Promethium & Hamerex - Live at the Snooty Fox - 3rd October 2014

Hamerex and Promethium

Live at the Snooty Fox

3^rd October 2014

Overview

Well considering it is a Friday night and Malc at the Snooty Fox put on a FREE gig – there were just a handful of people there, surprised – yes and no! 3 people on the Snooty’s Live stream, which was diabolical and a real indication that the metal scene is on its knees! And not just in Wakefield either – sadly the virus is spreading!

Malc is struggling to keep the venue going as it is, and personally I cannot understand this after visiting the Snooty twice now found it to be a fantastic venue, with great sound and superb atmosphere and yet it is NOT being used to its full capacity! Which is absolute sacrilege!

No reason for people not to get on the stream and watch either!! I am really sick of saying the same thing over and over again so not going to bother now!

Promethium – Lancaster

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Promethiumband

Genre: Metal

Promethium are absolutely amazing live! They always give a fantastic set, so much so the air is electrifying! Tonight’s gig at the Snooty although, through the live stream you could still feel the sparks fly!

Having seen Promethium play three times previously I can honestly say, without a doubt and 100% that these guys really deserve the support.

It is hard trying to head bang and type at the same time, but the head banging is compulsory when Promethium hit the stage.

Each groove and every riff is magnetic and pulls you into ravenous metal rhythms that scold, bite and scream energy and with brute force!

Although there were only a few in attendance supporting the gig tonight, they did however, and for the band’s encore, move to the front of the stage after a lot of coaxing and serious persuasion from Gaz.

They played absolutely tremendously this evening, the usual banter was rife, funny and the norm for Promethium and personally I was quite miffed at not being there in the flesh to enjoy it all, but thanks to the amazing Malc Shipman I was allowed to view it all from the comfort of my own home.

“Apparently Promethium are an Annihilator covers band and Dan has been fired!” :O

The Snooty is the ONLY venue I know that offer a live stream and yet even that wasn’t heaving and it should have been!

Members:

Dan - Guitar

Gary - Lungs

Rossi – Guitar/Vocals

Henry – Bass/Vocals

Adam – Drums

*******

Hamerex – Wakefield

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/hamerex

Genre: Heavy Metal

Since the departure of Chris Moules who quite recently this left a gap in the mighty Hamerex wall, which Steve Blower the bands guitarist quite courageously decided to fill.

It was quite strange seeing Hamerex as a three-piece but as they say “The show must go on!” Steve has always been at the helm of Hamerex and now even more so as he took on the vocal role.

Although at times the vocal was slightly off centre, it was obvious that the nerves were beginning to show and certainly not an easy task to undertake, but I couldn’t help but still be impressed with Hamerex and their fight to remain in the spotlight, against all odds, but together they did it!

As with Promethium, Hamerex too played all the old favourites and great seeing both bands play back to back again!

It wasn’t so long ago that Hamerex celebrated ten whole years on the metal scene, but it was slightly tainted with the departure of Chris, however it has opened up a new chapter for the band and all I can say is best of luck with their endeavours! Looking forward to see where it takes them in the next ten years!

Whether or not they decide to get in another vocalist remains to be seen but well done for taking the bull by the horns and fucking showing it who is boss!

Members:

Steve Blower – Guitar/Vocals

Andy Firth - Bass

Darren Kelsall – Drums

A big thanks to the amazing Malc Shipman for the gig and the live stream for without him I would not be writing this. And it goes without saying thanks to Promethium and Hamerex for injecting life into my otherwise lacklustre Friday evening! Apologies to When Idols Fall it seemed I tuned in too late to see them perform.

Marrow of Kaladrius - To Elysium - 12 Track Debut Album - Released 8th July 2014

Marrow of Kaladrius

To Elysium

12 Track Debut Album

Released 8^th July 2014

Written for Metal Gods

Marrow of Kaladrius – Belgium

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/marrowofkaladrius/timeline

Genre: Blackened Death Metal

Biography:

“Marrow of Kaladrius was born in 2014.

It began with one idea: create music without boundaries. Brieuc De Groof (Sekhmet, Aktarum, About: Blank) decided to forge a subtle blend of what metal is all about. Epic riffs, blasting drums, devoured vocals and enchanting melodies. All that under one banner: Extreme Epic Metal. The band have now released its debut album "To Elysium" filled with 12 tracks of Epic black/death metal. It tells the journey of Men among the stars. The path to reach Elysium. The story of the free man grabbing fate in his hands.  At first, "Mok" was meant to be a studio project but they decided to make it become "live" and grow further. The band are now ready to reveal their true colours around the world. Its will is strong and eager to be heard!”

I have come across some strange band names in my time but nothing prepared me for “Marrow of Kaladrius!” Although I feel it was a smart move on the bands part for two simple reasons: 1. No other band will have that name and 2. It makes them instantly recognisable.

Belgium isn’t a place associated with a lot of Black/Death metal bands, in fact “Aborted” and “Agathocles” are about the only two bands I can think of to originate from there, so it narrows the field down somewhat, although Belgium is hardly a vast area in the first instance. So without further ado, let’s just see what has escaped from the small land of Belgium!

Cosmic Reign

Well so far so good, the production is pretty amazing! The track immediately shows off its superb technical side with sweeping riffs that blend in to a strong drum beat.

Sky Emperor

Without a doubt very black vocals gristles their way through the track while a malignant battering produces a powerful temptation. Also present are low toned growls and high octane riffs so a bit of a roller coaster composition.

Kalandria

This track has surprised me as it opens with a gallant chugging and then steps back to a more tempered level. With low guttural growls and stealthy gnarliness it however succumbs to a clean vocal that does not do the track justice in my opinion.

As the Constellation falls

The shrill cymbal is so much so it literally slices the ears off in one fell swoop. Its structures are robust and demanding, but the clean vocal harmonies although not awful just loose that black intensity too much and I feel should just stick to low and high vocals.  The synth is pretty amazing and adds a hot chilli to the mix and redeems itself!

To Elysium

Is the title track to the album, and again is surprising as an acoustic guitar parades itself in front of the aural in a bold context. As the track edges slowly forward it is back to the clean vocals which for me spoil the track so much, however the low booming and formidable growls dig it out of a black hole and put a smile on my face once more.

When daylight rises

Bubbles under festering ambiance – this track is slow and plodding and also very short lived!

Serpent and Eagle

Unusual beginning that sounds like a fog horn! It soon twists venomously into a rampaging and impressive track that boasts that seductive heavy growl, but sadly we are back to the clean vocal harmonic structures again – and again a significant amount of potent energy dissipates which is a shame as this track does have potential.

King of Kings

Makes use of the synth in such an unusual way as it ripples with a vibrancy that leads in a most authoritarian way! The barbed hooks are engaging and technical with the gruesome black vocal drenched in a thick malevolence. The slower engrossing moment allows one to catch their breath and sink into its majestic arms – I even like the clean vocals on this as well as they are much more in keeping with the melodic tones of the music - I think I have found my favourite track on the album!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fw1Mk50nfc&spfreload=1

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“The music is a mix of impressive and heart-stopping. The grand structural synth and scintillating electric guitar riffs are vibrant and far reaching, keeping things alive, certainly to engrossing levels, pushing boundaries and really do showcase the bands talents on this their debut album To Elysium!”

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Stellar Icon

Sounds like a hungry hornets nest as the rhythms buzz and hum to a myriad of blackness. Another dynamic track that peeks the interest and awakens the aural in this commanding brawl of agility.

March of the Kaladrius

Efficient at keeping one on the edge of their seat in this skilful and vigorous punchy track that can safely boast a plethora of all-out meaty stabbing rhythms and tasty drum beats. Showcasing their talents with added technical structures that are beautiful and breath taking.

Song for the Free

Begins with an acoustic ensemble although back to the clean vocal edge that really and sadly now grates. The music grows in stature and is engaging but not one of my favourite tracks as it doesn’t really know what it wants to be and very confusing to listen to as a result.

…and Night Time falls

MoK have decided to end their debut on a less engaging level, opting for a slower track that meanders.  Although the music shows off its prowess and is quite breath taking – But I feel they should have gone out literally with a bang on their debut and picked something with a bit more kick and bite to show they mean business but newly formed band MoK have done extremely well for themselves considering they are only in the infant stages of their career.

Summary:

Although Marrow of Kaladrius have poured some heartfelt moments into their song structures for me the clean vocal really does not do it or the band any favours what so ever!

The blackened snarls and low toned guttural scrapings serve the music with extreme purpose and when the band present these two attributes it works shockingly well and they do it in absolute style!

The music is a mix of impressive and heart-stopping. The grand structural synth and scintillating electric guitar riffs are vibrant and far reaching, keeping things alive, certainly to engrossing levels, pushing boundaries and really do showcase the bands talents on this their debut album To Elysium.

But for me, please drop the clean vocals and concentrate on the highs and lows which will go a long way to keeping the spine-chilling moment’s right up there in the forefront and keeping the intensity to stupefying levels of potency!

7/10

Tracks:

Cosmic Reign

Sky Emperor

Kalandria

As the Constellation falls

To Elysium

When daylight rises

Serpent and Eagle

King of Kings

Stellar Icon

March of the Kaladrius

Song for the Free

…and Night Time falls

Members:

Brieuc De Groof - Guitar/Vocals

Kevin Facella - Drums

Michel Debeck - Vocals

Samuel Coppin - Guitar/Vocals

Frozen Mist - Paganwinds - 7 Track Album - Capcomia Studios - Released 1st March 2014

Frozen Mist

Paganwinds

7 Track Album

Capcomia Studios

Released 1^st March 2014

Chilling - Paganwinds

Frozen Mist – Montoursville, PA USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/frozenmist666

Model - Kindra Ravenmoon

Genre: Pagan Black Metal

Biography:

“Hailing from the underground of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Frozen Mist started as a solo project by Darkj in mid February 2004. The name Frozen Mist came about from smoking a cigarette in the cold, grim, snowy weather. As what, was a full-time band, Darkj and Wulv (Funeral Dust) joined forces and changed the music style with very unique extreme dark, death and Pagan black metal attributes. To this day, Frozen Mist remains the ONLY extreme metal band in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania!  Sadly Frozen Mist split up on the 1^st March 2014 due to a communication breakdown, although Darkj is now involved with Jaquio a 4 piece Blackened Thrash Metal band - Valknut – A solo Pagan Black Metal project and Mazzey https://www.facebook.com/mazzeyband Darkj's reactivated band from the 90's, Thrash/Heavy Metal!”

Darkj

Natureworship - (Instrumental)

Don’t be fooled by the little bird chirping in the background. The haunting melodious keys leave one with the feeling something dark and ominous is about to happen... although it doesn’t, it just keeps you transfixed to the speakers in case!

Eschatology                              

The haphazard rhythms play a big part in this structure with the squalid tumultuous flavours melting to the sound of a hate filled vocal. The rampageous melee is joined by the Native American flute which sends further chills as it twists and manifests itself into a passionate provocation that holds plenty of intrigue.

Paganwinds                               

The enchanting flute appears once more and is then overtaken by a solid beating on drums and a torrential outpouring of harsh vocal edge, while the guitar riffs add a sinister engaging atmosphere into the mix. With this track being the longest on the album there is a lot going on to relish in.

Whispers from Niflheim              

A rather fast and voracious track that forcibly expels itself from the speaker units and then hurls itself straight for the aural cortex and doesn’t hang about! The vocal is expressive and demonic in its delivery as its lustful energy penetrates savagely.

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“Frozen Mist although very black metal orientated has a lot more Pagan elements added to its meaningfulness. It has dark, vitriolic moments, chilling moments and beautiful moments all wrapped up on one album!”

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The Ravens Circle      

The hearty cries of a Raven are heard and open up the track which then takes on its black roots with mega intensity and a certain unpredictability. Still as caustic and malevolent however, it swipes with infectious rhythmic prowess and damming hostility! The volatility is levelled to within even beats and throaty attraction.

Valknut Rising           

Another lengthy composition that makes a hasty retreat from the speakers straight to the listener’s aural cavities and of which will beguile and lure with contempt. It cajoles and gnaws venomously whilst spewing out its dark charms as the hooks seduce and intrigue with a magnetic force.

Folkloric Echoes - (Instrumental)

Finishing this malignant album comes a respite from all the gnarly gruesome blackness and shines with a beautiful stringed instrumental that throws the bait to reel you in. Captivating with real beauty it has the influence to enthral and wow with extreme fascination.

Summary:

This is quite different in some aspects to Valknut – Ode in the fact that although it is the same frontman the tracks have a lot more appeal and there is the additional Native American Flute and sounds of nature that give it an extra appeal too!

Frozen Mist although very black metal orientated has a lot more Pagan elements added into its meaningfulness. It has dark, vitriolic moments, chilling moments and beautiful moments all wrapped up on one album.

The length of the tracks may alarm a few but at least they allow you time to settle into their structures with a ‘feel good factor’ about them. The vocals are without a doubt edgy and woeful, shrouded in shrill ambiance that wreak havoc on the senses.

I like the fact that there are two good instrumentals on the album and where they are placed in order leaving the middle section for all the brittle Pagan blackness to remain uninterrupted – clever move.

Darkj is without a doubt a multi-talented artist who has come up with an amazing seven tracks of steely intrigue that lasts a good forty two minutes and twenty-three seconds and just converges on the senses, immersing them with wicked madness, ambient, black and Pagan leanings in a rhythmic blast of unrelenting intervention.

It is such a shame that Frozen Mist has bowed out from the scene as this album rewards heartily!

10/10

Tracks:

Natureworship - Instrumental

Eschatology 

Paganwinds 

Whispers from Niflheim 

The Ravens Circle 

Valknut Rising 

Folkloric Echoes - Instrumental

                                      

Members:

Last Known Line up:

DARKJ - Vocals, Drums, Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Synth

WULV (Guest) - Backing Vocals, Pagan Horn, Native American Flute

Frithland - 2 Track Single - Solar Quantum - Released 23.09.14

Frithland

2 Track Single

Solar Quantum

Released 23.09.14

Ambient - Trance - Out now!

Frithland – Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frithland-Official

Genre: Electronic/Ambient/Trance

Biography:

“Martin Slade was born in Liverpool, England in 1973 and is the brain-child behind Frithland.  He is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and an artist, and has been creating electronic music since the late 1990's. He has been influenced by electronic music from an early age. His Father used to play him Jean Michel Jarre, Tomita and Vangelis records at the tender age of five, in the mid 1970's. He took an interest in other electronic artists in the 1990’s such as William Orbit and Orbital!”

It is strange to think that directly below my feet all this music is taking place! Some days the faint tinkling of keyboard penetrates through Martin’s door and wafts up the stairs, but you only hear them if you are passing through, otherwise the house remains still and undisturbed.

Lost Arc

As with all Frithland's compositions they are interwoven and far reaching with beautifully tempered even tones and sometimes contain slightly jagged elements which blend into the mix superbly.

The euphoric and enchanting structures are neatly organised into a joyous experience of wildly floating and mesmeric ambiance.

It does uplift with its powerful dream-like structures that can turn to delirium when in the right frame of mind, although listening you will reach that stage almost instantly.

This track is quite an enthusiastic one that ripples and flourishes with a rhapsodic flavour that is arousing and pleasurable.

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"Alluring and caressing and are most definitely trance-inducing. Both tracks are bewitching but in various ways and each holding a charisma and seductive appeal very strongly!"

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With Feeling

This has a spaced-out theme running through its veins. A stark sound of sampled voices add a peppering of captivation to its monotone elements. Certainly procrastinating, it offers a slower gait with sharp shards of icy notes that gnaw feverishly although somewhat restrained.

The notes appear to meander until they snag on a serrated bed of rhythms and continue on their little adventure. Housing a trance-like and rugged stride into its own oblivion adding in a niggling light and giddy feel to an edgy beat.

Summary

The intricacies are enthralling and hold spell-binding qualities that reach their destination with hypnotic appeal.

Alluring and caressing and are most definitely trance-inducing. Both tracks are bewitching but in various ways and each holding a charisma and seductive appeal very strongly.

The first track has to be my favourite simply because of the more rapturous quality it possesses, while the second track delivers a more seductive, eerie quality, although both tracks are engaging in their own right and will stimulate interest for all fans of electronic, ambient trance.

9/10

Tracks

Lost Arc

With Feeling

Member:

Martin Slade

Adrenochrome - Sleepwalking toward Armageddon - 6 Track Live E.P - Released 29th September 2014

Adrenochrome

Sleepwalking towards Armageddon

6 Track Live E.P

Released 29^th September 2014

Apocalyptic! New Live E.P from Adrenochrome!

Written for Blackened Horde zine

Adrenochrome – Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/adrenochrome401/timeline

Listen here it’s FREE DOWNLOAD too!

https://www.facebook.com/adrenochrome

Sleepwalking toward Armageddon (Live E.P) Recorded on July 19th 2014 @ FETE in Providence, RI (c) 2014

Genre: Metal

Biography:

“A fierce torrent of blasting beats, monster riffs and paralysing vocals!”

They (intro) 00:18

Take heed of the apocalyptic warning!

Devolution (live) 02:16

This 2 minute 16 second slice of malice is overwhelming with deep, scathing vocal content that rings out to a dis-organised array of squalid rhythms so much so even the blurriness is chaotic!

Bleed The Myth (live) 02:42

If you could say that music is disjointed but can still sound good it must be this track! Totally screwed up but raw and frenzied. The fact it is so disheveled makes it a more enjoyable track! There is no escaping the fact that Adrenochrome are full on, in your face and extreme. The proof is right here.

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“It is raw metal, like it took a deviant turning from the norm and found anarchy all by itself! They describe themselves as “Sonic Disorientation” which is a very truthful way of describing the sounds they mangle during their anarchic reign of terror!”

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Natural Restoration (live) 03:06

The crazed and maniacal torrents breathe their diabolical breath amid a squalling, violent and hellish vocal that even Satan would be proud of! A totally cruel and shocking guise of pure venom!

Consumed/Destroyed (live) 03:08

The longest track on this live E.P and it broods more evil personified. It rages with contempt with incoherent vocals although it matters little as the frenzy takes over! Its heavy structures bulge under the weight of such a composition and will stir the emotions with vehemence!

Crimes against Conformity 01:59

Quite a different track than previous although still infectiously raw. The siren wails urgently to a marching beat – is this the end? The end of mankind as we know it?

I have a feeling Adrenochrome will be back even bigger and better than before!

Summary:

This E.P captures the rapturous Adrenochrome in live play. I have to say they are a sound for sore ears and in that moment will most likely burn your ears off completely, due to its caustic burn!

The hellishly raw compositions are well O.T.T (Over the Top) and can be enjoyed quite easily for the sheer sulphurous scorn that is emitted from them, as within their music lies a barbaric sense of emotions that pour out in an unscrupulous manner!

It is raw metal, like it took a deviant turning from the norm and found anarchy all by itself! They describe themselves as “Sonic Disorientation” which is a very truthful way of describing the sounds they mangle during their anarchic reign of terror!

Incubated in 2011 as they put it, but only active from August last year Adrenochrome are warriors of their cause and most definitely have already made their mark with the fantastic release of “New World Slaughter”

Adrenochrome are a true representation of everything uncleansed, ungodly, unworldly and vile – must be why listening gives one a sense of freedom and freedom from blame and guilt, as they can wrap themselves in this typhoon of madness and just let go! Although I do prefer the “New World Slaughter” as it is a lot more condensed, although this E.P is exciting it sort of boils over so some of the potency is lost. However Adrenochrome are the ones to watch out for if you like your metal morbidly raw and from the gut extreme!

8½/10

Tracks:

They (intro) 00:18

Devolution (live) 02:16

Bleed The Myth (live) 02:42

Natural Restoration (live) 03:06

Consumed/Destroyed (live) 03:08

Crimes against Conformity 01:59

Members:

Tayte Leigh – Guitar

Evan Barone – Guitar

Josh Watkins – Vocals

Rob Cinami - Drums