Ribozyme - "Grinding Tune" - 9 Track Album - Indie Recordings - Released 11th May 2015

Ribozyme

"Grinding Tune"

9 Track Album

Indie Recordings

Released 11^th May 2015

Powerful Album!

Written for Metal Gods Meltdown

Ribozyme – Bergen, Norway

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ribozyme

Genre: Hard Rock

Biography:

“Continuing the hot streak of Blacklist Mercy (2006), March of Crime (2009) and Presenting the Problem (2012), the latest effort from Ribozyme is an intense, 47 minute long red-hot piece of contemporary hard rock fresh off the anvil.

While still unmistakably Ribozyme, this album goes even further in exploring the harmonic hive mind of Kjartan Ericsson and Bård Bøge whilst providing unfettered rhythmic work from Cato Olaisen - the vocal work is strongly emphasized and adds new depths and subtleties to their trademark sound, occasionally described as a hybrid of Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Oceansize and Alice in Chains!”

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The subtle tones of Ribozyme are apparent from the word go. The muscular tones of their music leaves one in no doubt that they are well traversed in their art, having been founded in 1998.

The harmonies sizzle and pop in a glorious temptation of pure unadulterated spell-binding ambiance. It’s hard not to like ‘Ribozyme’ as they have produced some amazing tracks that are timeless and caress the audial like a velvet glove, while at the same time there is no getting away from the hard hitting chunky rock grooves that bite deeply.

The band produce the effect of that ‘sharp intake of breath’ as each track plays in turn. With clean and precise vocals and a rampage of energetic riffs and tempered beats it winds and flows deeply into the mind allowing the listener time to feast upon its goodness.

Equally thrilling are the bite size chunks of rhythms that are immediately pleasing and moreish to the point of “shit, I am going to have to have to play that track again!” and this lasts through-out the entirety of the album.

It is a cleverly produced album that is flanked in mature intervention that seduces on a mega scale.

The potency is off the scale as the band have concocted an amazing array of tracks that all deserve attention to soothe the savage beast within us all. Its melodic grandeur encompasses the soul and grabs the mind with equal contagion.

The textures of the album can be likened to although not altogether a psychedelic brooding that subtly pounces on the ears and quickly awakens a seductive quality that has to be explored.

It stirs up emotions and allows the listener time to add their own images to the rich and bountiful landscape that stretches out before you.

Intriguing riffs, soft gentle beats and a caressing vocal adds up to an inviting and engrossing listen.

It’s a simple formula that works! The hooks and melodic content are profound and entice you to explore further. The hair on your arms will sit up and tingle as the deep chasms of groove bite but in a sophisticated manner, penetrating the senses without an all-out brawl.

It’s an ingenious album heaped full of wonder and obscurity that coaxes the ears to want to indulge further into its spell-binding grandeur.

Each track in turn adds a certain spice to the proceedings and can only be described as a masterpiece of delicious intervention. Superb album!

10/10

Track List:

Bronze

Timely Reminder

Inside the Waste

Worn

Decontrol

Axis Rotation

Cut in Half

Without a Prize

Sleeves

Members:

Kjartan Ericsson – Guitars/Vocals

Bård Bøge – Bass & Backing Vocals

Cato Olaisen - Drums

Secrets of the Sky - Pathway - 13 Track Album - Metal Blade Records - Released 19th May 2015

Secrets of the Sky

Pathway

13 Track Album

Metal Blade Records

Released 19^th May 2015

Written for Ramzine

Secrets of the Sky – Oakland CA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/secretsofthesky

Discography:

To Sail Black Waters        Full-length   2013 

GH/OST:S                       Split   2014 

Pathway                          Full-length   2015 

Genre: Black Doom Metal

Biography:

Hailing from Oakland California Secrets of the Sky formed in 2010 and it seems took their time releasing any material until 2013 when they produced their debut album ‘To Sail Black Waters’ which after listening to the track ‘Decline’ can reveal that it is far more atmospheric than their new album.

I is a swathing mass of undulating waves and deep subsonic rumblings of thunder, obviously a filler track.

Three Swords as with the previous track the waves are clearly audible but the difference being a plonking of strings that lies over the top of a ghostly keyboard.  The vocals are soft whisperings.  It seems to dither a bit before biting hard.

II now hears a wild bird that screeches loudly amid some wolves howling and what sounds like feet marching on gravel and of course the thunder rumbling away in the background.

Angel has a deep rabid doom laden feel and steps the album up a notch, boasting some magnificent vocals that are menacing with intimidating factors that turn clean half way through. It is an amazing track with that ‘what’s going to happen next’ quality attached to it.

Another Light is a wander on the fret board with haunting and sinister edge. The vocals wrap themselves around the sullen proceedings. This is quite a melodic track although it never deviates from its doom laden theme.

III Water droplets and marching feet on concrete with the wind howling and a demonic voice that growls in disturbing fashion are order of the day here.

IV The previous track filters into this one, although I have no idea what it is all about – it just ambles into a cackling maelstrom.

Garden of Prayers Really pleases the audial as hard striking riffs melt with a thunderous beating of drums and monumental scathing of vocal chords. It is without a doubt my favourite of all the tracks so far, as it really blisters and leaves its grand gesture ringing in your ears long after playing.

V From what I have gathered about Secrets of the Sky this track shows more small glimpses of fire and anticipation but doesn’t really tell you much about what is going on.

Fosforos I just can’t believe the ferocity that has just escaped!! This is one fiery and venomous track that sneaks up on you and explodes into a malicious frenzy! The beats are bludgeoning, boasting a hearty ‘pent up’ aggression that seethes under the weight of its torrential riffs! Superb!

VI The fire burns amid a slurry of rumblings and fades out – Nothing more to add here.

Eternal Wolves The ghostly stringed arrangement is haunting and balanced perfectly to a steady beat and offers more softly whispered vocals that brush the ears – until a deep repugnant vocal takes over.  A very predacious track that stalks with shudder-some endeavour.

VII Swords at the ready, with a creeping tidal wave and the cackling of a lonesome bird – not really the ending I would have chosen.

Summary: Although there are some feisty moments contained within this album the filler tracks of which there are far too many, seem to ruin the experience for me anyway!

It just doesn’t allow the band to flow in a vein you would expect. It deviates from flowing to down-right strange, and there seems little point in the filler tracks as they don’t quite match up to anything.

However, the two monumental tracks ‘Garden of Prayers’ and ‘Fosforus’ leave nothing to the imagination. They are all out winners on the album for sure! And bare-witness to what the band can achieve with total ease.

For me, more of the same would allow this album to be enjoyed fully without stopping to throw in the strange concoction of noises that only serve to slow things down and remove the fire and ferocity that should remain through-out.

Saying that the band have shown diversity but maybe a little too much and in the wrong manner!

7/10

Track List

I

Three Swords

II

Angel in Vines

Another Light

III

IV

Garden of Prayers

V

Fosforos

VI

Eternal Wolves

VII

Members:

Andrew Green - Guitar

Clayton Bartholomew - Guitar

Garett Gazay - Vocals / Keys

Ryan Healy - Bass

Godsized - Heavy Lies The Crown - 11 Track Album - Metalville Records - Released 30th March 2015

Godsized

Heavy lies the Crown

11 Track Album

Metalville Records

Released 30^th March 2015

Written for Ramzine

Godsized – England

Links:

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

Genre: (So much more than just) Rock

Biography:

“The band has played hundreds of shows in countless countries across Europe and supported many of their heroes (Black Label Society, Life of Agony, My Ruin, Monster Magnet, Saxon and more). They have a loyal fan base, a tank full of gas and a record that will sell tickets. Godsized are set to tour throughout 2015. Details to follow...

It’s time for rock and roll to forget about hashtags, selfies and followers. It’s time for rock and roll to be about great music. Godsized are setting the new standard. Heavy Lies the Crown!”

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Thanks to pledgers Godsized have now been able to release their new and exciting album ‘Heavy Lies the Crown’

Welcome to Hell

This is a beautiful melodic encounter that gives you that sharp intake of breath moment as the thunderous beats rain down in succession. It then proceeds to blister in rampageous style! Although the vocal offering doesn’t seem to live up to the vehemence of the music.

Saving you

The seeds are sown and Godsized offer another brutish track that seethes under the weight of its own making. The bass hooks are superb as they weave their intentions into the proceedings.

Push against the Tide

Giving drummer Dan Kavanagh a chance to shine this track is a sprawl of beats that melt into a rapturous riffing haze. It captures a certain essence that is all out serious ‘rock’ and means business make no mistake! This anthemic!

Never a better time

Emerging as another vibrant and lively endeavour – it hosts a melodic flavour that ignites into a catchy and potent lure and engages on all levels. The vocals by frontman Glen Korner hits all the top notes and swaggers with eager intent.

Web of Lies

This is another twisting track that boasts plenty of eager atmospheric bruising. Chocker with rhythm and anthemic impact it simply surges feistily on its creative journey with its doom laden feel.

Fade

Is a much more even tempo that has a bluesy rhythm attached to it, however it still packs a punch without being over-zealous. The guitar work is seriously phenomenal.

Forgotten Friend

Fast nimble fingers simply fly over the frets while the beats are matched with steady strength. The vocal lilting is unusual and adds an interesting depth to the proceedings.

Do you see what I see?

Rhythmically balanced producing a tempered track that is full-bodied and bristles with exhilarating promise. It is a ballad but with much more injected into it.

_____________________________________________________________

“Godsized are NOT just simply a ‘rock band’ like their genre suggests, but offer a more gutsy level of listening that cannot be ignored!”

_____________________________________________________________

Stone Cold Blow

Brooding feverishly its breath is hearty and fuel injected with well-rounded rhythms and addictive beats that melt the ears – again this tends to be very anthemic and dramatic!

Out of Fear

Telling its own story this track simply ignites into a fast paced sizzler that is uncompromising and sturdy, its rhythmical journey, embraces with great lyrics and a salacious tenacity. Addictive and magnetic it is a sure-fire winning track.

Pay your Debt

This one festers under an atmospheric glaze of strings and strong beats. It strides boldly and with sheer contempt. The melodic slices of ambient riffs and balanced vocal hits without compromise and lures you into its twisting structures with pleasurable endeavour.

Summary:

Godsized is not the name I would have chosen for a rock band as it gives off the impression of something a lot more sinister and along the lines of maybe a black metal band, however Godsized have without a doubt pulled this off and produced such an amazing album.

Each track despite the first (being vocally weaker than the music) the album boldly strikes with eager rhythms that cascades through its paces and has infinite spirit, carrying its creative lures to the forefront and offering a rich and gratifying listen.

It holds plenty of alluring riffs and meaty sized chunks of rhythm that capture with aggressive savagery but also has the milder tones and beautiful stringed arrangements that simply kiss the senses.

Not only that but it too hosts atmospheric compositions with unyielding enthusiasm.

Godsized are NOT just simply a ‘rock band’ like their genre suggests, but offer a more gutsy level of listening that cannot be ignored.

9.5/10

Track List:

Welcome to Hell

Saving you

Push against the Tide

Never a better time

Web of Lies

Fade

Forgotten Friend

Do you see what I see?

Stone Cold Blow

Out of Fear

Pay your Debt

Members:

Glen Korner- Vocals & Guitars

Chris Charles - Guitars

Gavin Kerrigan - Bass

Dan Kavanagh - Drums

Perdition - Perdition Deluxe - 15 Track Album - Imminence Records - Released 5th May 2015

Perdition

Perdition Deluxe

15 Track Album

Imminence Records

Released 5^th May 2015

Written for Ramzine

Perdition – Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Perditionband

Discography:

Decadence    Single 2012

Decadence    E.P    2013

Perdition      Full-length   2014

       

Genre: Melodic Symphonic Death Metal

Biography:

“From the bleak shores of Lake Erie, comes Perdition, bringing a wall of sonic destruction and superb performance with them. Forged in the fall of 2008, Perdition are a Symphonic Death Metal band that brings a tide of change for metal listeners everywhere. Uplifting piano and keyboard arrangements juxtaposed with edgy modern technical Death Metal style guitar and drum work form the core Perdition’s sound. Having played with internationally famed and signed acts such as Moon spell, The Faceless, Decapitated, Born of Osiris, Abigail Williams, and Carnifex, Perdition are a heavy hitting force of young musicians, ready to cut a swath of carnage through any metal music scene. Find them at www.perditionofficial.com and feel the embrace of PERDITION!”

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With an amazing selection of 15 delicious tracks that last 53 minutes and 31 seconds there is something for every metal head to revel in here. The intro gives us a brief insight into what Perdition are all about which is a cacophony of rapturous death metal with uplifting keyboard courtesy of Clare who is the only female in the band. Silent God is not aptly named as this is anything but silent it is a ravenous wall of noise that destroys! Spectral Deviant (Road to Tim) who or wherever Tim is nobody knows, but the track is a malignant adventure that just keeps on giving. Interlude in C takes us through a sea of ambient leanings with a beautifully distinguished keyboard arrangement. The embrace of un-death returns to a vehement adventure and resorts to exacting malice! Decadence turns to darker and deeper depth to exact its venom on the un-weary listener. By the grasp of haunting voices sees the keyboard making more of an appearance amid a gutturally active vocal surge. Solace gently rains down with striking keys that submit to prominent intrigue and expands more of the bands potential. Pit of Carrion as the name suggests this is pit born territory and seethes under the weight of its own notoriety. The beats emerging triumphant! Legions of Hell takes on faster tempos wading through a barrage of blast beats and sultry keyboard melodies, offering a sampled voice with haunting chants. Century of the Machine broods with malicious contempt that whet’s the appetite and shows off further exploits from the band. Etude in C as expected this track gives off an air of maturity and more sombre moments. Walls of Biblicide takes a step back into its comfort zone of impacting riffs and caustic rhythms that make way for a mesmerising delivery. Lost Rites (2015 Demo) although it reaps mournful riffs it still strokes the ears with some brutality as the deepening gashes burst open revealing a malignant core of temptation. Decadence (EDM Remix) is a rather unusual track that hosts some sparse individual noises and samples.  The vocals are still evil and seethe unrepentant amid a sobering mood.

Perdition offers some really high powered tracks that are not all fire and brimstone. Within the album it turns its attentions to a more mature nature and gently coaxes the aural with extraordinary keyboard notes that have been sculptured to perfection.

Track List:

Intro

Silent God

Spectral Deviant (Road to Tim)

Interlude in C

The embrace of un-death

Decadence

By the grasp of haunting voices

Solace

Pit of Carrion

Legions of Hell

Century of the Machine

Etude in C

Walls of Biblicide

Lost Rites (2015 Demo)

Decadence (EDM Remix)

Members:

Bryan Raynor - Bass

Noah Scarpelli - Drums

Andrew DeSanctis - Guitars, Vocals (backing)

Clare DeSanctis -   Keyboards

Cryptic Josh - Vocals

Going Away Party - 11 Track Album - Disconnect Disconnect Records - To be released 6th August 2015

Going Away Party

11 Track Album

Disconnect Disconnect Records

To be released 6^th August 2015

Written for Ramzine

Going Away Party – Slough, Berkshire

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/goingawaypartay

Genre: Emo

Sometimes you have to move out of your comfort zone to see what dangers lurk outside, and not having reviewed an emo band ever, I am not quite sure what to expect, so this will be a ride and a half, but one must never assume anything where music is concerned.

The vocals I have to say are not in my usual style but the band do have a great rhythm attached to their sound on ‘Punk Rock Rick’  However, this is NOT a punk track what so ever!

The next track ‘It goes on’ again possesses a good fastidious rhythm that wouldn’t sound too out of place on mainstream radio.

‘Stitches’ is no laughing matter as its slower toned structures amble dismally and don’t quite come to any fruition that is worth mentioning.

‘Go for a ride’ is sung with a rather lazy vocal although it does contain a little grit which is better than sung totally clean, but I can’t tell the difference between the previous track and this one.

‘Knocks and Bruises’ sees a harmony form between Perry and Jake and isn’t a bad track as the melodies are quite swift and spiced with a little edginess – but still not something I would chose to listen to if I didn’t have to.

‘Quiet Weekend’ contains a good up tempo beat that I have to admit, my feet like the sound of, but still very much out of my comfort zone.

‘Stay’ is rather a soulless track that drifts aimlessly with uninteresting lyrics and nothing but a few melodies to give it some backbone

For this track ‘Wyoming’ I found myself unable to concentrate as it was a jumble of nonsensical elements that just didn’t gel together at all. It seems the band have hit an apathetic streak.

‘Pining’ starts off with new hope that quickly diminishes as it slows to a dirge and doesn’t offer anything to get your teeth into, even when the tempos change it still remains deadly.

‘Bro’s’ takes its time to move off the mark in fact it hasn’t moved at all. Stagnant at best!

‘Paper Planes’ is more of the same.  No diversity or anything attention grabbing.

I cannot say that I have enjoyed this album at all. Nothing against emo’s but feel rather disillusioned and disappointed. Nobody can say I didn’t give it a go but it’s not working for me!

Track List:

Punk Rock Rick

It goes on

Stitches

Go for a ride

Knocks and Bruises

Quiet Weekend

Stay

Wyoming

Pining

Bro’s

Paper Planes

Members:

Perry Hood - Guitar & Vocals

Jake Dyer - Bass & Backing Vocals

Tom Jeffries - Drums

Golers - South Mountain Style - 14 Track Album - Unrest Records - Self released in 1999 - Released February 2005

Golers

South Mountain Style

14 Track Album

Unrest Records

Originally self-released on CD in 1999.

Released February 2005

Written for Ramzine

Golers – Vancouver Canada

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Golers-Inbred-Militia

Genre: Hard-core Crossover Thrash with a Punk edge

Biography:

“Founded in 1998 the GOLERS have built up momentum over the course of 4 albums and many tours. 1999's "South Mountain Style" ushered in the classic Goler sound combining most, if not all extreme metal styles with punk and thrash into one cohesive sound. Next up was 2004's "2nd Generation", which showcased a slightly more polished sound and with these two albums they began to gain a following in their hometown of Vancouver BC and surrounding cities. 2009 saw the release of their 3rd album "Backwoods Messages" which has helped spread the Goler word further!”

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On first seeing the name ‘Goler’ I had visions of the band being mad soccer fans but after a bit of research found out the shocking truth behind the band’s name. In Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia, on one hill - South Mountain, lives the clan of impoverished, inbred hillbillies, ignored or shunned by the people in the valley below for two hundred years. Few have much schooling, most are unemployed, and they keep almost entirely to themselves.

Two solitudes side by side, until one day in January 1984, Sandra Golder, aged thirteen, burst into tears in class. When her teacher took her out into the hall to ask her why she was crying, a gruesome story of incest and sexual abuse began to emerge. Within hours the story had spread to the principal, a social worker, and finally the police. Within weeks a fully-fledged scandal had been unleashed on the valley: sixteen adults, men and women from the Mountain were charged with hundreds of allegations of incest and sexual abuse of children as young as five. It gradually became clear that this had been going on for generations, a cycle endlessly repeated.

It’s typical for a metal band with punk edged blends to want to choose a name that shocks and Golers are no exception to the rule. Their particular brand of crossover thrash and punk works equally well by creating a shocking barrage of extreme madness.

Each track boasts its own theme of descriptive ‘tongue in cheek’ muses that scream of vengeful aggression. It is no surprise that the track titles will cause you to smirk especially at the title ‘Slippin’ on Urine’ that conjures up a really funny image in the mind, although the song itself is quite scarring with its evil fast and lurid tones.

The music embraces its punk theme and exploits it to the full. Together they breed stupendously rousing rhythms that fuse with constant beats and flavoured emotions.

The energy they exude is typical and so not covering any new ground but despite that the band have produced a core of powerful tracks that reach boiling point in an instant.

The track ‘Golers’ starts off in a hillbilly style straight from the South and soon turns into a mutantion of scarring rhythms that fascinate and hold an extremely aggressive streak.

If you love crossover thrash with punk edge then ‘Golers’ are the way forward!

Track List:

Hoe

Basil (The Luckless Seal)

Slippin’ on Urine

Numbskull

Prehistoric Future

Golers

This is not a test

Outhouse Fuckrace

Salt Lick

Pork roast

Stump

Murf’s Law

Coleman

S.M.S

Members:

Cecil - Bass

Cranswick - Drums

Henry "The 1st" – Guitar/Vocals/Engineer

"Chainsaw" Charlie – Vocals/Guitar