Rex Shachath - Revocation of the Blood Elect - 5 Track E.P - Great Dane Records - To be released 20th November 2015

Rex Shachath

Revocation of the Blood Elect

5 Track E.P

Great Dane Records

To be released 20^th November 2015

Death metal with venomous attitude!

Rex Shachath – Belfast, Northern Ireland

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/rexshachath

Recorded, mixed and engineered at Sonic Forge, Wales

Artwork – God Machine

Produced by Joe Thompson & Rex Shachath

Mastered by Joe Thompson

Layout Design by Jonathan Francis

Photos by Daniel Dempster

Genre: Death Metal

The superb Rex Shacath

Formed in 2011 and good to see an Irish band making death metal waves!

Atonement through Atrocity

Divulging a dark and devilish growl from the recesses of hell this track gets underway. Seizing the audial chambers and cloaking them in brutal savagery, with raw tones of primal lust, it knows just where to hit to peak the interest and goes all out to tantalize with thrilling endeavor.

Impious Axiom

Bombastic and raucous are just two of the words to describe this track as it leaves a blistering trail of madness in its wake. Attacking with sheer malice, the menacing exploits are apparent, completed with guttural roars and steaming riffs.

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“This is one superb EP that holds no bars as the music will simply not allow restrictions of any kind. It hurls itself around in a frenzy of madness while bellowing from the heights as well as the depths!”

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Revocation of the Blood Elect

The excitement continues with tormenting riffs and primal drum beats that scorch venomously into the psyche, in an avalanche of fueled hatred breeding contempt through its strenuous veins.

Hellish track! 

Within The Temple Of Disgust (Feat. Ben McCrow – The Rotted)

The vibrant burning hues are set in a tirade of extremities. The rhythms protrude with pride and scour the depths as well as the skies with sheer extravagance. Vocally damming and superb the snarls are vehement and forthright making it one amazing track to behold.

Colossus Rise

There is no let up, no borders, no relenting from such a seething track that can barely lift its body off the ground due to the heaviness that emanates, although the riffs soar effortlessly and tease with utter contempt leaving a large impact!

Summary:

This is one superb E.P that holds no bars as the music will simply not allow restrictions of any kind. It hurls itself around in a frenzy of madness while bellowing from the heights as well as the depths.

Its steely presence is unmasked and challenges the listener, provoking a full-on war of minds!

Remember the name Rex Shachath or forever be dammed to hell!

10/10

Track List:

Atonement through Atrocity

Impious Axiom

Revocation of the Blood Elect

Within The Temple Of Disgust (Feat. Ben McCrow)

Colossus Rise

Members:

Dave Connolly - Vocals

Andrew Pennington - Guitar

Jonathan ‘Franky’ Francis - Guitar

Eddie West – Bass

Jay Rogers - Drums

Prime Sinister - The Blackest Movie Mammoth Extinction - 11 Track Album - Great Dane Records - Released 2015

Prime Sinister

The Blackest Movie

Mammoth Extinction

11 Track Album

Great Dane Records

Released 2015

Prime Sinister – Orléans, France

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/primesinisterofficial

United in Violence       - Demo              2007

United in Violence       - Full-length     2008

Wish Me Hell               - Full-length     2010

The Blackest Movie: Mammoth Extinction 2015

Genre: Stoner Metal

Biography:

“It was at the end of 2006 that PRIME SINISTER saw the light, fueled by a hate overdose in the city of angels.

The band, led by Pills, singer and guitarist, 96 playing the bass and fuse behind the drums, delivered a musical crossover between industrial metal and stoner rock. A loud, dark and powerful sound, through which Prime Sinister spat out its anger and settled its scores with society!”

~~~~~~

The Blackest Movie

Not the usual beginning to a stoner album although it soon settles into its slow paced amble and is a tasty morsel that is increasingly enjoyable. Pills sounds ever so much like Lemmy, as his vocals are distorted and grisly.

I Can’t Change

Some samples open this imaginative track that moves on to reveal some gripping frets and relentless bass. Fueled by its addictiveness it peaks the interest and holds the attention perfectly.

Blood Red Blues

Bearing its fangs on the album is the third track that emerges triumphant and eager to please with its gritty melody and predacious nature. The rugged enterprise is outlined by the vocal slurry that engages and coaxes the listener in such a way it cannot be ignored.

The End is on

With its addictive riffage and thunderous drum beat, it catches the imagination superbly and try not to get too involved in this track is virtually impossible! The ever present ‘Lemmy’ vocals are always welcome on all accounts.

Sweet Time for Crime

I can’t help but feel this is a play on ‘Sweet Child in Time’ however, on listening it sounds nothing like the aforementioned track at all.  This is powerful, gritty and edges toward contrasting weaves of sultry and smoldering.

Prime Cut

Harbouring a sinister and atmospheric guise it ambles in its stoner moment to bombard the senses. The fret work washes over the listener in sonic waves of tempestuousness and leaves one with one’s mouth agape!

The God’s Failure

With some hellish words opening the track this one scolds with a dynamic heat that blisters, in an all-out distinct familiarity! There is no easing into the track at all as it Flambes the ears with epic musical connotations!

Hellone

Holding a deep and resonating power that simply scorches as it emanates through the speakers leaving them juddering at the seismic rhythms. The beat is catchy and yet predatory infesting the ears as it passes.

Let me down

With riveting anticipation this track slowly edges its way forward to reveal a pulsing invention. The vocals simply slide along on a rich bed of stoner notes that invite and coerce.

Final Cut

Weaves some beautiful tonal chords that enlighten and uplift the spirit. The addictiveness of the track unfolds into an epic splendor that is thrilling to the ears and surges with an orgasmic storm of unpredictability.

The Wait

Can only be described as antagonistic, and heavy! It is rumbustious and bold with fire in its veins. The expressive vocal lures are relentless and forthright, adding to this superb track.

Summary:

This album is a must for all stoner fans. It isn’t too slow so as you fall asleep or too fast to keep you in a constant state of turmoil either. It’s edgy and all-encompassing to the point you quite literally want to remain in its clutches just that moment longer!

The antagonistic grooves bite deep and hard with relentless strikes of what can only be described as sheer pleasure!

9.5/10

Track List:

The Blackest Movie

I Can’t Change

Blood Red Blues

The End is on

Sweet Time for Crime

Prime Cut

The God’s Failure

Hellone

Let me down

Final Cut

The Wait

Members:

Pills - Guitars & Vocals

Infuscomus - Drums & Backing Vocals

Cly'Max - Bass & Backing Vocals

Haiduk - Demonicon - 9 Track Album - Released 9th September 2015

Haiduk

Demonicon

9 Track Album

Released 9^th September 2015

Prepare for a hellish ride!

Written for Brutalism

Haiduk – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/haidukmetal

Genre: Death Metal/Black Metal

Biography:

“Haiduk is the death metal solo-project by guitarist Luka Milojica. Emerging from the cold forests of Canada, the project arose with the release of the raw, bone-chilling 8-song demo “Plague swept” (2010).

Aggressive and dark, the sound of Haiduk is a direct channeling of haunting ideas from composer to listener, as the conceptualization, writing, and execution of the music is a solitary process. Free from outside influence, the songs pull the listener toward themes of power, evil, magic and myth.

Forging ahead in solitude, Haiduk unleashed the full-length debut “spell-book” (2012); a black-magic conjuring of fast guitars and powerful riff attacks summoning an atmosphere of true darkness.

Invoking spells of demonic strength, Haiduk raised forces from the infernal depths, sealing arcane knowledge and ancient power into the “Demonicon” (2015); a blackened tome of blasting distortion!”

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Syth

The darkness simply envelops as soon as you hit play on this tempestuous hellish journey. The drum beats are venomous and demonic as the sound changes direction from speaker to speaker. The vocals are low and gruff and simply engage with the familiar black riffage playing at high octane with nagging brutality.

Nazon

Just bursts into a seething array of darkly soaked agitation and drags you into their emotionally charged world of blackness. The atmospheric riffs are provocative and urgent and set a high precedence.

Deamris

Works on high powered riffs and exciting tones that soar into a void of madness as the track continues.  The vocals are so low they sink into the melee adding a darker realm into the maelstrom.

Ayzr

Bumps and grinds its way into the audial cavities like a tic. The festering blackness is shadowed with typical riffs but none the less edgy and vehement. The vocal snarls are evil and suggestive in a way they compel and consume the senses.

Sarxas

Embroiled in a sultry fever this track agitates and demands attention as it attacks in a savage and unmerciful tenacity. Harboring an addictive rhythm it proudly strides across the audial with little regard for anything.

Corloch

Holds a much thicker content and texture as it boldly strikes with feverish riffs and never loses its animalistic vibes. It rampages with highly charged and challenging beats that coat the senses with a blinding evil.

Nergion

Exploits further its agitation to move at a high pace and smacks you over the head without you even knowing! Its creative journey is powered by bombastic riffs and again low toned growls that are strong and highly potent.

Vordus

Holds a twisting rhythm that burrows into the ears and then explodes with a ripe and ready malignance! As it grows in a smothering blackness it flirts proudly and grows ever more contagious in its flowing river of madness.

Xhadex

This track holds a sharp run of riffs that are so sharp you will cut your ears on them. The nagging and agitation is rife and superbly executed on this crazed adventure into a twisted mind of fragmentation.  It is wild and will have the blood coursing through the veins.

Summary

Having not heard a lot of black metal for quite a while I can safely say it has been a refreshing experience to once again lavish and relish in its brutal tones. I feel like a born again Satanist ready to take on the hammerings of a dark and twisted mind as the music savages and ignites a certain passion inside me.

As with a lot of black metal bands members seem to be thin on the ground and usually are just one person executing the riffs as well as everything else, and one man Luka Milojica takes on everything you hear on this album which makes it all the more surprising and that bit more intriguing.

The Canadians are not known for their black metal but this album will put Haiduk firmly on the map. Hell! I may need an exorcism after this but the journey has been well worth it!

5/5

Track List:

Syth

Nazon

Deamris

Ayzr

Sarxas

Corloch

Nergion

Vordus

Xhadex

Members:

Luka Milojica – Instruments/Vocals

RAM - Svbversvm - 10 track Album - Metal Blade Records - To be released 30th October 2015

RAM

Svbversvm

10 Track Album

Metal Blade Records

To be released 30^th October 2015

Coming soon!

Written for Metal Gods Meltdown

RAM – Gothenburg Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/RAMheavymetal

Discography:

Svbversvm - 10.30.2015

Under Command - 12.09.2014

Death - 01.31.2012

Genre: Heavy Metal

Biography:

“RAM was created back in '99 by Harry Granroth, who wanted to form a real heavy metal band; he was sick of the misinterpretation of metal that ruled the scene back then and had a pile of material that he wanted to bring to life.

Magnus Lyndrgren photo

The five members started to rehearse and write new songs and in 2003 they released their first E.P., Sudden Impact, through partly their own label "Black Path Metal Recordings". The EP created a sudden impact on the underground metal scene, the first 1000 copies were sold out in a few months. RAM hit the road and played a number of festivals in Europe and went on tour as support for Sebastian Bach. The band was also recognised by Germany's Rock Hard magazine as one of the best newcomers of 2004.

RAM are now preparing for another 10 years upon the throne of underground Heavy Metal!”

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Return of the Iron Tyrant

The melodic chug is at one with the senses on this epic track. The vocals sound very similar to Rush’s Geddy Lee although Oscar Carlquist could quite easily be classed as a Swedish Geddy Lee, make no mistake. The music is rumbustious and heavy with a paralyzing chug attached to its bones.

Eyes of the Night

Unveiling more familiar riffs and vocal emotion is ‘Eyes of the Night’ and typical for bring an 80’s feel into the equation. The fiery excitement is rife and melodious.

The Usurper

Immediately catchy and heavy as, this track pulls no punches and goes straight in for the kill. The body just obeys the rampancy of the riff with a rock steady beat.

Enslaver

Literally enslaves the senses on a mega level with sultry prowess and eager dramatic stance. The stunted notes pummel the speakers like a savage machine gun.

Holy Death

Shows a valid rawness that scathes the depths of the soul with its distinctive lure and tenacious virulence.  The vocals hold less of the Geddy Lee lilt but none the less ferociously roars out the powerful lyrics.

Terminus

Holds plenty of atmospheric effects that mesmerize in a heartbeat! It stirs the emotions with antagonistic flurry and doesn’t stop there, showing off a diverse side that has not had an outing until now. With no vocals to back it up it is one powerful track that lets the music do the talking.

The Omega Device (MI III)

Is rife with atmosphere and arguably raw and feasts on the aural like a ravaged beast. The groove is melodic and finely tuned with unrelenting hooks and Geddy Lee has returned once more.

Forbidden Zone

This track takes an ambient stroll along a rhythmic backdrop of chugging menace. As the track unfolds its undiluted textures are clear and precise holding plenty of caustic embrace. A real head banging track that will no doubt be a favourite of many.

Temples of Void

Is a wind tunnel of intrigue as it begins and then turns a corner facing a turbulent substance of coaxing rhythms and epic melodies, while a sonic sweep of riffs rain down their craft with clanking notes and steely drum beats? The harmonious growling chants add a slightly creepy feel into the mix.

Svbversvm

The title track of the album saved until the end of this 10 track monster is cruel and unmerciful just as the vocals are tenacious and shrill.

Summary

This album I feel has taken a detour and sends its listeners on a nostalgia trip back into the 80’s, which is never a bad thing, although after 10 years I feel they may be stuck in a time warp.

Although there is nothing new on the album that hasn’t been done before, it still packs a powerful punch to the gut and progressively plunges the listener into an imposing bubble of blackness and in equal measure offers some riveting moments that cannot be ignored.

The tracks are intense and layered with barbarous rhythms that excite and thrill none the less than any album did back in the 80’s.

It is a challenge with its bullying riffs and bulbous beats, an album that will grow further the more you play it. 10 Evocative tracks will engage the brain and reward the body with its rip-roaring, head banging melodies that constantly thrill!

8.5/10

Track List:

Return of the Iron Tyrant

Eyes of the Night

The Usurper

Enslaver

Holy Death

Terminus

The Omega Device (MI III)

Forbidden Zone

Temples of Void

Svbversvm

Members:

Oscar Carlquist - Vocals

Morgan Pettersson - Drums

Harry Granroth - Guitar

Martin Jonsson - Guitar

Tobias Petterson - Bass

Madam Mayhem - Now you Know - 14 Track Album - 71st Street Music - Released 16th October 2015

Madam Mayhem

Now you Know

14 Track Album

71^st Street Music

Released 16^th October 2015

Written for Metal Gods Meltdown

Madam Mayhem – Manhattan, New York

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/madamemayhem

Produced by Billy Sheehan

Genre: Rock/Hard Rock

Biography:

“Manhattan-born singer-songwriter, Madame Mayhem™, is a true rocker with an eclectic style in every aspect of life. With her ‘in your face’ attitude, Mayhem is definitely the right word to describe this extreme artist.

She began to take the music scene by storm when she was featured on Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio New Discovered and Uncovered Artist chart, before opening for Buckcherry’s Live Nation tour at The Sands Casino. She has performed across the nation to packed rooms, including The Roxy, The Viper Room, Bowery Ballroom, Knitting Factory, a residency at The Cutting Room, the Bluebird Café during Grammy nomination week, and has headlined the VH1’s “THAT METAL SHOW” annual Christmas Party. Her fan base to date is over 156 thousand strong, and growing rapidly!”

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Monster

On first listening to this album I was blown away! I wasn’t expecting much from this album it has to be said but I was totally wrong, but amazing what a cheesy name can do to put you off slightly. However, Madam Mayhem’s voice is powerful and all engaging. The riffs, beats and rhythmic prowess simply surges in great detail and watch those sparks fly!

Perfect Nightmare

Starting off with some sharp notes gives you that anticipation of what is to come and by gawd this musical structure is strong and vibrant with jerky rhythms that are  so compelling.

Something better (Now you know)

The beginning is somewhat disjointed however once those beats kick in there is no stopping it. It’s highly charged and potent. The vocals are higher pitched and screechy although well in keeping with the track.

Left for Dead

This is more of a ballad and Madam Mayhem has it covered with this poignant track. It is again powerfully charged and gritty to the point of showing true emotion.

Witchcraft

Is a wiry and again disjointed track that seems not to know in which direction to travel taking twists and turns that seem to want to stop and then start again so it is a little annoying truth be known?

More than Misery

Is a little chugger that goes on a rampage with an addictive rhythm? The music is robust and brimming with hectic riffage, exploding violently.  Quite a flavorsome track.

Better Days

The dynamics have all changed on this track as it slows its tempo to a crawl and feels very mainstream.  The rock has diminished and the balladry flows quite smoothly. Although it isn’t my favourite one on the album.

After 2am

Gets back to its rock roots and hellaciously plunders with rapacious longing. Vocally chanting with strong riffs to back it up and can safely be called melodic and engaging.

Nothing to Lose

This track explores a darker side although the riffs are rocky and powerful. A torrent of resourceful rhythms simply surround the lobes with pleasing consequences.

Under the Microscope

This track has a slightly eastern quality which is unearthed very early on and very unusual. Its rugged qualities reflect a very impressive and enthralling track that showcases the bands diversity to the forefront with superb vocal effects.

Sacrifice

Blossoms further bringing back the ‘rock’ edge with a creative curved ball.  The top notes hit by Madam Mayhem literally cause the skin to rise and a chill follows down the spine.

Pain

This track is somewhat of a dirge and lacks direction although the lyrics are meaningful.

Can’t Stand

As if the band read my mind, this track pulls the listener into a new light and focuses back to its rock forefront with jerky riffs and rhythmic intoxication. It romps with a radiant kick in the guts and very addictive.

Anyone who had a heart

Yes it is Cilla Black’s cover but sung in such a way that is sends chills down the back. It is a very poignant song anyway but Madam Mayhem has done this track proud, adding her own slant to it.

Summary:

From going to not expecting much I have been ousted and enjoyed most of the tracks on this 14 track album, with the exception of about two which I don’t think is bad at all.

There is no escaping the dulcet tones of Madam Mayhem for sure and the tracks are well in keeping with her powerful vocal chords.

There is an alluring radiance that shines through warmly on most of the tracks and gives it that ‘feel good’ moment with its smoldering melodic content and addictive encounter.

Not a bad album at all although it won’t shine with the extreme metal heads who are stuck in their ways but it will appeal to a lot of rockers who are not so closed minded that they are asleep and miss something that is a little different.

7/10

Track List:

Monster

Perfect Nightmare

Something better (Now you know)

Left for Dead

Witchcraft

More than Misery

Better Days

After 2 am

Nothing to Lose

Under the Microscope

Sacrifice

Pain

Can’t Stand

Anyone who had a heart

Members:

Madam Mayhem - Vocals