engage's "The End of Heartache."

While TIMES OF GRACE are not pioneering a new genre, the band's debut full length album "The Hymn of A Broken," finds them executing some of the most hard hitting, brutally pummeling, and technically proficient metalcore pieces, accompanied by deeply emotional and positive lyrical content.

So who will this album appeal to the most? With no doubt, this will be one for fans of Killswitch Engage's debut album (Alive or Just Breathing), which is considered by many to be the band's heaviest record to date. The difference here is that Times of Grace are as melodic and catchy as they are brutal and bone crushing. The band swings back and forth between thrash attacks and sing along choruses through out the album, like on "Willing" where the song leads in with a vintage Adam D. riff, that opens way for Jesse Leach to build up a verse that ultimately flourishes into a beautiful chorus, only to return with a monstrous growl.

Being a follower of Jesse Leach ever since his split with Killswitch Engage. I hold the utmost respect for his journey. Jesse Leach has truly stayed true to his roots as a vocalist that sings with anger and emotion. From the bluesy Seemless to the politically defiant The Empire Shall Fall. Jesse's vocals have always been as guttural as they are melodic. "The Hymn of A Broken Man" finds him singing some of the most aggressive songs, behind uplifting lyrics.

"The Hymn of A Broken Man" also finds Adam D. singing lead vocals on more than one occasion, like on the closing track "Fall From Grace." Adam is also the main composer behind all the music on "The Hymn of A Broken Man" and handles recording all instruments (Bass, Drums, Guitars and Vocals). And is also credited for contributing to the lyrics as well.

Last year, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jesse for his other project (The Empire Shall Fall) where we asked him about TIMES OF GRACE. Jesse had this to say about the project:

"Times of Grace” is a very special project I did with my good friend Adam D. from “Killswitch Enagage.” The record is a culmination of years of working with him & bringing real honest music to life. The music goes from metal to rock to shoe gaze/ambient to punk. It is a very Epic album theme wise & music wise. Adam wrote all of the music & actually sings lead on one song. We have a great chemistry & being back in the studio with him was a great experience. I think people will be surprised. I honestly couldn’t be more proud of a record."

The album is certainly full of colors, and even has a full on acoustic song "The Forgotten One," that's purely a slowed-down sing along.

In conclusion: TIMES OF GRACE have crafted a great record to reunite two of metalcore's biggest icons once again, to produce uplifting yet face crushing music. Jesse states in a press release that "this record is our catharsis" and it really does vibe through out the record that it's a very heartfelt effort.

TIMES OF GRACE will be heading out on their first ever tour of the U.S. in support of "The Hymn of A Broken Man" this February (find dates here).

Order "The Hymn of A Broken Man" through iTunes by clicking here

For more information, visit TIMES OF GRACE on: Official Site | Facebook | Myspace | Twitter

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Band: Voice of The Soul

Album: Eyes of Deceit [EP]

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Released: July 19th, 2010

Label: Self Released

Reviewer: iRoar

Originally founded in the state of Kuwait. Melodic death metal up and comers, Voice of The Soul are quickly gaining more and more credibility for their powerful execution of vintage Gothenburg metal, reminiscent of the pioneers of the genre, with a modern doom metal vibe that's carried out with atmospheric arrangements, influenced by the likes of Finnish heavyweights Swallow The Sun and Katatonia.

Eyes of Deceit, the band's latest EP, that's available for streaming and free download on the band's official Myspace, and YouTube; includes 4 neck breaking, foot stomping, face punching, and fist clenching songs, produced once again at Kuwait's favorite heavy metal recording destination. "Sarj's Studio," with Nocturna frontman Sarj Masood.

The band's founder, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Kareem Cheyaheb (Who is currently studying in Boston, MA) along with co-founder/songwriter and bassist Monish Shringi (currently studying in India) are joined by members from fellow Kuwaiti band Blackwell: Adam Benobaid and Ahmed Al-Zubaidi as session members for the recordings of Eyes of Deceit.

Eyes of Deceit starts off with the chaotic driven track "Under A Blood Red Sky." A song that focuses on man's self corruption and coping with everything until one's demise. A powerful start to the EP with amazingly fast guitar work, and riffs coming at you from everywhere.

The lyrics on Eyes of Deceit are very attaching, and rich in meaning, adding the needed layer to keep the listener coming back for more.

Farewell To Hope, which I personally really enjoy for the closing riff that reminds me of the glory days of Dark Tranquillity, and Insomnium; the song weighs in strongly with it's lyrics, that gives a dark and vivid picture of the meaning behind it:

"Held down by chains of greed we fall
Tormented, abused, is this a life that we'd choose?
Blinded by fear and hate we mourn
A creed filled with spite and scorn"

"The Curse" sets a melancholic vibe, that gives way to the most demonic bridge on Eyes of Deceit, and one of the most impressive guitar solos on the EP.

The EP doesn't slow down one bit by the end. In fact "The Light That Never Shone" would certainly be one of the EP's high points. Marking over 12 minutes. The song features Sarj's deeply emotional clean singing, that gives way to the brutal guttural growls of Kareem and Blackwell's Adam Benobeid.

In conclusion:

Eyes of Deceit is a solid follow up to Voice of The Soul's debut release "Winds of Apprehension" with top notch production quality. The band has managed to broaden their horizons and open new gates of experimentation. All 4 songs included on the release, are heavy, brutal, melodic and memorable in their own respective way, and will only leave you wanting more from Kuwait's premier Melodic death metal band. The band recently announced the addition of drummer Rana Rassouli (A Shot of Adrenaline) to their ranks as the band's permanent drummer, and are currently working on their debut full length album, so make sure to keep an eye on Voice of The Soul by visiting their official pages on, Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube.

Eyes of Deceit deserves a solid 8/10.

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Make sure to visit Voice of The Soul on:

Facebook
Myspace
YouTube

Voice of The Soul's Farewell To Hope is also featured on our digital compilation album, along with 24 other bands from around the world (Norther, Daylight Dies, Nervecell, The Empire Shall Fall and many more).

Blinding The Masses is the debut full length album from Egyptian Death Metal band Scarab (formerly known as Hate Suffocation).

The album starts off with the instrumental opener "Into The Dunes" which creates a great build up to the first track on the album "Valley of The Sandwalkers" a deathly thrashed metal song with a very oriental vibe. Vocalist Sammy Sayed has some of the best guttural growls in the Middle Eastern scene, which really helps add an extra layer of intensity.

Blinding The Masses is a traditional death meets thrash metal album with oriental elements, highly influenced by the likes of Nile. The 3rd track on the album "Ankh" is one of the band's most popular songs, being part of the recently released "Planet Metal" compilation CD (included in the March issue of Metal Hammer) the song shows off the band's technical side. Leaders of Agony has one of the most haunting riffs on the album, with blast beats to aid the chaos, along with Sammy's growls that turn this song into a mammoth of a track. The title track "Blinding The Masses" has pounding drums all around, with old school death metal riffing.

"War To End"
While Scarab are still perfecting their structures, they are still very capable of executing brutal death metal music, with an Egyptian vibe that will easily be familiar for fellow countrymen and something fresh and new for global listeners.

The album runs around 38 minutes, and includes 8 tracks. In an overall deal, this is a killer debut release for Scarab. The band did a good amount of touring to promote the album by winning the "United We Rock" online competition that was held prior to Dubai Desert Rock 09 to determine the winner, who would perform at DDRF 09 as well as With Full Force Festival (Germany).

Scarab shared the stage with Dubai based death metal juggernauts Nervecell on those shows. The band also inked a deal with Osmose Productions for the European release of Blinding The Masses.

Conclusion:

Blinding The Masses is a raw, brutal, death metal record, highly recommended for fans of Nile. Scarab have managed to put their own touch on the formula and this is just the beginning for the band. Recently Scarab announced work on their follow up to BTM, dates are not slated yet though.

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Visit Scarab on:
Official Site
Myspace
Facebook

For readers in Egypt, you can purchase the album and Tshirts at a discounted price for a limited time.Click Here for more information

Genre: Power Metal

Release Date: March 16th (U.S.) May (Europe)

Label: Lifeforce Records, Bieler Records


The first time I heard Raintime was a few years ago, when they released their 2007 LifeForce Records debut album "Flies and Lies" the video for "Rolling Chances" proved these Italian metal heads can take the now highly popular "power meets melodeath metal" formula and add their touch to it.

The band's follow up to "Flies and Lies" is set to be released in May through LifeForce (Europe) and March 16th, through Bieler Bros Records (U.S., Canada, and U.K.) titled "Psychromatic."

"Psychromatic" starts with a signal that blasts off the first song on the album "Fire Ants" which will also be the first single for the album. You can listen to the song now on the official Bieler Bros Records Myspace page.

On with the review. First of all the formula of "power meets melodeth" is not very apparent on "Psychromatic." In fact this release is more of an aggressive power metal album. There isn't much gothenburg influences on this release, instead the album is more accessible showing off the band's melodious side.

"Nothing But A Mistake" opens up with a mix of In Flames riffing layered with atmospheric keyboards, and actually some growls, but the chorus quickly transitions the song into generic territory.

"Psychromatic" does have it's moments, but if you were one of the many that weere surprised or even impressed by every song opener on "Flies and Lies," chances of that happening again on this release, is up for debate.

I'm not going to say that Raintime have commercialized their sound, because really in today's music scene, that has become one of the most over used terms. But the band have dropped a lot of the heavier elements of their sound, in favor of a wider audience, and in return the band dropped the thing that gave them an edge against the tide.

What we have here is an album that might not please fans of the crossover genre that Raintime has been writing, instead we get an album that is high on melody and big choruses.

Conclusion:

Raintime are currently expanding their fan base, and it seems like the band are trying to do that, by making their music a lot more accessible to new listeners, maybe they just want to experiment with new song writing, but as a fan of "Flies and Lies" this album left me wanting more of the same songs in the style of their 2007 release.

I also think the band should release a video for "Never Ending Stairway" it seems like a good representation of the band's current sound.

Recommend for: fans of Power Metal without all the swords and voyages into a pony's tail.

Visit Raintime on Myspace

Album: We Are The Void

Band: Dark Tranquillity

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Release Date: Between February 26th,
and March 9th, 2010.

Label: Century Media Records


Dark Tranquillity does not need an introduction, to any fan of death metal or melodic death metal to be more specific.

The band is considered one of the forefathers of melodic death metal, along with At The Gates and In Flames. Between the 3 bands, Dark Traquillity did not end up going their separate way, or drift away from their original sound. That could be one of the main reasons a lot of the band's fans have stuck by them for so long.

Now the band have their 9th studio album ready to drop in a couple of days, titled "We Are The Void" did the band take a huge leap with the album? No. Is there progression when it comes to song writing? "Iridium."

"We Are The Void" utilizes the band's formula of melody meets brutality, the synth department is highly focused on, with riffing to back it up. The album has elements of gothic metal, layered with DT's known Gothenburg sound.

Songs like "The Fatalist" and "Shadow In Our Blood" have been done before by the band, and the not so cleverly rehashed riffs the band uses, could be hurting the songs more then adding an extra layer of intensity.

"We Are The Void" finds Dark Tranquillity very comfortable with the sound they have achieved over the past couple of releases, while countless bands ripped off the band's sound, the band did not bother with the horde, instead Dark Tranquillity played it safe.

Conclusion:

Dark Tranquillity is commonly praised for never drifting too far from their core sound, or giving into any trend. That is certainly something to credit the band for, and if you've been a fan of the band or melodic death metal in general, then this fresh, very well produced album will surely be a great release to pick up.

But at the same time, a lot of people might have been expecting something other then the same formula the band has been executing for the past 3 albums they've put out, then maybe revisiting "Fiction" and "Character" is not such a bad idea.

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The band is currently streaming the album in it's entirety on their official Myspace page.

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Release Date: December 9th

Produced By: Ettore Rigotti

Recorded At: The Metal House Studio

Label: Coroner Records


Disarmonia Mundi are a melodic death metal band hailing from Turin, Italy. The band is very well known between fans of the genre for featuring Soilwork's frontman Bjorn "Speed" Strid, although Bjorn is no longer a permanent member of the band, he still contributed vocals on "The Isolation Game".

"The Isolation Game" is the band's 3rd studio effort and the follow up to 2006's "Mind Tricks".

The album starts off with "Cypher Drone" a classic mad balls out Gothenburg metal song, the keyboards, along with powerful thrash riffs (which I'm a sucker for) turn into waves of intensity, the song consumes alot of speed, which results in one hell of an energetic ride, making it one of the best tracks on the album. The clean vocal parts are strongly rooted in the Soilwork department of melodic choruses, which Disarmonia Mundi execute perfectly. The band are not being pioneers, but they always release fresh and fun albums, and Isolation Game is no exception.

Ettore Rigotti the band's main composer and who handles mostly all instruments and clean vocals on the band's records, does a great job of upping his game, maintaining the classic Gothenburg song structures while writing fresh music as well as producing a top notch release.

I love Claudio's high pitched shrieks/screams, he's got this distinct edge that really adds to the music.

"Perdition Haze" is the first single released from the album, as accessible as the song is (for the obvious reasons) it still manages to have a heavy sludge through out the song.

The album in it's entirety consumes a shit load of energy, and will have you head banging for a long time, along with a great amount of foot stomping. Bjorn Strid's voice is more then welcoming on the album's title track, which is a very atmospheric song, that maintains alot of melody.

In conclusion: There is no doubt that this is Disarmonia Mundi's finest release to date, and alot of work is very obviously been put into the making of the record, while the album doesn't have alot of new elements, it's still one hell of a fun spin and one of the best melodeath albums of the year. If your a fan of Soilwork, In Flames and Nightrage (Antony Hämäläinen is also featured on the release) then I highly recommend this album for you.

Rating: [7.8/10]

You can pre-order a limited (to 1000 copies) Digipak edition of the album here.

Disarmonia Mundi on Myspace

Release Date: October 2nd (Europe) October 20th (US)

Genre: Progressive Melodic Death Metal

Label: Nuclear Blast

Producer: Jonas Kjellgren


Scar Symmetry return with "Dark Matter Dimensions" a tight follow up to "Holographic Universe".

Shortly after the band released H.U. it was announced that Christian Alvestam (Ex-Frontman) would be leaving the band due to "interpersonal and creative differences" it came as a major let down to any Scar Symmetry die hard. The band would later recruit not one but two vocalists to fill in Christian's shoes.

My first impression when I heard "The Consciousness Eater" the first song to be released from the album for the first time, was that the band is really pushing the clean vocals to really sound like Christian is still in the fold. I started doubting that these guys had it in them to get away with being so catchy and brutal at the same time specially when I heard "Noumenon And Phenomenom" on it's own.

Until a couple of days ago when the band uploaded the full album on to their official Myspace that's when shit started getting interesting.

The album opens with "The Iconoclast"... get ready for some Melodeath schooling the way Scar Symmetry made famous since the 2005s. The blue print of pure ass kicking riffs, tagged along with addictive sing alongs is available through out the album. The amount of bands trying to use pop structures in their melodeath metal today are countless, and alot of them owe it all all to Scar Symmetry creating this signature formula, and the band does not fail to take their peers to school over and over again.

"The Consciousness Eater" picks up where "The Illusionist" left off, having a very similar feel to it. The album in general has alot of similar structures that where used on Holographic Universe. I love how Scar Symmetry tends to deal with the title track on each album, "Dark Matter Dimensions" has the sludge, the power, the technicality and the crazy samples that became vintage Scar Symmetry, "A Parenthesis in Eternity" is one hell of a fun ride.

In conclusion: I just heard the album a few times so far, it's extremely fun to listen to and has the formula that all die hard Scar Symmetry fans appreaciate, on the album vocalists Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist sound great, (clean vocals sound over produced though) I think the band rushed in releasing a follow up to "Holographic Universe", the core songwritting is still very powerful, and this release makes me look extremely forward to it's follow up.

Rating: 8/10

Head over to the band's Myspace to check out the album in its entirety.

Rocktube recently posted a 40 minute concert that the band shot at Graspop in Dessel, Belgium.

Watch 500.000 rock & metal videos on ROCKTUBE

Released: June 8th (To be released October 6th in North America)

Label: Universal

Genre: Humor Glam Metal


Get ready for the metalest ride of your life straight from the 80s, Steel Panther is a parody glam metal band that delivers a punch to the face with their big label debut "Feel The Steel".

All band members have stage names that fit the description perfectly (Michael Starr, Satchel, Lexxi Foxxx, Stix Zadinia)

Formerly known as Metal Skool, the band plays some awesome riffs, and solos through out the album "Asian Hooker" has that Neoclassical guitar shredding Yngwie Malmsteen made famous, with Slipknot's Corey Taylor doing guest vocals.

One of the many amazing things about Steel Panther's debut album is that the lyrics are hilarious. Vocalist Michael Starr (Ex - La Gunz) has mother f'ing great range "Hells On Fire" for example has Starr doing some great Bon Scott vocals. He gets away with most of the lyrics on the album and finds a away to crunch up words perfectly with the riffing, while maintaining all the metalness he needs.

The ballad-full "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)" has some hilarious lyrics sung the way Motley Crue would rock out only difference is the lyrics go a little something like this "I saw her drinking beer, Eatin peanuts by the bar, I was pretty desperate and i knew she had a car" and then goes on to "My friends keep telling me i must be going blind, Cause you got cottage cheese all over your behind yeeahhh, Even though some people point and laugh at us, You can kick their ass cause your bigger than a bus" while "Community Property" got me cracking up because as soon as I played the song I thought to myself their not going there, and whatya know, they did!

And off course I wouldnt dare not bring up the almighty opening track "Death To All But Metal" you know honestly when I first heard about Steel Panther a couple of years ago, I thought this could be one of the worst attempts to glorify glam, watching the video for "Death To All But Metal" got me on the right track with Michael Starr's kick ass opening lyrics "Fuck the Goo Goo Dolls, they can suck my balls"

"So you're big and kinda hairy, Like a monkey at the zoo, I don't care if you're a monkey, With an ass that's red and blue" M.Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) sings on "Turn Off The Lights" which is one of the coolest things about the album, the guest vocals. "Party All Night" features Justin Hawkins (The Darkness) and the band is famous for having a ton of famous musicians joining them live on stage and singing along some metal classics, like Pink performing with them Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child' Mine" , while rippin it apart with David Bryan (Bon Jovi) on "She's A Little Runaway" or David Draiman (Disturbed) covering Led Zeppelin's "A Whole Lotta Love" the list goes on.

In conclusion, "Feel The Steel" is one hell of a fun album to listen to over and over again, my advice if you didnt find Steel Panther interesting at first, give them another shot, there is alot of awesome stuff on the release. If you love metal from the heart there is no way you wont find something to like about this release, whether it's the lyrics or the awesome guitars, or simply for their crazy gimmick. Steel Panther reminds us why we love metal so much.

Death To All But Metal!

Let me start this off by saying that Your Last Sunrise has great time signatures, the band's progressive edge, along with the heavy riffage on their debut self titled album makes them ahead of the rest for sure. The band blends high pitched growls, with Alt-Metal choruses along with pounding drums to create a very heavy yet catchy sound. While the lyrics at times could be the weak link, front man Cesar Silvia hits his notes perfectly!

Guitarists Stephen Elias and Simon “Twiggy” Gibberish work together terrifically producing very diverse guitar playing. Closing track "Awake" has a dark opening riffs, with sludge filled verses, but also has an acoustic break. The album consumes alot of colors and is layered right. Band members influences vary from Protest The Hero, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, All Shall Perish, Metallica and Zeppelin to ABBA and Scissor Sisters.

"Your Addiction" starts off heavy, leading into a very catchy chorus, backed up with some awesome bass lines. One of the band's best qualities is solid song structures, although sometimes predictable, the band manages to pull it off!

Your Last Sunrise is a very diverse band, and their blend of heavy riffing, catchy alternative choruses, and great chemistry, makes this band one to look out for.

I Give YLS a 7/10

Your Last Sunrise On Myspace

Voice Of The Soul are a Melodic Death Metal band based in Kuwait. The band is fronted by 17 year old guitarist Kareem from Lebanon, along with bassist Monish from India. The band's EP "Winds Of Apprehension" shows off the band's strong Melodeath roots.

"Winds Of Apprehension" utilizes the classic Gothenburg sound, the glory days of the genre if you may (Dark Tranquility, old school In Flames, etc) the band does a top notch performace of executing the music. Kareem is doing a great job at handling vocals and guitars on the EP. The band also does a great cover of Death's "Emtpy Words" as a tribute to the late Chuck Schuldiner (which Kareem nails!).

Guitar work on the release, is all around very impressive, and bass is up in the mix at the right times, and flows smoothly through out the EP.

Title track "Winds Of Apprehension" has a opener reminicient of Dark Tranquility's work, with a diverese song structure.

In an overall deal, "Winds Of Apprehension" is a great EP for old school Melodeath Fans, it shows that the band is serious about making music, progression is very obvious and makes the listener grow curious as to how future material will sound.


I give "Winds Of Apprehension" a 6.9/10

VOTS On Myspace

Check out the band's awesome cover for Death's "Empty Words"

Band: Grieving Age

Genre: Doom/Death Metal

Released: July 16th

Produced By: Kamal Al Nauimi

Mixed And Mastered By: Dan Swano

Artwork By: Aaron Stainthorpe


Grieving Age is a Doom/Death Metal band hailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The band was founded by Front man Ahmed Shawli and Guitarist Ghassan Fudail back in 2003.

On July 16th, Grieving Age released their debut full length album "In Aloof Lantern, Thy Bequeathed A Wailer Quietus" which is a brutally charged Doom metal release.

The album is 36 minutes of dark, brutal doom/death metal splitting into 2 songs "A Quadrennial Dame Pyres, Hearses Shall No Yawn, Thence..." and "Therefore A Myriad, Of Gargoyles Bellow Their Aborted Versicles, Quoth Thee..." the first track (story) tells of 3 Butchers and their sins, with a woman held for torture. While "Therefore A Myriad..." speaks of worthless scumbags and their shame. The song has a awesome thrash turn 3 and half minutes into it.

Production on the album is impressively top notch, courtesy of Kamal Al Nauimi (Deathless Anguish and Flesh Laceration) Ahmed's vocals are monstrous on the album, with some serious guttural growls through out the release.

"In Aloof Lantern, Thy Bequeathed A Wailer Quietus" was mixed and mastered by legendary Swedish musician/producer Dan Swano (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath) while artwork was handled by Doom Metal's favorite eye lined front man Aaron Stainthorpe.

Lyrics on the album fit the music perfectly, the subjects handled are expressed well and covers the story vividly. As dark as the lyrics could be on the album, it's shaped up artistically.

The band obtains great musicianship, and tries to diversify their sound around their doom/death metal song structures "Therefore A Myriad, Of Gargoyles Bellow Their Aborted Versicles, Quoth Thee..." which has a thrash metal edge, starts off acoustically calm and subtle, only to get your face crushed by Ahmed's guttural growls of the words "Succumb All Of You Scums" which has to be one of my favorite parts on the album.

"In Aloof Lantern, Thy Bequeathed A Wailer Quietus" utilizes the classic Doom/Death metal formula with a passionate step forward, the band sticks to the roots of the genre and tries to expand the boundaries within. If your a fan of Saturnus, and would like a more raw, sludgy and brutal sound, I highly recommend Grieving Age.

I give "In Aloof Lantern, Thy Bequeathed A Wailer Quietus" a 7.5/10.

Here's a medley from the album to give you a taste of Grieving Age:

Grieving Age are:

Ahmed (Vocals)
Ghassan (Guitars)
Diya (Guitars)
Hosam (Bass)
Abdullah (Session Guitars)
Emad (Drums) [Who also fronts Wasted Land]


Grieving Age On Myspace

Hailing from Ontario, Canada. On Burning Shores is a deathcore band with a progressive edge, and a lot of energy. The band was founded in 2008 and ever since they've been very active within the scene.

Recorded at Mobus Recording Studios, Common Ground is a heavy blend of addictive riffs, pounding drums, and guttural vocals. The EP shows off the band's abilities and great musicianship, it also shows off the band's song structures and great time signatures. "Lyrically the group hits hard with a raw in your face view of a wide range of topics, covering everything from love, friendship, betrayal, to problems that we face in the music scene today."

The EP starts off with "Bridges" which is an acoustic intro, that transcends the feeling for album opener "Dare To Try" which takes the band into hardcore territory.

"Dare To Try" has a ton of riffs fitting perfectly with the drum and bass lines, while front man Mike Bacon covers the music with some hardcore vocals, and guttural screams to help intensify the guitar work.

"Blade To Betray" has a great song structure with a lot transitions. "Buckshot Mouthwash" starts off with a hardcore vibe, then breaks into riff madness.

"Tips For Better Household Cleaning" has one of my favorite transitions on the album, the song starts off with a great progressive riff, that slashes into classic NWOBHM brutality!

In an overall deal, the EP is a really great demo for what the band can do, they certainly have great chemistry, and bring out the best out of each other, seriously!

On Burning Shores takes Deathcore a step forward towards musical betterment with rich song structures, powerful vocals, memorable riffs and pounding drum and bass lines.

I give "Common Ground" a 7.6/10

On Burning Shores' Official Myspace

Band: Dååth

Album: The Concealers

Genre: Death Metal


Released: April 21st, 2009

Label: RoadRunner Records and Century Media

Producer: Jason Suecof

SHARPEN THE BLADES !!!

Dååth start off "The Concealers" with one of the fastest paced songs on the album, new front man Sean.Z delivers the goods indeed, while Jeremy Creamer lays some fucking chunky bass lines. Off course the song will not go anywhere without Emil and Eyal's monstrous guitar work, did I mention Kevin Talley's signature technicality blowing this track outta planet earth! Oh yea and I was only talking about the opening track.

Before I go on with this review I'd like to point something out to old school fans, and elitist douche bags that think its cool to criticize any band trying to bring in a new sound. Actually I'd like to quote AltSounds' review:

"The album on the whole is a contender for fans of this style to get into, if you’re not a fan by now chances are this isn’t going to convert you to the Dååth religion but if you’re willing to strap yourself in for the ride you’ll be pleasantly surprised!"

This sums up what I'd like to say to every idiot that decides not to listen to Dååth because they are "Modern" or "Hot Topic" metal, Get Over It!

Ok so the guys decided to drop the 13 songs into 13 albums idea, and release a 11 track album, dealing with alot of topics (self corruption, destruction, etc) does the album kick ass? bet your ass it does!

Obviously with the departure of Mike Kameron alot where curious about the industrial edge the band utilized on their previous album "The Hinderers" well there isnt much industrial elements on the album, its more death metal this time around.

"Self-Corruption Manifesto" has the band pushing it to full force, with a haunting riff, only to culminate into a dark atmospheric bridge, that blows the song out of all proportions with the second haunting riff on the song, followed by a sting-like solo that will give you the sense of being on the edge of it all, and just not giving a fuck.

I gotta give props to Emil and Eyal for their tremendously amazing job on the album, the guys pour out riffs that kill, one after the other.

Want a new take on some classic death metal formulas? listen to "The Worthless" and "Wilting On The Vine". Wilting has one hell of a riff.

The samples are still present but to a much lesser extent then previous releases. "Of Poised Sorrows" has some of the trippiest samples to tag along with the guitars. "Duststorm" is a great interlude.

One thing I dont get why arent people mentioning "Incestuous Amplification" its like a medley of all the ass kicking parts on the album put together for one final brutal head bang to wave goodbye to the listener.

In conclusion: There is alot to say about this record but I also dont want to ruin the ride for you, so strap on a pair and listen to the album, if you liked previous Dååth releases and want a more straight forward death metal release with a progressive edge to it, then "The Concealers" is an album worthy of your money and time. The band has a perfect line-up that I look forward to more releases from.

I give "The Concealers" a 8/10

Dååth On Myspace