Fade under Influence - Twisted

Fade Under Influence

Twisted

5 tracks

Fade under Influence – Tampa Florida

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/fuifan#

www.reverbnation.com/fadeunderinfluence

Genre: Metal/ Hard Rock

I do not usually show negativity towards a band and I think I am fairly constructive in my approach to the music created by unsigned bands, but here I am actually stumped for words to convey what was contained on this bland CD.

The cover whether done intentionally or not was smudged and very amateurish shows the picture of a skull and crossbones above the heading “Twisted” in blue felt tip pen, probably the same pen that has been used to colour in the skull and crossbones and looks like someone spilt something on it and it has smudged to a blur. No information on the band (or band member as Jack is the sole member on this CD) or what year it was horrifically made.  The title tracks do appear printed when you lift out the badly folded paper cover but not in the order they are on the CD making it very confusing. Not sure what the true cover is meant to be so I have just taken a photo from Reverbnation for review purposes.

On Reverbnation the band page states: sounds like: – Metallica, Pink Floyd and AC/DC perhaps I am listening to the wrong band, but this CD is nothing like the aforementioned bands above, no matter how many times I listen I just don’t hear it.

Darkness

A rather doom laden track with lots of cymbals and a slow beat. It has a Shrieking guitar riff that really sets your teeth on edge. Vocals clean and slightly off key and not very interesting.

Mary-O-Net

Starts off promising with a heavy riff and then slightly quickens but not to fever pitch. Jack more or less talks over the track although in somewhat of a gabble. The guitar is a little more interesting as it chugs out some good chunky riffs but it finishes rather abruptly with a laugh.

Mother

More doom inspired riffs and slow drum beats with clean and again uninteresting and mind numbingly boring vocals. “Mother do you think they will like this song?” errr no – sorry!

The Moon

This track has a promising beat and the vocals do sound in keeping with the music it doesn’t really inspire me, but probably the most promising on the entire CD and that is saying something.

Twisted

Drum beats open with Jack talking over the track again but does not keep me hooked to listen to the end. Boring and oppressive to listen to with the most terrible guitar I have ever heard in my life – it makes me wish I was totally deaf instead of partially.

Production sounds like it has been done in a practice room and very unprofessional. No information on the band page either so all in all rather disappointing. I have really struggled to find something positive to say here but sadly nothing comes to mind. This CD does nothing but irritate. There is no real structure or direction – unless I am missing the point? – But I really do not see what Jack is trying to do at all here. It isn’t metal, it isn’t rock... it is more doom if anything and not the exciting kind either! I would be lying if I said I liked this CD, but I suppose it must appeal to the 11 fans on facebook!

If I was you Jack I would fade this band out altogether and go and do something less boring instead.

Track Listing:

Darkness

Mary-O-Net

Mother

The Moon

Twisted

Members:

Jack Mizell

Spawn of Psychosis - Freakshow Pandemic - June 23rd 2012

Spawn of Psychosis

Freakshow Pandemic

June 23^rd 2012

Dredge Records Ltd

Spawn of Psychosis – Maidstone, Kent

Links:

http://www.spawnofpsychosis.com

Genre: Punk/Metal/Industrial 

Following on Some two years later Spawn of Psychosis are about to release their second full length CD Freakshow Pandemic with support from Sarah Jezabel Deva and Calatrilloz to name but two, and great to see bands supporting others in the cut throat music industry.

This CD’s appearance is in toxic green and carries a parental advisory warning – these guys mean business! Another nice bundle complete with T shirt but no accompanying booklet this time, but still very tastefully eye-catching and industrial looking.

Cirque du Psychosis 4:11

Now this is what I call an industrial beat – the hunger has been satisfied now. This is what I expected the first CD to be like and although great listening not half as good as what I am hearing now. Razorr has indeed brought that hard edge I was talking about above, to the bands phenomenal sound.  The strange incidental keyboard noises are superb the evil laughs add nicely to the mix and bring intrigue to the forefront.

Freakshow Pandemic 2:46

There is no getting away from the bands roots they are firmly planted in concrete but here they have built on them in epic proportions. There are still the catchy rhythms but now the tasty synth which I love so much just edges forward and smacks you full on in the mouth with some really powerful vocals.

Friends like These 3:38

“One two – fuck you!” Indeed this is a nice rock orientated track with sheer oomph – but with a lot more funky little elements thrown in which come out as a winning combination and basically about being stabbed in the back by “so called” friends – it has happened to the best of us, but the band have captured the feeling so right within the lyrics and the music – it is up close and personal and I love it!

Bodybag 3:31

Amazing startling synth sounds haunt this track. A very interesting concept behind this track about the struggles we face within the confines of our own skin and remark that life can be worse than death – even though none of us know what death holds – but this track sums up in one word “suffocate” another winning track.

Mother 4:24

A very personal track that was written by Spawn after losing his Mother in an upward struggle to cancer. The music clearly reflects this emotional battle and leaves one feeling melancholy in a tide of conflicting emotion and desperation. The anger prominent as the track unfolds.

Romantic Homicide 4:06

A chunky bass line and some really interesting vocals on this track. A tongue in cheek track about love and heartbreak in the bands own words “Rob Zombie inspired riffs” with very intensely dark overtones. Good melodic quality beats and powerful with it. 

Fuel for the Fire 3:55

A track that underlines the seriousness of depression and the people who suffer it outlining it is what makes them who they are in the world. Prolific and profound with some insane beats that offer the element of thrash/NU metal but without overshadowing the bands roots.

Legacy 4:33

The squelchy synth noises and flurry of blasting beats resemble the band Dope and sound very industrial. Yet again great lyrics about identity – yes we all have identity but none so much as Spawn of Psychosis who have grown immensely since their last album back in 2010 and there is no mistaking their intense determination to flourish particularly with their hard hitting lyrics that contain dark sombre elements of tragedy, pain and mental anguish.

Club Antichrist 3:26

A dark and sinister track written in honour of the club in London that bears the same name and one which the band frequently attends even though they never ever thought they would play there, but this goal has now been reached and surpassed - The old school rock sleaze riffs contained within the song transports you back in time with dramatic results.

Who Killed? 4:50

Spawn of Psychosis again end with a surprising track quite different to any of the aforementioned tracks. A poignant track that spells out the tragedy of a friend of the band from their childhood. Clever use of the words and Inspired by the English literary poem “Who killed Cock Robin?” Spawn literally talks instead of singing to some disturbing yet deftly haunting keys and piano that outline and deliberate the sadness in the tragedy. It is a beautiful piece of writing and a compelling statement of the past with intrigue and sombre undertones.

Overall the most powerful of the two CD’s and one where the listener can clearly distinguish the growth of the band from great to amazing! Intelligent lyrics that can be related to an event with music to match and where the quality just increases ten-fold.  Imaginative, poignant and compelling with heaps of interest make this band one to watch for the future as I am sure they will grow to epic proportions on the next album and one I hope they will let me review once completed.

Do check out the band on the link above and but their new album Freakshow Pandemic digipak with T shirt there are only 50 being made available so go grab yourself one as you will be doing yourself a big favour. 

Track Listing:

  01: Cirque du Psychosis 4:11

  02: Freakshow Pandemic 2:46

  03: Friends like These 3:38

  04: Bodybag 3:31

  05: Mother 4:24

  06: Romantic Homicide 4:06

  07: Fuel for the Fire 3:55

  08: Legacy 4:33

  09: Club Antichrist 3:26

  10: Who Killed? 4:50

Members:

Dragg – Guitar/Backing Vocals

Spawn – Vocals, Drum Programming, Studio Guitar

Razorr – Bass Guitar, Drum Programming, Synth/FX

Spawn of Psychosis - Children of Pandora - June 2010

Spawn of Psychosis

Children of Pandora

June 2010

Dredge Records Ltd

Spawn of Psychosis – Maidstone, Kent

Links:

http://www.spawnofpsychosis.com

Genre: Punk/Metal/Industrial

Spawn of Psychosis was formed by Spawn originally as a solo project and released his first EP – a home recording back in 2009 entitled “Parasite” In 2010 Spawn of Psychosis grew three more members Dragg (Guitar) Feral (Bass) and later Weevil on Backing Vocals and released this little beauty “Children of Pandora” which was actually on sale at their local HMV store. Highly impressive!

The look of this CD (and accompanying T Shirt) is true eye candy, clever use of colours in the artwork and what is contained within musically is indeed “meaty!” containing some really heavy and chunky riffs and not only that but 9 tracks very professionally put together with a nice booklet and sticker to boot. This is a really great little bundle to own.

A hint of punk in there and good industrial heavy beats – the band has seen that nothing has been left out (apart from the lyrics) – but what you get here is the works and then some!

Although I like real drumming the programming for the drum works well on the tracks and is typically industrial and anyone who knows me knows that I love Industrial Metal with a passion.

I am particularly pleased to see that the band is influenced by X-Sys another superb Industrial Metal Band from the South (but with a more cyber feel to it) and a band I would love to see play live at some point.

Queen of Ammunition

The opening beat to this track tells me this is going to be a fantastic CD to review. As instrumental tracks go this has balls and means business.  Its driving force is powerful and embracing. A nice heart racer with plenty of guts and intensity.

Rise of the Virals

Melodically inspiring and a nice groovy beat attached. Punky clean but raw vocals from Spawn. “Freaks and misfits” – and they are just the listeners. Great catchy lyrics with more driving thunderous riffs.

Patricide

Quirky vocals still with the punk element amidst a rapturous wall of sound.  Tinny drum beat that blends well with the track. “What’s wrong daddy?” “Don’t you wanna play?” “What’s wrong?” “Not having fun yet?” great lyrics that tells it how it is.

Devils Heartbeat

Brilliant chunky riffs and cheeky bass work superbly with the drums and the vocals again raw. Compelling listening just makes you want to turn the volume up more to feel the vibes. Very catchy and does what it says on the label.

Spawn of Psychosis

Fast, ferocious and head shockingly brilliant! Drums are just superb – could they get any faster? I doubt I could head-bang successfully to this. Driving rhythms and feisty bass – this is really a great track. Spawn really shines on this one!

Children of Pandora

The title track incorporates more chunky larger than life beats with a pounding rhythm that sucks you in. More catchy lyrics embrace the ears and you find yourself moving your head in appreciation with the sound – it recharges the batteries so to speak. The guitars pour out some great driving riffs in molten melodic form.

Survivor

Raw vocal assault amidst a powerful compelling drum beat with fiery riffs incorporating more catchy melodic tones.

Song for the Infected

Infectious beats and heavy riffs – slower in pace with sinister overtones that surround more raw and punchy vocals – although this sounds slightly disjointed than any of the previous tracks. “When they come for you will you run and hide?” very interesting lyrics that pull no punches.

Angels Wings (Live acoustic bonus track)

A pleasant little track that is very different from the previous entourage – but not a lover of acoustic tracks to be honest – but glad to see the band have some diversity.  At the very end of the CD you will find some strange dark noises and a voice saying “Shut the fuck up!” “Right!” I love it!

Overall this is great listening and I am not just saying this to be kind. Spawn of Psychosis is quirky, punchy and interesting. Saying this I would like them to go a little more industrial along the lines of X-Sys i.e. more cyber based and go a little less punk. Don’t get me wrong I love the punk era but think it is a little outdated now and I think that the tracks could do with a harder edged cyber element.

It would be nice to see more industrial bands forming around the UK as they are sadly lacking but Spawn of Psychosis have all the elements contained within their songs to move on to some cyber based tracks and I think this would benefit their sound immensely.

Check out Spawn of Psychosis you will be glad you did – this band has a lot to offer!

Track Listing:

Queen of Ammunition

Rise of the Virals

Patricide

Devils Heartbeat

Spawn of Psychosis

Children of Pandora

Survivor

Song for the Infected

Angels Wings (Live acoustic bonus track)

Members:

Feral – Bass/Drum Programming

Spawn – Vocals/Guitar-Drum Programming

Weevil – Backing Vocals

Dragg – Guitar

Captivum - Release - 15th March 2011

Captivum

Release - 4 Track Demo

March 2011

Captivum - Lahr/Schwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland

Links:

http://Captivum.net

Genre: Progressive Thrash Metal

Formed in 2006 under the name of Hellstormer and founded by Benjamin (the band’s vocalist and lead guitarist) who later changed the band name to Captivum. After a lot of changes within the line-up when Samuel became the new rhythm guitarist and Simon the new bass player - Captivum have now found harmony at last.

This foursome are from good ole Deutschland and had their first rehearsal in 2007 and some four years later finally released their four track demo entitled “Release” on March 15^th 2011.

I was however, disappointed on receiving the CD to find no artwork accompanying it so I am not sure what that should be but selected the bands logo and photo of the band so you can see both.

Release

Quite a classy beginning with a melodic flurry of strings and a pounding of drum beats the track goes on to slow and the vocals kick in – sounding slightly off key in places but the harmonies pull the track back in line.  The guitars really sound technical and progressive as the song unfolds. Nice up tempo melodic riffs and rounded bass.

What the Fuck

Crushing riffs build to a musical crescendo within a wall of well-balanced drumming and the vocals sounding much better with the chanting tones of “What, the Fuck!” It is an interesting track with great melodies and plodding tempo – but too short in my opinion.

Come of Age

Awesome shredding begins and the drumming gets profoundly faster – the vocals although strong sounding are a little strained in places which do not do the track justice at all. But overall the thrash element is welcomed and does get the head moving which isn’t all bad.

Meaningless Endeavours

Sinister whisperings and strings make the track intriguing – a more clean beat protrudes from the speakers but the vocals sadly let the track down sounding again a little out of key again and as the track is slow paced makes it all the more prominent. This is a shame, as this track is the black sheep of the EP and not my favourite track as it doesn’t have any punch or direction and seems to just drag on a bit too much - although the breakdown is epic!   My favourite track has to be “What the Fuck?” without a doubt although it could be a little longer as I mentioned previously.

A little disappointing truth be known – I would have thought that after six years the band would have come up with more of a wow factor than just an “OK” factor.

Maybe the next release will contain all the things that this four-track EP should have come up with but saying that there is still time for the band to grow and find a higher ground.

Maybe the band should in my opinion stick to doing tracks that are catchier and deliver a bit more oomph such as What the Fuck, rather than tracks that don’t hold the listeners attention span such as the last track which is for me sadly lacking in direction. But I do prefer the meatier tracks.

Not a bad EP in all musically but still needs a few tweaks to bring them up to scratch.  Definitely the artwork would have been a nice touch rather than just a plain white CD cover – looks are everything and can make or break a band and with their being so many bands out there all vying for a place in the scene a lot more care should be taken when sending out EP’s.

Definitely worth a listen though and check the band out for yourself on the above link.

Track Listing:

Release

What the Fuck

Come of Age

Meaningless Endeavours

Members:

Benjamin Eggs – Vocals/Lead Guitar

Simon Nehlert – Bass

Samuel Klinkebiel – Rhythm Guitar

Silvan Walter - Drums

Fire in the Empire - To the thinking Man's Horror - March 2012

Fire in the Empire

To the Thinking Man’s Horror

March 2012

Fire in the Empire – Chorley, Lancashire

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/fireintheempiremetal

Get their E.P at http://www.fite.bigcartel.com/

Genre: Melodic Rock/Progressive Metal

Chorley based band Fire in the Empire have been together for little under two years and now produced this EP entitled “To the thinking man’s horror” The cover doesn’t really say much other than to give the band name and title of the EP along with a shadowy face – looks like some Roman god – but then again I never paid attention in History.. Too busy getting into the metulz!

To the thinking man’s horror

Despite the lack lustre EP Cover the band redeem themselves with some face melting riffs on “To the thinking man’s horror” but the vocals just don’t cut it for me sounding dull – there needs to be a little more oomph in the vocal department for me, as they sound a little “thin” in comparison to the wall of sound the band produce but the guitars are truly immense and bring you some great riffage indeed. Awesome drumming too that just gets the head moving in appreciation to the sound that produces some quite progressive elements and a nice groove too.

Fear and Time

Very catchy beats here and a nice strong bass line – can’t help but move to this track as it surges through the speakers, but sadly again the vocals just don’t seem to carry the track forward, which is just a shame. The shredding is simply divine the lyrics are catchy and the breakdowns interesting.

Twisted Tale

Energetic this track really delivers the goods – quite technical in its delivery with some amazing solos and balanced drumming from Dean but dare I say it... the vocals again just don’t do the track justice in my opinion and seem very disjointed from the track musically - I want to hear some vocals with feeling (Sorry Mick) the harmonies work though, (Courtesy of Terry) and do add something good to the mix but nobody could fault the sound on this track it is a real masterpiece. Blisteringly powerful and intense.

Breakaway

A really great stomping opening that brings in a nice chunky bass from Sam and squealing melting guitar. However despite Mike’s vocal sounding a bit dis-jointed on the previous tracks on this track they really work a lot better with the harmony and give it a nice well rounded sound which I like a lot. Nice catchy rhythm to it and superb strings it clearly has something awe inspiring about it. It captures a dreamy element to the bands’ sound and lacks nothing at all. As the track builds to a mighty crescendo it really ignites the interest and the guitars just come into their own. That bass line just divides and conquers. This track is really amazing, so amazing I don’t want it to end.

Although a bit disappointing in places this CD isn’t one to give up on just yet. Yes the cover could do with being a bit more eye catching with some nice artwork or at least some colour and the vocals could do with sprucing up a bit but the musical content of this CD really captures the imagination.

Still worth checking out and listen for yourself.  You can purchase the EP from the link above for a fiver! and here’s hoping that when the band bring out a full album at the end of the year it will bring a truly amazing cover that will capture people’s attention as this one just doesn’t do the band justice. As for the vocals there is still time for Fire in the Empire to reach their potential and really hope they do! Probably a band that sound much better live than on CD and I hope I get the chance to see them perform live at some stage in their career.

Track Listing:

To the thinking man’s horror

Fear and Time

Twisted Tale

Breakaway

Members:

Mick McCullagh – Guitar/Vocals

Terry Casey – Guitar/Backing Vocals

Sam Gee – Bass

Dean Marshall – Drums