Empire of Fools - Dead Inside - 5 Track E.P - To be released 22nd September 2015

Empire of Fools

Dead Inside

5 Track E.P

To be released 22nd September 2015

Written for Metal Gods Meltdown

Empire of Fools – Southwest

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/empireoffools

Genre: Alternative Rock

Biography:

A new breed of what’s good about rock music. The collaboration of Cobbin/Pascall has resulted in a marriage of sounds, eclectic tastes and influences that create the solid foundations of a solid band.

Down to Earth

Definitely hard-hitting and gripping. This three-man trio are the backbone to powerful melodic enterprise. It isn’t overly energetic but vocally sound, while the rhythms are embracing.

Higher Ground

The guitars are just supremely engaging with a light bounce on drums and heaps of contagion that runs freely with a great magnetic pulse, drawing you deeper into their void.

Devil Inside

The band’s title track offers a sneaky peak into a tempestuous rhythmic song with really creative endeavour that smacks on impact. The chorus has that pure unadulterated sing a long feel while being backed up by a humongous lure.

Dirty Mind

Isn’t what you expect at all as it simply glides from the speakers and surrounds the ears. Its dream-like state is striking and unblemished despite its title. The most poignant track on the E.P and is very bold and dramatic as the guitars pick up momentum – superb!

Hope

Is another of the band’s heart-felt offerings, holding superb melodies that have a rich gravitational pull with the intensity to match! The rhythms are really moreish and full of temptation with superb lyrics that remind me slightly of The Cult.

Unstoppable

Is a superb track that engages as it builds to its climax with a feisty guitar and steely bass hooks? The vocals are forthright and melt into the addiction of grooves the band have so seductively created.

Summary:

This is my second review for Empire of Fools and on second listening I am beginning to appreciate more, the time and energy they have put into creating such a dramatic slice, (be it a small one, being just an E.P) Of solid and infectious grooves that do leave a great and lasting impression, even if it is second time around!

The melodic source that the band have deftly carved can only grow stronger! It will be interesting to see where Empire of Fools go next, which direction will they take? Heavier, or will they take on a mellower flavour, or will they opt for both heavy and mellow? Once again, remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure it will grow on you either way!

Improved score as my addiction for the bands tracks have grown immensely.

9/10

Track List:

Down to Earth

Higher Ground

Devil Inside

Dirty Mind

Hope      

Unstoppable

Members:

Mark Pascall - Vocals, Guitar, Bass

Steve Cobbin - Guitar

Dean Stevens - Drums

Empire of Fools - Devil Inside - 5 Track E.P - To be released 22nd September 2015

Empire of Fools

Devil Inside

5 Track E.P

To be released 22^nd September 2015

Written for Ramzine

Empire of Fools – Southwest

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/empireoffools

Genre: Alternative Rock

Biography:

A new breed of what’s good about rock music. The collaboration of Cobbin/Pascall has resulted in a marriage of sounds, eclectic tastes and influences that create the solid foundations of a solid band.

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For an alternative rock band Empire of Fools don’t sound too bad and can be compared to a few bands of the 80’s one that springs to mind straight away is Bon Jovi who made their debut back in the 80’s decade and were an instant hit, although they quickly went off the boil for me after Living on a Prayer!

The guitar is quite exceptional with hard swipes of melodic tone and catchy chorus although it is very mainstream it will no doubt appeal to the masses just as Bon Jovi did in their time.

The second track Higher Ground is a lot harder hitting than the previous track and sets the ears ablaze with a melodic twist and metal corruption that holds its own addictive qualities with compelling results.

The title track has a sneaky riff that expels a squall while the drum beat takes over and lays down a solid path on which the track lies. The clean vocal is pleasant and in keeping with the harmonious melodies contained within its structure.

Considering the tracks title I didn’t expect such a beautiful sound to emerge. It is quite a scintillating track that breeds a certain beauty.  Vocally superb it has to be said as the soft tones lay on a bed of melodic enterprise and clearly an epic track that could win the band over for the metal mainstream.

Hope is what sounds like another compelling listen as the sounds melt into a delicate coaxing and flavours the track with pleasurable compulsion.

The final track starts off in a slow and thoughtful mood and then a gigantic foot print is stamped all over it as it expands into a rapturous and volatile melodic transition that is powerful and makes it an emotive force to be reckoned with.

I was not at all impressed with the E.P at the beginning but this has grown on me for its sheer catchy choruses, gigantic riffs and impacting beats, that set the precedence for the bands next endeavour no doubt with its twists and turns that are just empowering and forthright.

It is a journey that takes you in a few different directions - all of them leading to the same path – it is quite ingenious, although it’s still mainstream rock! It possesses hard-hitting melodies and striking guitar riffs that haunt in abundance once the E.P gets going!

Another strong E.P

8/10

Track List:

Down to Earth

Higher Ground

Devil Inside

Dirty Mind

Hope

Unstoppable

Members:

Mark Pascall - Vocals, Guitar, Bass

Steve Cobbin - Guitar

Dean Stevens - Drums

Krysthia - A War of Soul & Desires - 8 Track Album - Plastic Head - To be released 25th September 2015

Krysthia

A War of Soul & Desires

8 Track Album

Plastic Head

To be released: 25^th September 2015

Written for Ramzine via Stampede Press

Krysthia – Wellingborough, Northamptonshire UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/krysthla

Pre-Order here:

CD on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/KrysthlaAmazonPreOrderCD

'A War of Souls and Desires' was engineered and mastered by Neil Hudson at Initiate Audio and Media Studios. Produced by Neil Hudson and Krysthia with all music performed by Krysthia

Genre: Extreme Metal

Biography:

“Krysthia was forged into being during 2012 and proudly boasts four of the original members (Neil Hudson, Noel and Carl Davis, and Wayne Minney) of UK metal legends Gutworm (SPV/Steamhammer and Anticulture Records 1998-2010) and Adi Mayes, influential frontman of metal heavyweights Deadeye (2000-2009). After spending over two years writing and perfecting a new sound, crafting tracks worthy of taking on the music world once again, Krysthia are without a doubt already stamping their mark on the UK metal scene!”

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Formed from the ashes of Gutworm – Krysthia are releasing their debut album ‘A War of Souls and Desires’ in late September 2015.

If there is one thing I must remember it’s don’t assume that Krysthia are going to start their album off with subdued tones and maybe keep the volume to a minimum before playing it, or suffer the effects of having my ears blown inside out!

The first track is fearless and forthright bludgeoning its beats to a frenzy of harsh guttural roars and seething guitar tempos that flourish time and time again. Its mesmerizing pace is brutal, unforgiving, compelling and worthy of anyone’s time!

The second track ‘Luminosity’ harbours a dark tone that prowls with a commanding force and energy that is enthralling and spiteful. The vocal tones are bruising and non-compliant as they spew their pervasive and piercing savagery up until the very end of this well-oiled track.

Simply titled ‘H+’ it ferociously clambers over its own rhythms and pushes the boundaries through a force-field all its own making! While the tempting primal lures are hearty and give off a deathly radiation, the hostility brims over this well-rounded composition with no mercy!

‘Caged Earth’ battles its own demons in an all-out carnivorous feast, ripping flesh from the tender bones situated in the audial cavities, with devastating consequences.

The next track to hit is ‘By way of Deception’ holds a striking momentum of caustic beats and vocals that gouge like a savage beast’s steel claws! It plants the bait nicely and literally coaxes with a superb electric riff that pulverizes!

‘The Human Cipher’ launches into a tirade of vehement drum beats that simply dominate the track, but underlying is a caustic riff and on it, sits a potent vocal edge that slices unmercifully as the track borders on total insanity!

‘Praise thee in Flesh’ is no doubt a jibe at religious beliefs and who can blame them? This band have an addictive quality that knows where to hit and how hard to hit it! The riffs are compelling and house a dark edge that simply soars to greater heights.

The final offing on this brutally insane album is ‘An Ancient Hope’ that kicks off with a subtle ambient tone before exploding into a frenzy of grizzling roars and full-bodied power that is only pushed further by a brutish beat.

Without a doubt this album is an enthralling masterpiece of sheer terror! It will stir up emotions that you never knew existed and leave you suffering the consequences! With rich barbaric lures and solid steel riffs, backed up with tremendous rugged blast beats and grouchy vocals - are indeed an ominous presence and leave you in no doubt who the masters are! Nobody will survive this devastation and believe it or not - they are actually a British band!

10/10

Track List:

Minority of One

Luminosity

H+

Caged Earth

By way of Deception

The Human Cipher

Praise thee in Flesh

An Ancient Hope

Members:

Adi - Vocals

Carl - Bass

Wayne - Drums

Noel - Guitar

Neil - Guitar/Vocals

Klorg - Make your Stand - 3 Track E.P - Released 27th May 2015

Klorg

Make your Stand

3 Track EP

Released 27^th May 2015

Written for Ramzine

Klorg – Carpi Italy / San Diego USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/klogr

Produced by Roberto Priori and Klogr

Co-produced by Jody Gray

Recorded @ Zeta Factory studio by Roberto Priori

Mixed and Mastered @ Pri Studio by Roberto Priori

Music by Klogr

Lyrics by Rusty and Jody Gray

Artwork by Jo

Genre: Metal / Alternative

Biography:

“Italian alternative metal band Klogr follow up 2014's album 'Black Snow' and UK tour with PRONG, with their new E.P/Live Album/DVD 'Make Your Stand'.

From the opening notes and machine gun riffage / drumming on 'Breaking Down' and the enticing circling guitar work of title track 'Make Your Stand' - it's clear to see that KLOGR are back and better than ever. Seamlessly combining different elements of rock and metal; both songs finds KLOGR showcasing great riffs, hooks and melodies and features stunning guitar solos the likes of Tremonti, Petrucci, Gilbert and Vai would be proud of!”

KLOGR (pronounced Kay - log - are) (Glad we got that one sorted out!) Are an Italian alternative rock/metal project-band formed in 2011.

Breaking Down

Starts with a powerful judder of riffs that are then followed with a flexible graveled vocal lure that simply explodes rather than just manifests. With a tiny hints of thrash as well as epic metal core groove that flourishes with a hard edged drum beat, its tones are rich and just infested with melody. Check out the bands new video for ‘Breaking Down’ as it will transport the listener into the sinister clutches of one powerful realm.

____________________________________________________________

“The E.P is filled with melodic emotion and warm vibes that continue through-out the three tracks and yet it isn’t far from a dark corner of antagonistic rhythms that the band slip into like a comfortable jumper!”

____________________________________________________________

Make your Stand

This track simply basks in elements of elegance and as it gets going it becomes a seething mass of scourging vocals and dramatic beats that entwines and settles around an atmospheric and seductive soundscape.

Breathing Heart

This is rather a slow amble but none the less dramatic into its presence! It is intense and poignant, vocally compelling with a certain degree of enchantment that bathes in a warm and rich tempest that emerges as truly flavorsome!

Summary:

These three tracks offer the listener everything from crisp beats to staggered riffs and venomous vocals to a hearty drive of bass hooks plus plenty of imaginative riffs that all blend superbly into one force field of satisfaction.

It is executed superbly and precision produced, offering tranquil melodic moments to snarling madness which is nothing short of pleasing to the ears and that can only mean an enjoyable result for all concerned.

The E.P is filled with melodic emotion and warm vibes that continue through-out the three tracks and yet it isn’t far from a dark corner of antagonistic rhythms that the band slip into like a comfortable jumper!

There are also some progressive moments contained within the bands eclectic and comprehensive tracks so plenty to enjoy when listening and indeed warrants further investigation.

It isn’t all one way either, Klogr seem to enjoy twisting the axe in several different directions - just because they can?

The bands album contains ten live tracks that are equally as emotive and will easily turn the ear in their favor. Full track list below. Ones to watch out for are ‘Failing Crowns’ and ‘Bleeding’ with their epic choruses and bold riffs!

If there was ever a need to check out a band - now is the time!

9/10

E.P Track List:

Breaking Down

Make your Stand

Breathing Heart

Album Tracks

Draw Closer (Live)

Zero Tolerance (Live)

King of Unknown (Live)

Failing Crowns (Live)

Vultures Feast (Live)

Hell of Income (Live)

Silk and Thorns (Live)

Bleeding (Live)

Guilty and Proud (Live)

Guinea Pigs (Live)

Members:

Rusty - Guitars/Vocals

Pietro - Guitars

Joba - Bass

Rob - Drums

Gehtika - A Monster in Mourning - 11 Track Album - To be released 17th August 2015

Gehtika

A Monster in Mourning

11 Track Album

To be released 17^th August 2015

Written for Ramzine

Gehtika – Midlands, UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gehtika

Genre: Metal

Biography:

After slipping from lock and key out of the asylum, Gehtika swiftly began their transition from straitjackets to waistcoats, face restraints to face paint... from the psych ward to the stage...

An insanely infectious gentlemanly façade feeds the tongue-in-cheek theatrical madness that is Gehtika's live performance. Combine this with their relentless onslaught of extreme metal; an all-out, no holds barred assault on the faculties - Gehtika bring you entertainment via insanity...whilst promising a bloody good spiffing time!

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The sheer mention of straitjackets and asylums perks my attention every time, and on listening to this the first track feel I am actually in an asylum complete with straitjacket! The turbulent rhythms are menacing and terrifying in their own right.

The second track just blisters into a virulent pool of festering murkiness and swamps the aural in no uncertain terms.

The integral part of this for me is the way the band just go for the jugular and rip it to shreds.

It impacts with no shadow of a doubt especially in the vocal department which is backed up with an almost orchestral feel of madness that broods heavily.

There is no respite as the hard-hitting drum beat takes hold and simply magnifies its wickedness through an all-out frenzy of vocal slurs.

As if the previous track wasn’t heavy enough this one Stack of Pyres just leaps forth and devours and adding some serious spiced up malevolence as it goes.

Moving on to the next track Empire in Decay where the guitar just doesn’t play riffs but serenades you with a festering and lingering blackness that is alluring in a horrific sense of the word.

The bands title track Monster in Mourning is another fearless track that is confidently executed with prowess and tempting emotion.

The slow and haunting Reckoning could literally be a soundtrack to a horror movie as it glides gracefully from the speakers in its demonic dark tones and quickly gets cut short in its prime.

The Massaquerade (no I didn’t spell it wrong) this is a brawling massacre make no mistake! Its dark components bounce with an hysterical frenzy of beats and engage with a keen sense of foreboding trapped within its tendrils.

The Shepherd of Erebus holds an extremely gnarly vocal that should have an X certificate! The guitars are jagged so jagged in fact you could cut yourself on it!

The penultimate track is sneaky and evil with twisting blackened rhythms that unfold to reveal even more madness and mayhem.

The last track expels a rampaging beat that is fast furious and breaks free from its chains, in a powerful and energetic run of riffs and extreme melody pushing its confines to an all-out maximum.

This band and indeed this album are no nonsense all-out in your fuckin’ face! It possesses some grand tones which are used to their capacity and well beyond!

10/10

Track List:

Apollyon

Seven Nights seven sins

Step forth from the Darkness

Stack of Pyres

Empire in Decay

A monster in mourning

Reckoning

The Massaquerade

Shepherd of Erebus

The fiend staring back at me

Halo of Crows

Members:

Anthony Knight - Vocals

Scott Allen - Guitar

Topher O'Meagher - Guitar

Psy' Timms - Bass

Marc Lord - Drums

Deathwhite - Solitary Martyr - 5 Track E.P Self-released - To be released 14.8.15

Deathwhite

Solitary Martyr

5 Track EP

Self-released

To be released 14^th August 2015

Deathwhite – USA

Links:

https://deathwhite.bandcamp.com

Recorded in March- May 2015 at Studio 344, under the supervision of Brette Ciamarra

Mixed and mastered by Brette Ciamarra

Artwork and design courtesy of Jérôme Comentale, aka Pyrogas.

Genre: Dark Melodic Doom Metal

Just who is Death White?

Biography:

A year after the release of their well-received debut Ethereal E.P, dark metal outfit Deathwhite has returned with the Solitary Martyr E.P.

The product of increased focus on vocal melodies and hooks, Solitary Martyr displays a keener sense of depth and versatility than its predecessor. Recorded by Brette Ciammara at Studio 344, the production is more robust, as are the riffs, retaining a feel and flare akin to the bands that were so crucial inspiring Deathwhite in the first place.

Solitary Martyr will be self-released by the band in August of 2015. A special, limited edition (200 copies) version of the album will be made available on CD, with the aforementioned Ethereal E.P tacked on as bonus tracks.

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The first track entitled ‘Pressure’ is an epic sounding song that boasts some mellower moments amid some powerful riffs and volcanic hooks that explode with some ferocity. The vocals are clean and exact for the track and stir up some rugged emotions. The track has an agenda that leans heavily toward Nirvana – not the band, but a kind of obscurity.

‘Suffer Abandonment’ sounds a lot harder hitting than the first track however, it does have the same components but used in a coarse vein musically.  The vocals although clean are ravenous and savage in places, however, the rhythmic lures are poignant and pure in delivery with a stirring ember that quickly ignites and has a torrid and epic feel about it.

‘Vein’ is shrouded in a thick overwhelming rhythmic texture and once the veil has lifted, reveals a mellow stringed arrangement that is helped along with some truly powerful vocal chords! It is a sultry track that has exploding qualities.

The band’s title track and as expected ‘Solitary Martyr’ just grows teeth and rips at the audial like a hungry Tiger killing its prey. Again though it suddenly changes direction to reveal a sweeter sound but not for long before a thunderous pulse of agitation sweeps over it. The melodic core is delicious and moreish as well as fully engaging.

The final track ‘Only Imagined’ moves once more to an ambient guitar that is suddenly struck with a pounding and edgy drum beat and from behind it comes a deep and provocative vocal that captures and lures the listener into a world of sheer imagination.

At times this E.P sends chills down your backbone and the rest of the time will have you deep in thought. Although the components are the same through-out they have been slightly changed to give a deep and harmonious magnetism that pulls you even deeper into some highly polished melodies and muscular rhythms that blend superbly with the clean vocal caresses.

The band are shrouded in mystery. I don’t think anyone knows who the band members are? I am wondering if they went into the studio wearing ski masks and using pseudonyms. Maybe so!

I feel that Deathwhite has a lot to offer as their tracks just flare up with no warning and then calm down just as quickly, so you don’t know what to expect, making the element of surprise prevalent.

Extremely enchanting E.P!

9/10

Track List:

Pressure

Suffer Abandonment

Vein

Solitary Martyr

Only Imagined

Bison Machine - Hoarfrost - 6 Track EP - Kozmik Artifactz/Bilocation Records - Released 10th July 2015

Bison Machine

Hoarfrost

6 Track EP

Kozmik Artifactz/Bilocation Records

Released 10^th July 2015

Written for Ramzine

Bison Machine – Hamtramck, MI

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/americanbison

Genre: Heavy Rock, Stoner, Blues Rock, 70's...

Straight away the grooves cut you like a knife, with thunderous punches to the gut! The rampage that are Bison Machine offer some engaging and indeed some outstanding head banging moments!

As with a lot of stoner bands the grooves hit unforgiving and merciless and these guys are no exception to that rule!

The sound of the bass, the sting of the guitar, the massive hit of drums and the psychedelic tones of vocal are all encompassing and well-rounded and joyous to the ears.

The physical effect the album has on you lingers with lasting effect and leaves its ambient proposal for you to ponder on.

The album is spawned on a deep underbelly of gravitational grooves that exploit the genre with an edge that stirs up emotion and dogged determination that can be heard in the tracks and is a deeply pleasurable listen.

Track after track the breeding is strong and formidable, engaging in a feast of listenable rapture that hits the spot and satisfies as well as gratifies!

The guitar and bass work well together, tapping into a stream of passion and serves up some inspirational defiance.

There are just 6 tracks on this exceptional E.P but thanks to the repeat button can be enjoyed over and over again as it tightens its grip with some amazing haunting sounds.

It is honest and pure unadulterated grooves are compelling and epic in every sense of the word and one cannot help but think that the band when they composed these tracks were in their seventh heaven, as for the listener the ecstasy is dominated by each riff and expands to the next!

The cross between the warfare of solid groove to punchy convulsions all take their toll and harbour total addictive qualities that simply can’t be ignored, not will they!

There is definitely no escaping the increasing brawl and the twisting components that smother the audial with mesmerizing consequences. The magic has been created before granted, but it is never too late to re sample the flavours of the 70’s.

The calmer moments are felt as the last track Giant’s Coffin floods the speakers with cosmic shadows that send chills down your spine making them tingle with anticipation. The bounce suddenly appears and carries the track through its paces and takes us on a magic adventure of imagination.

Superb E.P! That warrants the undivided attention it so well deserves!

9.5/10

Track List:

Cosmic Ark

Old Moon

Gamekeepers Thumb

Viking Hand

Speed of Darkness

Giant’s Coffin

Members:

Dusty Jones - Guitar

Breck Crandell - Drums

Tom Stec - Vocals

Anthony Franchina - Bass