Lone Star - Firing on all Six - 8 Track Album - CBS Records - Release Date: August 1977

Lone Star

Firing on all Six

8 Track Album

CBS Records

Release Date: August 1977

Classic Album Review for RAMzine

Lone Star – Cardiff

Links:

Engineered and Produced by Gary Lyons

Genre: Hard Rock, Prog Rock

Lone Star are certainly an underrated band, from Cardiff, forming in 1975 and swapping various members of the band for the line-up they had in 1977. I first spotted them on ‘The BBC in Concert” in December 77 introduced by Pete Drummond. Their remarkable album ‘Firing on all Six’ (which was indeed the bands second album, Lone Star being the band’s first and released the previous year in 1976) had been released a few months before and of course the obligatory tours and TV shows followed.

“I can feel sadness, I can feel joy, between the two I am torn” is a good way of describing how I feel about Lone Star. Remembering them so clearly as I was transfixed by 20 year old Jon Sloman’s hair, which he flicked about to his heart’s content and mine! His voice bellowing the words of ‘The Bells of Berlin’ just blew me away, amid the dry ice, and where keyboards dominated the sounds, transporting me to happier moments back to a time where things were a lot less complicated than today.

Vinyl was still around and always good for us ‘rockers’ to obtain multi-coloured vinyl, other than just black, the hiss from a stylus was the ‘norm’, large stereos dominated every teen’s bedroom, not to mention there being just two genres Rock and Metal, and we knew which was which no hesitation, unlike today where there are not only genres but sub-genres to deal with.

Lone Star employed a member of early UFO being fresh faced Paul Chapman, who when Lone Star crumbled a year later went back to UFO before joining bassist Pete Way to form Waysted.

That Christmas saw me get wasted while watching Sloman and the band run through their tracks on a TV that was not as clear as of today’s, but it mattered little.

Playing their album over and over, the cover now dog eared, but the tracks still sound fresh and inviting from when I first heard the band on the (BBC iC) some 39 years ago and you can too – follow the link Here:

Although they only lasted for three years, they left an incredible legacy. I still own Firing on all Six and even got the chance to meet Sloman who kindly signed my Lone Star cover, where it proudly sits in my collection today and you know what? It’s not going anywhere!

Track List:

The Bells of Berlin  

The Ballad of Crafty Jack  

Time Lays Down     

Hypnotic Mover       

Lovely Lubina          

Seasons in Your Eyes       

Rivers Overflowing 

All of us to all of you

Members:

Pete Hurley - Bass

Dixie Lee - Drums

Paul Chapman - Guitar

Tony Smith – Guitar/Harmony Vocals

Rik Worsnop - Keyboards

John Sloman Lead/Harmony Vocals

Bloody Hammers - Lovely Sort of Death - 10 Track Album - Napalm Death Records - Release Date: 5th August 2016

Bloody Hammers

Lovely sort of Death

10 Track Album

Napalm Death Records

Release Date 5^th August 2016

Written for RAMzine

Bloody Hammers – Transylvania County, North Carolina

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/BloodyHammers/

Genre: Dark Occult

Biography:

“BLOODY HAMMERS are a duo who hail from the mountains of Transylvania County, NC. The project and first self-titled release was originally formed as a studio only project with vocalist/songwriter, Anders Manga producing and recording all instruments

Soon Anders decided to take the project from the studio to a real band by recruiting his wife Devallia to play keyboards and other local musicians for live shows.

In late 2013 Anders was approached by one of Europe's largest rock and metal labels, Napalm Records. In 2014 Napalm released BLOODY HAMMERS' third official album titled 'Under Satan's Sun'.

Through the snowy winter of 2015, Anders began writing again, but this time took a much darker and atmospheric direction.

For the first time he added thick Moog sounds along with his normal fuzzed-out guitar, with more atmospheric keys provided by Devallia. They emerged from the winter with 'Lovely Sort of Death', their darkest album yet. (Due in August via Napalm Records)!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Bloodletting on the Kiss – This is a very dark song with haunting vocals and keyboard. The initial sparks brood intensely despite the track being slow and winding. The vocals are clean and soft and backed up by singular keyboard notes which give out tremendous eeriness.  

Lights Come Alive

Is a startling endeavour of keyboard with surround sound that is utterly compelling? The mysterious sounds are uplifting and mesmeric. The organics of the track are just superb!

The Reaper Comes

As you would expect there is more than a little foreboding going on here. It breeds darkness and creepiness from every corner and intrigues on all levels, with a wiry sound.

Messalina

Contains a bubbling layer of bass that sweeps it along on its bizarre way. It creates an edgy rhythmic catalyst that motivates its goals taking large strides of boldness further on and that haunting melody strikes again.

Infinite gaze to the Sun

Paints colourful pictures of grey and black, with winding catchiness and a sonic bass hook! While the fuzziness of guitar draws on its emotive force to catapult its presence into the forefront.

Stoke the Fire

This track is dominated by sharp keyboard notes and then turns to a sizzling riff along with a harder vocal appetite. The broodiness of the track blisters with eager contagion, and the melodic rhythm is never far away.

Ether

Pushing through its dark hazy barrier of smoke ingested enterprise, the slow and deliberate heavy rhythms gain supremacy and bombard the senses with a provocative vocal.

Shadow out of Time

Caresses the ears with a haunting tale of bewilderment. Lavishing a malevolent force of revelling incitation to the mix. Although it is slow and deliberate its serious sounds are once again compelling and appealing.

Astral Traveller

Sees a much heavier sound emerge and with blistering edginess the vocals take on a more direct approach. The keyboards are more than alive and kicking and provide a significant pulse on which the music sits.

Catastrophe

Giving the brooding bass an outing along with a sparse drum beat allows the track to gain a foreboding energy.

The whole album offers some very rewarding tracks, edgy, haunting and mesmeric in places and goes without saying that it truly harbours a magic texture that is apparent from the off making itself known very early on.

The brooding intensity of each track is well worth exploring – so do it!

9/10

Track List:

Bloodletting on the Kiss

Lights Come Alive

The Reaper Comes

Messalina

Infinite gaze to the Sun

Stoke the Fire

Ether

Shadow out of Time

Astral Traveller

Catastrophe

Members:

Anders Manga: Vocals, Guitar, Bass

Devallia: Keyboards/Organ

Buildings/Volunteer - Split EP - 6 Track - Triple Eye Industries - Release Date: 26th August 2016

Buildings/Volunteer

Split EP

6 Track

Triple Eye Industries

Release Date: 26^th August 2016

Written for RAMzine

Buildings – Minneapolis Minnesota

Volunteer – Milwaulkee, Wisconsin

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/buildingsband

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer

Genre: Noisy & Chaotic

Biography: Buildings

“They've been a band for a number of years now. Changing, growing, just how things should be!”

Biography: Volunteer

“Honest, real and uncompromisingly aggressive. Volunteer takes its listener back to that time, recalling the sounds of Amphetamine Reptile and Touch and Go. Featuring former members of Stock Options, Forstella Ford, Traitors and Gasoline Fight. This Milwaukee trio’s no frills blend of noise, sludge and rock is straight and to the point. With a follow-up 10" coming out this fall, Volunteer will continue to follow the same path!”

~~~~~~~~~~

It seems as if Building have very little to say about their particular ‘art’ while Volunteer just say it how it is. Although both band’s music is done in a similar vein, it is clear to see that Volunteer hold the edge and have their noses to the proverbial grindstone, whereby Building don’t seem to be going anywhere fast!

Something Better – is a cross between rock, punk and noise, it starts off quite promising but then falls into decline very quickly due to the vocals that are hap-hazardless and thrown out with little regard for melody!

Burlap – giving the bass a good airing before spewing out a tumultuous vocal encounter amid a shrill blanket of noisy riffs that can be likened to glass shattering into a thousand pieces, this is the sum of the track.

Snake – sounds like it is being sung to various tracks and doesn’t really get anywhere fast, although it does have its moments despite its craziness!

Dainty Hoof – is more of the same noise and chaos that protrudes through the speakers, although contained in its structures there is a harsh melody that does redeem the track slightly, and the title made me smile!

Walk – Has an almost wiry edge that is instantaneously likeable, although the vocals are incoherent – not really a problem these days though with death metal making its way into the metal community, however this is not death metal and couldn’t be more so removed if it tried. But liking this track a lot!

Wrong – Another track that bristles with delight along with a resounding electric kick and surly beats – it holds head banging qualities with a rippling rhythmic bait and ‘right’ to finish on.

Building are just about as boring as its name and if that sounds harsh, it is! With nothing really for the ears to lock on to! It does what it says on the label and produces noise and little else, although ‘Snake’ is a little bit more listener friendly, but only just.

Volunteer are much more engaging and incorporate sludgy elements as well as rock elements so there are more ingredients contained in it for the band to work with and for the listener to explore.

All Volunteer’s tracks provide an emotive flavour that may be a little rough around the edges but adds to its tempting mystery, however Building can only offer noise! Which is a little disconcerting.

5/10 - Building

9/10 - Volunteer

Track List:

Something Better

Burlap

Snake

Dainty Hoof

Walk

Wrong

Members: Building

Brian Lake

Mike Baillie

Travis Kuhlman

Members: Volunteer

Mark Sheppard

Martin Defatte

Francisco Ramirez

Kevin DeMars

Decipher - Blame Yourself - 6 Track EP - Self-Release - Release Date: 30th September 2016

Decipher

Blame Yourself

6 Track E.P

Self-Release

Release Date: 30^th September 2016

Written for RAMzine

Decipher – Southampton, UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/DecipherbandUK

Genre: Post Hard Core

Biography:

“Post-Hardcore band from the South Coast... Much more to come soon!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Prelude

Lulls the listener into a false sense of security offering a dream-like fantasy of music but with the snarliest of vocal attached to it, it suddenly pulls you kicking and screaming from the warmth of your slumbers with startling anticipation.

Shadows

Possessing very sophisticated music and eye opening lyrics, though as the vocals emerge again they take on a very off-kilter edge that isn’t blending as well as it did with the music from the beginning and now it is not pleasurable anymore!

Without You

The vocals although ‘screamo’ really fit into the musical rhythm with ease. Added to the melee are some brutal beats that make the track riveting as it expands, sending tingles of pleasure down your spine and so different from the mish mash of the previous track.

What strength I have

Is a rambunctious affair of out of key vocals that grate somewhat on the senses and do not nestle into the ears very well, still the music does possess very strong rhythms, while the vocals just seem possessed by a Demon.?

Complacent

Holds some amazing rhythmic slabs of sonic enterprise but over shadowed with a demonic vocal regime that taints it somewhat.

Blame Yourself

Again containing some superb musical patterns and rich textures with snarling vocals that are punishing to the ears but will make you grimace and reach for the volume button but only to take the edge off.

This has been rather a painful experience which is a shame because the diversity of the band musically knows no bounds and offers amazing potential. The textures are welcoming, sophisticated and unyielding, going from complex to riveting and establishes itself from the off, however the unruly off-kilter ‘screamo’ vocal spoils things on occasions and will no doubt have you reaching for the skip button in order to relieve your ears of further torture, which is a real shame as maybe with low guttural growls this could be something monumental.  The initial spark from The Prelude is very uplifting and mature but thinking it could lose the vocals altogether so the listener can enjoy what the band has to offer without grimace.

On slim occasions Decipher do tick the boxes as on ‘Without You’ which is a superb track even with screamo vocals, but when sung in key can make all the difference! However the rest of the tracks leave a lot to be desired.

6/10

Track List:

Prelude

Shadows

Without You

What strength I have

Complacent

Blame Yourself

Members:

Calum

Stu

George

Jason

Rhys

Gandalf's Owl - Winterfell - 3 Track EP - Inferno Enterprises - Release Date: 26th July 2016

Gandalf’s Owl

Winterfell

3 Track E.P

Inferno Enterprises

Release Date 26^th July 2016

Written for RAMzine

Gandalf’s Owl – Enna, Sicily, Italy

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gandalfsowl

Genre: Psychedelic Dark Ambient

Biography:

“Gandolfo Ferro is an eclectic Sicilian singer and musician. Willing to experiment and explore every aspect of music, he puts his hands on every genre and morphs it into his own vision, leaving his unmistakable trademark.

His studies in vocal techniques – alongside with constant improving of his guitar playing skills – trace back to 1998, and now, other than being an accomplished vocal coach and singer, Gandolfo Ferro is an all-around musician and author.

Over the course of the years, thanks to his works with bands such as The Opera (his main band) and Heimdall (“Aeneid” was one of the best-selling power metal albums in 2013), and his participation with Roberto Tiranti to Pier Gonella project, he peaked as one of the most interesting talents worth a listen in the whole Italian peninsula.

With GANDALF’s OWL, Gandolfo Ferro unleashes his most avant-garde, psychedelic and atmospheric project and with it, Gandolfo Ferro looks for showing a new side of his musical universe.

So he records “Winterfell” a three tracks EP and signs a contract for a worldwide distribution and promotion with My Kingdom Music’s sublabel Club Inferno!”

~~~~~~~~~~

The name as well as the band’s cover is intriguing - so hoping that the music can live up to the high standard already offered by Sicilian Gandolfo before even a note is heard!

The Wall

The echoing voice is soothing although disturbing.  Its ominous presence is indeed striking and once the music comes into focus making me give it the thumbs up for intrigue, which is a fantastic start. It’s far reaching sound effects are brooding and compelling and I would even go as far to say appealing. Its ghostly distressing hues are utterly breath-taking and addictive.

Winterfell

Holds a very sinister edge to it. Haunting and irksome it lavishes the ears with sounds that hit the temporal lobes with breath-taking consequences. The sounds sweep over you and allow your mind to paint vivid pictures while the mass of seething rhythms cleanse your soul with uplifting magnitude as it explores every corner embracing you with warmth.

White Arbour

Allows the listener to submerge themselves in the crisp waters and indulge in bird song before the inspirited rhythms wash over you like a tide that is ebbing and flowing towards the land. It indulges you with enriching textures that are liberalizing and beneficial for total wellbeing.

I could listen to this every day and never feel bored. There is something magical contained within its powerful roots that just reach every part of your body. This you can feel in abundance like a warming sun or cool rain, allowing you to feel energized and relaxed and makes you feel reassured with its steely presence.

It more than lives up to its intriguing cover and name, far surpassing any expectations, being played over and over and offering more to experience and engage in, its tremendous rhythms bubble and enlighten the mood with ease. The dark ambience lifts you into another realm offering sheer comfort with each note that is psychedelically displayed.

The trance like concoctions are all encompassing, shielding you like a giant blanket of warmth, although it can possess sinister edges, they are not so black that you feel swamped and engulfed by them.

The euphoria that’s contained in each track can ‘put you under’ within seconds of listening and oozes a certain magic that simply cannot be ignored.

This E.P is well worth owning if you want to wash off any negative energies in order to feel enriched and refreshed!

10/10

Track List:

The Wall

Winterfell

White Arbour

Members:

Gandolfo Ferro: All instruments

Gloryful - End of the Night - 10 Track Album - Massacre Records - Release Date: 26th August 2016

Gloryful

End of the Night

10 Track Album

Massacre Records

Release Date: 26^th August 2016

Written for RAMzine

Gloryful – Duisburg, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gloryful

Genre: Heavy Metal

Biography:

“Gloryful was formed in summer 2010 by lead singer Johnny La Bomba and Shredmaster JB. Their 3-track demo “Sedna’s Revenge” gained them a high reputation among the Classic Heavy Metal underground.

The band already played numerous shows with bands like Powerwolf, Vicious Rumors, Ordan Ogan, Paul di Anno, High Spirits and Helstar and left screaming crowds longing for their debut album.

As a full line-up consisting of advanced and professional musicians like Vito Papotto (guitar), Oliver Karasch (bass) and Hartmut Stoof (drums), they entered the studio in summer 2012 to record their debut album "The Warrior´s Code". They chose legendary Swedish sound alchemist Dan Swanö as their producer.

After almost overwhelming responses from all over the globe, Gloryful focused right on time to complete their 2nd album. "Ocean Blade" was released 28.03.2014 via Massacre Records.

Meanwhile, outstanding guitar-man Adrian Weiss replaced Vittorio Papotto on lead Guitar. Adrian played a lot of important shows and festival-gigs with Gloryful already and is ready to kick ass with the band now.

The band is releasing their 3rd full-length album "END OF THE NIGHT" 26th August 2016 through Massacre Records!

The album was mixed and mastered by Charles Greywolf, Kris Verwimp is responsible for the classic cover artwork again.

GLORYFUL’s music is not about any clichés or bullshit. It’s just what it is: Heavy Metal!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Dawn of the Raven King – With a death defying seething and a melancoholic rhythm it emerges into a medieval battle of sorts offering the slicing of swords and throws the listener into a state of anticipation at what about is to follow.

This means War – It is only now that you realise that Gloryful are on a powerful mission and can see the picture unfolding. It is very 80’s inspired with power chords along the same vein as Manowar and even Priest using a chant-like vocal to get their message heard.

The Glorriors – Immediately gets the head moving with a range of thunderous guitar and harmonies that mix in everything superbly with resounding quality. The flexible fingers of Adrien and Jens are spectacular!

Heart of Evil – Is another track that instantly peaks interest with its melodic rhythm and tempered beats, it’s a slab of excellence and has well and truly planted its seed of addictiveness, although the vocal seems under a bit of pressure as Johnny struggles to reach the top notes, but none the less a great track.

Hail to the King – inescapable madness emerges as a tirade of frets and blast beats rain down on the unsuspected. Manipulating with addictiveness and unfathomable rhythm, it is an epic piece.

For Victory – Could be an early Priest track if it so desired as it holds the same familiar roots, although Gloryful offer an outstanding run on which the listener can fully participate.

End of the Night – Sees the track turn into a medieval feast of sophistication once more and paints a dramatic encounter and expressive in its distinct delivery.

God against Man – Clearly shows the battle emerging as it races against time to prove its worthiness in an energetic performance, containing sprightly riffs and thunderous beats.

On Fire – Offers a scintillating blend of superb guitar chords and magnificent drum beats that collide with powerful and vibrant endeavour. The chorus again epic and forthright resonates extreme catchiness.

Rise of the Sacred Star – gives us a taste of vivaciousness as it bristles with fiery and fearsome riffs that go into overdrive.

Power metal played at its best with wondrous stories attached. It’s a superb album that holds amazing harmonies and death defying riffs! The sound is all-encompassing and wholesome. It’s time to turn the music up higher and engage with the warriors that have bravely gone to war and won the fight!

9.5/10

Track List:

Dawn of the Raven King

This means War

The Glorriors

Heart of Evil

Hail to the King

For Victory

End of the Night

God against Man

On Fire

Rise of the Sacred Star

Members:

Johnny la Bomba - Vocals

Jens Basten - Guitar

Adrian Weiss - Guitar

Daniel Perl - Bass

Hartmut Stoof - Drums

Negative Thought Process - Methylene Butterfly - 11 Track Album - Hibernacle Records - Release date: 16th September 2016

Negative Thought Process

Methylene Butterfly

11 Track Album

Hibernacle Records

Release Date: 16^th September 2016

Written for RAMzine

Negative Thought Process – Reading, UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/negativethoughtprocess

Genre: Crust/Grind/Powerviolence/Hatred

Biography:

“The album is based on real-life experiences with drug addiction and the horrors that it brings!”

~~~~~~~~~~

New Year’s Destitution Opens with an automated voice telling a very interesting story of alcohol and butt plugs and paints a scene from a bondage movie, and then the vile aggressive melee is thrusted upon the audial like a vat of acid! The Come Down emerges from its smoky plume of callousness sucking the life from its own creation and rampaging with disregard until it finally disappears. Coercive Co-dependency Batters its way through a permanent evil there are no niceties here as it weaves a non- descript ramble through gross rhythms and gnarliness. Masocutter injects a fuzzy and jagged edge of extreme putridity amid a thunderous battering of beats and squally screams, this is messy! Gutter Junkie the scene is set and a high pitched whistle comes over the air waves engulfing with agitation and fuelled aggression. One can almost see the mosh pit forming! Clandestine Cleaver is a dark and ambient journey toward oblivion. It’s sort of one of those ‘look behind you’ moments! SchizoSomniac conjures up an “I can’t sleep, because I am talking to myself moment!” however it is probably due to the loud chaos that is spewing from the speakers on both accounts! 

Sewing the Wound delves into a rapacious slaughter building to octane levels quite early on. The incidental noises are particularly riveting and compelling, while the vocal guttural screams are telling their own story! Trauma Bond bubbling through-out its tenacity the track is on a mission to exterminate society as a whole! My Parasite and I am sure we are not talking insects here! Speeds into a murky haze of oblivion and creates its own massacre. Rupture_Rapture sounds just as painful as its title and after head banging to this will no doubt be apparent!

The raw aggression on this album is far reaching and will send your head into a spin and it will keep spinning until the demon is exorcized. With the theme of alcoholism and drugs in the spotlight it can only mean grisly, grim and downright horrific which of course it is! Cleverly executed, outlining everything in complete detail. Painting pictures of the truly grotesque and distorted lives of a drug taker but done to equally grotesque and distorted music. It is really powerful, cutting (no pun intended) and edgy!

The track titles speak volumes, the music adds that bit more - this is about as grisly as it gets!

10/10

Track List:

New Year’s Destitution

The Come Down

Coercive Co-dependency

Masocutter

Gutter Junkie

Clandestine Cleaver

SchizoSomniac

Sewing the Wound

Trauma Bond

My Parasite

Rupture_Rapture

Members:

Daniel Page (Victorian Whore Dogs, Exquisite Ending)

Kyle Townsend (Ex-Strike Offensive)