Bangover - Divine Command Theory - Released May 2012

Bangover

Divine Command Theory

Released May 2012

Bangover - D.C.T Great cover!

Bangover - London

Links:

http://bangover.bandcamp.com/

http://www.reverbnation.com/bangover

Genre: Thrash Metal

Indeed with a passion for thrashin’ Andzrej Lupa (15) (Yes you read right) and bassist/vocalist Fionn Lawton (17) met in London in Holy thrashimony at an Evile gig in 2011 and shortly after Jack Taylor (23) joined after responding to a local ad in UKThrash.

Despite the age difference and geographical problems the guys immediately gelled and Bangover was born.  They played their first gig soon after forming.

A short while after that Bangover set about writing their own material and entered the studio to record their E.P. D.C.T. (Divine Command Theory) in February 2012.

I find it absolutely amazing that guys as young as 15 are producing music like this it really is top notch thrash!

Ain’t got the time to bleed

This is as heavy as it gets as far as thrash goes it is really the dog’s doo dahs!  Set in a battle field “Son of a bitch has dug in like an Alabama tick!” “You’re hit? “You’re bleedin’ man!” “I ain’t got time to bleed!” “Oh, OK!” Gunfire! “You got time to duck?” In Classic thrash style that’s well above average. The guitar just mesmerizes and pulverises as Jack sets to work whilst Andzej kills that drum kit and Fionn blisters the ear drums somewhat. Prepare to have your socks blown off and feel that surge in your chest through the speakers – it’s just wild!!

Awesome track from:

Listen here to Ain't got time to Bleed!!

Balls in your mouth

Fast thrashing a bound with tongue in cheek lyrics, sophisticated and complex sound that holds great technical skill and ferocity and to a very high degree. Although in my opinion does not last long enough to truly get into the flavour of the track.

Concede

Now let’s get serious! The enormity of this track alone is just astounding. Superb guitar licks and ambient bass with light cymbals make it a striking track. The build-up marches on and bursts into a mean and grisly chug that you just want to move your head to. It is by far sophisticated and complex in rhythm and tempos.  The vocals are typically thrash chanted but none the less superb! The production on this is brilliant, well balanced and exciting to listen to. It is indeed a powerful and technical composition.  The drumming and guitar work really is innovative and striking! As well as crunchy and vibrant it all comes together nicely here just a superb track. Lose yourself in the compelling rhythm – here comes the repeat...

DCT (Divine Command Theory)

Bangover are gonna give you a hangover without the alcohol this is really good head shaking stuff!! Catchy melodic, powerful and fiery I just love it – and so grateful for my computer to finally let me play it in its glory (after it sitting there for a number of weeks whilst my computer decided whether or not to play it) the riffs are just compelling and promising.  This is just delicious I think I got another favourite right here!

Macaroni Massacre

This is just a filler which sounds like Macaroni let’s go! But too quick to actually work out for sure!

Over the top

Bangover’s attitude is laudably heavy, fast and reckless with a lot of aggression. This track is one that has the above in vast quantities. Consistent and unwavering brutality these straight forward thrashers have really nailed this track.

Bangover have a lot of room for progression being of a young age but I feel already on top of their game and produced more than an acceptable master-piece of thrashin’ goodies all contained within this awesomely inspiring E.P.

Not just any thrash band but one of the best impressive thrash band’s I have heard in a long time! Since Entropy and Bludvera that is (Two quite well known thrash acts from Liverpool) Well-structured tracks that have more venom than a million deadly snakes and they are out to stick their fangs into you as soon as you start listening!

The flow is constant and unyielding and sets the pace for a full onslaught in your face thrash attack!

Be good to see what the guys have for their next musical entourage but one thing is for sure if they are top of their game now where will they be in 10 years’ time? Probably headlining at some large festival in a foreign country making millions and I for one hope they do as this stuff is what thrash is made of powerfully distinctive riffs, quality drumming, full on bass and superb vocals – that is distinctly Bangover style.

Watch out for these guys because I really do have a feeling that they are going to go the distance and produce some even more complex, thrilling and grandiose compositions for our listening pleasure – hurry up guys I want more!!

9/10

Track Listing:

Ain’t got the time to bleed

Balls in your mouth

Concede

DCT (Divine Command Theory)

Macaroni Massacre

Over the top

The awesome Bangover thrashin' loud n proud

Members:

Jack Taylor – Guitar/Backing Vocals

Fionn Lawton – Bass/Lead Vocals

Andzrej Lupa - Drums

Savage - Sons of Malice - 13 Track CD - Minus2Zebra - Released April 23rd 2012

Savage

Sons of Malice

13 Track CD

Minus 2 Zebra

Released April 23^rd 2012

New album out now!

Savage – Mansfield, Nottingham

Links:

www.myspace.com/savageuk

www.reverbnation.com/savagemusicuk

Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal/NWOBHM

Formed in 1979 and from the Mansfield area of Nottingham Savage is without a doubt a NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) band – so we are talking a good thirty years plus musical career for this band and sadly produced just six albums in that time, the first being Loose n Lethal in 83, Hyperactive in 85, Holy Wars 95, Babylon 96, Xtreme Machine in 2001 and now in 2012 Sons of Malice and disbanded twice to my knowledge but now back with an unholy bang!

Savage folded in 86 and then made a comeback in 95 and then disbanded again in 2000 but this hasn’t stopped them from getting back in the saddle and now 12 years on have produced Sons of Malice and this I feel has just made the band a stronger force and put them right back on the map again as it is the band’s strongest to date.

It has been a roller coaster of a ride for Savage with the record company’s lack of support and lack of effective management which in turn led to the band’s frustration and that served only to force the band to go dormant for ten years.

Savage were plucked from the compilation album “Scene of the Crime” by Lars Ulrich whilst he was in London and after hearing them tore off back to America to share his find with fellow band mates and soon after that Metallica recorded a demo of “Let it Loose” which helped them to create their thrash metal genre and secured them a deal.

Compilation

Savage comprises of Chris Bradley (vocals) and Andy Dawson on (lead guitar) who started the band back in 79 with Mark Nelson on drums and Chris’ son and Andy’s nephew, Kristian Bradley on rhythm guitar and there you have it. Bring on Savage 2012!

Savage

Just where did the time go? One minute you are there in your Iron Maiden T Shirt throwing out the two fingered salute and then everything changes.  I can’t say that all changes are bad – hell no, but NWOBHM has indeed suffered over the years and made way for more extreme genres so it has had its nose pushed out of joint somewhat, but good to rewind time and re-live those classic moments with a 21 century twist and this is what Savage have done with their new offering.

It still has the same, bluesy riffs and 80’s clout, but jumped a stage higher plus they have all that experience behind them now which will guide them on their pause/play career and let’s hope the play carries on longer than their pause.

If you love Tank, Saxon, Tygers of Pan Tang, Fist, Witchfynde, Holocaust, Diamond Head, Samson, Maiden, Quartz and Angel Witch, then I am sure you will love Savage just as much – third time lucky!

The Rage Within

This is an energetic start to what sounds like a good album! Offering great meaty riffs, full on bass hooks and slamming beats, with ballsy vocals. It chugs and fires on all cylinders! The breakdowns are just kick ass and it holds a superb melodic content that is in your face and will get the head moving!

Black n Blue

A good solid arrangement of strings and a slow swaggering drum beat along with some moody vocals. Bluesy riffs manifest themselves and give out a good sleazy vibe!

Sons of Malice

Great riffage on this ‘ere track really 80’s style – that chug of guitars is really chunky, unpretentious and screams at you; “Hey listen to me!” Good lyrics too, that comes across as punchy and kick ass and my favourite track so far!

The Hanging Tree

A beautiful intriguing little start on this track that builds and has an American flavour attached to it. It bursts into a rapturous chug and turns into a solid rhythmic track with bags of swagger and invigorates and at the same time excites the listener – it builds further to a high frenzy with great chorus trailing off with some tingly guitar strings.

Monkey on my Back

No lack of rhythm or melodic content here with catchy lyrics which isn’t half bad! Sounds a little like a Bon Jovi track, at least it wouldn’t sound out of place on an early Bon Jovi album, however, still a note-worthy track!

Junkyard Dogs

Laid back vocals and chunky rhythm gives this track a nice bite with hefty breakdowns and substantial drumming that carries the weight. But tends to repeat itself a bit too much!

Blow

Strong and punchy this leaps into action with some great vocals and very catchy lyrics and a chug and a half of rhythm to back it up. A great array of lead and rhythm guitar and stomping bass hooks – this is a superb track that has lots of emotion and fire within it.

Waking the Dead

Solid drum beat and inspiring guitars that squeal in appreciation of what they are being made to do with great lyrical quality too. The echo effect injection on the vocals is pleasing to the ears and altogether it is just brimming with feeling and passion! The vocals are just tingly and shrill when Chris screams wowwwwwwwww!! Listen out for it!

Choose Revolution

Chunky beats and rhythmic guitars leave a pleasant tang on the tongue not to mention the feeling your ears have listening to this. Again vocally the little “breaths” that Chris does add flavour to the track.

Now

Awesome, just awesome this is a fiery little track with nice choppy beats and sleazy vocals. Nnnnnnnowwwwwwwwwwwwww!! If your head isn’t banging to this then you should hang up your leather jacket and stop throwing the horns!! It’s so catchy and worthy of the repeat button.  I got myself another favourite track! Nailed to perfection!

Look at it yourself

Slow pace guitar with great effects that intrigue the listener and pull them into its deftly played rhythms but not as memorable as the previous track and lacks a bit of oomph but it does however contain some sweeping guitar riffs that adds a certain something.

Master of War

Musically rhythmic and plodding with chunky beats it captures and appeals and has great lyrics contained within it. Through-out the track that rhythm will be burned into your skull long after the track finishes.

Fallen Idol

Another head banging well produced track that has a kick like a mule in a bad mood! A good distinguished beat with up tempo groove and style and offers superb riffs to boot! Vocals are just tremendous!

Now for all the mature metal heads - close your eyes and wallow in the 80’s once more and if you are too young to do that then experience this in the here and now and thank your lucky stars you can.

The memorable tracks for me on this album are Sons of Malice, the Hanging Tree, Monkey on my Back, Blow, Waking the Dead and Master of War they really stand out but Now is my utmost favourite.

If you are one of the many who love NWOBHM then Savage is a safe bet! So sit back and prepare yourself to be well and truly; savaged in true NWOBHM style.

9/10

Track Listing:

The Rage Within

Black n Blue

Sons of Malice

The Hanging Tree

Monkey on my Back

Junkyard Dogs

Blow

Waking the Dead

Choose Revolution

Now

Look at it yourself

Master of War

Fallen Idol

Members:

Chris Bradley – Lead Vocals/Bass Guitar

Andy Dawson – Lead Guitar/Vocals

Kristian Bradley – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

Mark Nelson – Drums/Vocals

Urma Sellinger - Urma Sellinger - 11 Track CD - 2012

Urma Sellinger

Urma Sellinger

11 Track CD

2012

Urma Sellinger – Stockolm - Sweden

Links:

www.urmasellinger.com

www.facebook.com/urmasellinger

www.myspace.com/urmasellinger

Genre: Hardcore/Rock

6-Piece hard core band from Stockholm, Sweden began proceedings back at the beginning of 2010 and within a few months they got in touch with a British producer and Sound Tech Matt Hyde who has worked alongside bands such as Slipknot, and Bullet for my Valentine.

So much full of ambition and determination the guys travelled to London to record their first 3 track E.P. “Live Laugh Love” and just a week after release the band hit the number one slot for the most played tracks on My Space. Since then the band have moved from strength to strength and following the success of their debut E.P. decided to embark on recording a full length album. In 2010 Urma Sellinger were elected for the “People’s Choice” spot at the Festival “Moshpit Open” playing alongside bands such as Enter Shikari and The Ghost Inside.

Now with fan base growing by the minute to countries across the globe the guys felt it time to start recording their full-length album and in February 2011 Matt Hyde headed towards Gävle north of Stockholm to record the debut album which was scheduled for release on January 26^th 2012.

The cover is in simple black and white and just offers the band’s strange and intriguing name but inside, it shows an old map of the world and a booklet that when opened reveals the lyrics on what looks like old parchment paper which is cleverly done.

Not without the usual change in band members Urma Sellinger replaced Axel Valvik for Anton Lindqvist on bass in June 2011 and the line-up was now stable enough to create the superb 11 track CD of the same name.     

Overhang

Superb opening that sounds like a million bees buzzing into action and then a scathing vocal burst through with a great flurry of beats and riffs – this is just awesome. A very melodic track with a great mix of clean and gruff vocals that is wholesome listening.

For those we’ve lost

Another great track here Urma Sellinger really showing us what it is all about – The balance and production is amazingly crisp and pure gold listening.  It has a great chug to it and echoing on the clean vocals with a marching drum beat.

Plastic Smile

Great guitar riff to behold starts and then without warning scathing vocal chords simply explode! – the balance has been reached the ferocious content mixes superbly well with the beautiful clean mix giving you the grisly and the beauty together.

Hide & Seek

Angelic chords with a softer vocal starts this track – it is what dreams are made of... until the nightmare begins the scourging vocal kicks in and awakens you from your slumbers and then the dream starts again back and forth this track is aptly titled as the nightmare is never far away whilst the dreams hide within the track – the twists and turns on this track are just inspiring.

Far from Sandra

Tremendous riffs and beats with a fast-paced scathing vocal that kicks off this track and explodes at regular intervals. Strange title for a track but it’s about falling for the wrong person and their world collapsing around them. “What did I see in you , now after all you’ve done, won’t try another track, my heart is dead, and we are through, my heart is dead I’m over you”

Nothing but a lie

A pleasant little track but the lyrics foretell of coming through adversity although missing someone special. I still see your face, amongst the crowd, you haunt my mind, and my hopes for brighter days, where are they?” We have all gone through times like this but most of us survive and this track says it all too well.

Have you seen yourself lately?

A track all about following your dreams and Urma Sellinger are without a doubt following theirs in music and cleverly written lyrics. This track has more mixed vocals and great riffs.

No Escape

No escape from the brutal rhythms contained within this track either! It has groove and is really easy to get into although I love those grisly guttural growls they add that necessary bite to make this a great track and keep things ticking over nicely.

Every Second, Every Day

A simple love song with beautiful strings and vocals balanced with a soft rhythm and bass that could be a track for a story on a TV programme. Not normally in my listening capacity but the guys do it so well I can’t help but be impressed. The harmonies are really wonderful. But it is however a pop song!

Rise to the challenges

Ambient start with crisp guitar and blunted drum beats. The abrasive vocals start up amidst a rhythmic up tempo beat and a song of hope but the praying and faith thing isn’t up my street at all despite the great music.

Divided we stand

Again that evil vocal content gives this track a forceful bite that draws blood. It has powerful rhythm and pace with good strong solid beats. More ambient sounds that give it intrigue and depth and great listening ability!

Urma Sellinger - the band!

To sum up these young guys are clearly talented and have superb musical ability that reach high standards. I know a lot of people will probably make fun of this because of the clean and gruff vocals and indeed the pop song but I have to say that there is a lot more out there - genres have sub genres and all is needed is that you open your mind to it and embrace it to reach your final conclusion.

In the past I missed an awful lot not opening my mind to new ideas and such and thus lost out on some good music but it will never happen again. Granted there are things I just don’t like such as jazz and soul and I will never give them ear space but Urma Sellinger are Swedish and write and sing in English which is amazing for such young guys and this I feel has to be recognised.  Also age has a lot to do with things here – the more mature metal head will probably wince at the thought of liking something different and stepping out of their comfort zone and I myself have to admit I felt awkward listening to some genres but at the end of the day music in whatever genre it falls into keeps the world moving. On the other hand it goes to show that these guys are not just stuck in one groove and can branch out into other areas and no matter, deserves some recognition and besides they have time to move into newer areas depending on their taste in music but I have a feeling they are going to grow stronger.

I can’t say I do not like Urma Sellinger and was gutted I missed them play at the Zanzibar on the 23^rd September as most band’s sound more appealing live and I am damn well sure that these guys would have produced a compelling set.

Still onwards and upwards and fingers crossed the guys return for round two sometime soon.

8½/10

Track Listing:

Overhang

For those we’ve lost

Plastic Smile

Hide & Seek

Far from Sandra

Nothing but a lie

Have you seen yourself lately?

No Escape

Every Second, Every Day

Rise to the challenges

Divided we stand

Members:

Alex Borg – Vocals

Ollie Johansson –Vocals

Eric Lindqvist – Guitar

Andree Borg – Guitar

John Eriksson – Drums

Anton Lindqvist – Bass

Past Members:

Axel Valvik - Bass