KLEE Project - The Long Way - 13 Track Album - Memorial Records - Release Date: 28th October 2016

The KLEE Project

The Long Way

13 Track Album

Memorial Records

Release Date: 28^th October 2016

One remarkably compelling album!

Written for Crimson Moonzine/Blackened Hordezine

The KLEE Project – Italy

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/kleeproject

Genre: A combination of southern rock and contemporary alternative metal, moving from 80's electro-pop to symphonic music.

Biography:

“KLEE PROJECT is an “all-stars band” that was created from an idea of Roberto Sterpetti (a known Italian vocalist) singer, and Enrico "Erk" Scutti (ex Cheope, ex Figure of Six) backing vocals and lyrics.

Other names include Marco Sfogli (Pfm, James La Brie) guest featuring on guitars, Lorenzo Poli (Vasco Rossi, Nek) on bass and Antonio Aronne (Figure Of Six, Iconist, ex Pavic) on Drums. All accompanied by a symphonic orchestra conducted by M° Francesco Santucci, with the collaboration of Tina Guo on cello. All recorded at the Memphis Recording studio in Rome by Gabriele Ravaglia (Fear Studio) mixed by Francesco Altare and mastered by Riccardo Parenti (Elephant Mastering)!”

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From the off the rhythm from Everybody Knows sucks you into its stride and embellishes the ears with bold seduction. The keyboards spice up the track along with bouncing bass hooks and catchy lyrics. A wah-wah pedal is prominent and introduces some fantastic fretwork!

Addictive listening!

Living up to its name of Southern Boy the seductive bluesy charm captivates and holds that rolling swagger and is so addictive with its penetrating rhythm that’s absorbing and creative, with a real full on bluesy vocal, It’s so infectious, it should carry a warning!

The band's title track The Long Way exposes some fantastic potent melodies and soul-searching vocal in which to immerse yourself. It’s a very impressive track that once again emerges as captive and riveting in execution.

If you want is a slower paced track that holds a very beautiful melody and a solid caressing rhythm.  The diversity from Klee Project is astounding from blues to soft uplifting beauty. It’s an all-consuming track that holds plenty of grace and elegance.

The next track The Prisoner is edgy and expands on the band's already diverse direction. The catchy lyrics, including the chorus, are a bold and enticing run of addictiveness, with niggling riffs and raspy but lilting vocal entourage. By the end of the track, you will be singing along like you have known the lyrics from the beginning of time, as with most of the lyrics on this delicious album!

Hereafter is a melodic flurry of excellence with haunting cello and thumping drum beat it is mesmeric and so unpredictable. Incredible that a band can change direction so many times and still captivate their audience.

Moving in the direction of a more metal composition Time is over possess one melodious riff that does more than seduce, captivate and engage it is totally off the scale with addictiveness!

Your Sacrifice is a real epic number, heartfelt, warm and embracing. The tonal keys are haunting and commanding, and once again holds a very different approach. The twists are just smouldering and literally binds the listener to the band.

Close to me has a pounding beat with the warm tonal melody that reflects an edgy passionate flair, brooding with inescapable raw emotion and not surprising it’s impregnated with harmonic coaxing that will leave you salivating.

Employing a fiery rhythm that holds super strength and a vibrancy in its bones is the track You should be mine. The riffs are intense, flame-ridden and powerful, with an amazing vocal presence.

This Game possesses a sweeping and creative exploit. Its haunting essence is defined by an epic adventure of full on surround sound that causes some serious rousing and melodically driven encounters.

Lucrezia’s Night begins with a tinkle of keyboard notes that play out like raindrops, but a passionately warm vocal embraces the ears. It is an arousing drama that unfolds with palpitations that cannot be ignored.

Lucrezia’s Night (Reprise) as the gentle breeze flows softly amid the haunting caress of panpipes. The beauty unfolds as the track plays out and simply takes your breath away. Its touch is inspirational, with really good use of the instruments executed.

Unique, melodic, beautiful and alluring but still with bounce and vigour, it holds something for everyone. You will be hard pushed to pick a favourite, although I suppose it depends on what mood you are in but KLEE Project cater for every mood, and every taste, just don’t let these guys slip through your fingers!

What else can I say about this album that I haven’t already mentioned previously? Well, there isn’t really much more to say other than – go and enjoy what KLEE Project have on offer – you will so thank your ears you did!

10/10

Track List:

Everybody Knows

Southern Boy

The Long Way

If you want

The Prisoner

Hereafter

Time is over

Your Sacrifice

Close to Me

You should be mine

This Game

Lucrezia’s Night (Reprise)

Members:

Roberto Sterpetti – Lead Vocals

Erk Scutti – Additional Vocals

Marco Sfogli (Guest Featuring) - Guitar

Antonio Aronne - Drums

Lorenzo Poli - Bass

Mark Zero - Ballistica - 11 Track Debut Album - Self-released - Future PR - Release Date: 21st November 2016

Mark Zero

Ballistica

11 Track Debut Album

Self-released

Future PR

Release Date: 21^st November 2016

Mark Zero – Gothenburg, Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/MarkZeroOfficial

Genre: Seriously detuned aggro rock

Mark Zero

Photo courtesy of Jondelius Photography

MUA Sandra Bengter

Biography:

“Founded in Falun, Sweden in 2013 and now based in Gothenburg, Mark Zero is about creating music that truly reflects its members, which wasn’t always the case in some of their previous musical projects. Already playing together in a funk-rock quintet, guitarist John NT, bass player Kammo Olayvar and drummer Robin Risander realized their true calling was heavy metal, and having recruited Scott Crocker on guitars, Mark Zero was complete! With strong melodies and meaningful lyrics in a dark soundscape with seriously detuned guitars, Mark Zero is now ready to show everyone what dedication and hard work can bring!”

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Making a strong impression are Mark Zero from glorious Gothenburg, who are due to release their new 11 track debut album Ballistica.

It’s quite beguiling seeing the word ‘detuned’ but the way Mark Zero tackle this is to add a vibrant rhythm that carries the music to new realms. The vocals are squealing and driven by a superb aggression that goes on giving, as on ‘One against the world’ which is rather catchy as it goes.

‘Bleed it out’ adds spicy groove and fuzzed rhythm with a lot of aggression especially on the catchy chorus – it is like an epidemic – it’s catching!

‘More of Us’ has a profound seduction attached to it, although quite raw in places and possesses a warm invitation despite the ‘sweary’ lyrics and up-tempo haunting expressiveness.

‘All that I loved was the Enemy’ surprisingly enough this sounds quite mainstream and ‘run of the mill’ however, the vocals still seriously incite some form of anger and manage to seduce the audial quite well.

‘Karma Backlash’ a change in direction from suddenly leaping from the speakers turning softer and throwing everything off kilter. It’s one of those tracks that go from aggressive to pleasant and confuses the heck out of the listener.

‘My Polluted Mind’ possesses a superb “Rammsteinesque” vocal harmony (Achtung!) which makes it instantly appealing. Although the rest of the track is most definitely a Mark Zero creation. Rippling with melodic keyboards and sonic emotional bass hooks it is definitely a favorite track!

‘Not gonna die’ is a very somber affair, with urgent and emotional vocal layers that rasp suggestively. The music haunts and teases backed with a darker rhythm.

‘Eye to Eye’ thrusts a powerful and most definitely detuned rhythm into the face, but then changes direction and becomes edgier, however, there are some strong melodies that come with the track giving it that haunting and wholesome flavor.

‘Alive’ is a stomper most definitely, it surges with a melodic rhythm and a callous beat, ferociously slapping one in the mush and raising the roof! It vehemently expels a screaming riff that is once again quite catchy.

‘Megamosh is a powerful jaunt that swaggers with a rip-roaring vocal as it unleashes a beast! The groove is energetic breeding flames of passion and incorporating ‘sweary’ lyrics to help it on its way and put the point across.

‘This is your life’ begins very slow and oozes atmospherics of a dark nature, which is I believe about abuse, although the music is just that bit too loud and drowns out the vocal as it is softer. But a very serious theme to end on.

There is a good mix of tracks on this debut album that is simply gripping and draw you into a very vibrant core. The fast aggressive tones are simply delicious, while the slower paced tracks have a serious story to tell. It’s one of those moments that simply grow on you and before you know it you have listened to the album quadruple times!

It’s an album where you can throw yourself around the room and not give a f*ck other than to confirm you are enjoying its aggressive encounters by going Ballistic(a) but do think of the neighbors!

For me, the keyboard rhythms really add depth and urgency to the tracks and for a debut album, it is living proof that the band has a lot more up their sleeves!

A very engaging album indeed that grows on you!

9/10

Track List:

One against the world

Bleed it out

More of us

All that I loved was the Enemy

Karma Backlash

My Polluted Mind

Not gonna die

Eye to Eye

Alive

Megamosh

This is your life

Members:

John NT - Vocals, Guitar  

Scott Crocker - Guitar

Kammo Olayvar - Bass

Robin Risander - Drums

Asteroid - III - 7 Track Album - Fuzzorama Records - Release Date 11th November 2016

Asteroid

III

7 Track Album

Fuzzorama Records

Release Date: 11^th November 2016

Written for RAMzine

Asteroid – Örebro

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Asteroidband

Listen and Share here

https://soundcloud.com/fuzzoramarecords/02-last-days

Discography

Asteroid & Blowback - 2006 (CD ONLY)

Asteroid - 2007 (CD ONLY)

Asteroid II - 2010 (CD ONLY)

Asteroid 7" - 2012 (VINYL ONLY)

Asteroid III - 2016 (More info soon)

Genre: Heavy Psyche

Biography:

“Asteroid trade harmonious vibes and melodious riffs with all who listen. Treading the same murky waters found in some of the more menacing moments of Led Zeppelin’s back catalogue, combined with their love for the tripped-out prog of Pink Floyd and raw energy of Howlin’ Wolf, Asteroid leaves no rock unturned.   Having released a split record in 2006, two full-length albums with 2007’s Asteroid and the 2009 follow-up Asteroid II, and a 7” in 2012, after extensive back to back tours which saw the band average over a hundred shows a year they decided to take a break in 2013. However, at the end of last year, the band finally decided that break was over. Performing a number of gigs in early 2016, including a pre-sold out show in Athens in February and appearances at Desert-Fest London and Berlin in April, the band’s full attention now turns to the release of the highly anticipated III. The third instalment in Asteroid’s spectacular ascendancy!”

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Well, this is very interesting, the beat takes you on a very clever journey with a psychedelic ticket to ride! The impressive riffs are more than pleasing to the ears and versatile with superb vocal slant added to the proceedings showing great harmonies and rhythmic prowess, plus uncompromising emotions that seduce and capture the tempestuous groove. Such a great track to open the album! ‘Last Days’ is another track that plays a big part in seducing with melodic swings, and twists and turns that collide with skilful devouring. ‘Till Dawn’ is a romp that swoops and attacks the ears igniting a melodic and harmonic rhythm that holds weight, with incredible vocal harmonies. ‘Wolf & Snake’ takes a slow amble through its paces and infects the psyche superbly! The grooves are consistent and powerful – even to the point of mesmerising! The vocals come into their own on this track and appear a lot harsher than previously, with a supersonic riff travelling through its bones!  ‘Silver & Gold’ is quite chilling in ambient form sending goose bumps through the body. It’s a very creative track with sensitive lyrics and double harmonies that are pitch perfect. It draws you in with contrasting textures that hold an imaginative embrace.  ‘Them calling’ holds plenty of rhythmic persuasions and a deep groove that manifests with intriguing quality! It’s a bewitching track that engages on every level. ‘Mr Strange’ finishes the album with a deep penetrating rhythm that sprawls across the imagination like an infection.

All the tracks on this amazing 7 track album are either dramatic or melancholy but either way encaptivating. Their solid rhythmical endeavour is forthright and mesmerising, coaxing a superb riff, to simply grip attention to detail and feed the soul a massive feast.

There are not many bands that still do heavy psyche which is a shame although stoner doom genres do head in that direction and are a welcome genre. It’s music that focuses the mind and steers it into a relaxing void.

It possesses a sheer satisfaction one that is certainly engaging. Ebbing and flowing like a tide, producing a good solid soundscape, it has clearly been thought out and produced to a very high quality indeed.

The guitar sculpts the tracks with intensity and compelling rituals, the drumming is subtle and edgy, the bass draws you in and the vocals are potent, so it ticks boxes every which way!

9.5/10

Track List:

Pale Moon

Last Days

Till Dawn

Wolf & Snake

Silver & Gold

Them Calling

Mr Strange

Members:

Robin Hirse – Guitar

Johannes Nilsson – Bass

Jimmi Kohlscheen - Drums

Junior Bruce - Endless Descent - 10 Track Album - A389 Recordings - Release date: 31st October 2016

Junior Bruce

Endless Descent

10 Track Album

A389 Recordings

Release Date: 31^st October 2016

Written for RAMzine

Junior Bruce – Deland Florida, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/juniorbrucerocks

Genre: Sludgy Rock n Roll

Biography:

Founded August 2007 Junior Bruce are soon to release their newest ten track album ‘Endless Descent’ so not long to wait!

I just love the album cover it is just colorful and just as striking as the tracks on the album. Lapis Philosophorum simply bounces with sheer vibrancy and does its self- justice of the highest degree. Lion’s Teeth again cuts its teeth on a scathing groove which is magnified by the harsh vocal edge that seethes vehemently. The riffs are potent and scratch the itch perfectly. Thirteen Zeros is a solid encounter that punishes the ears with a brutal and sulfurous assault while possessing a highly infectious rhythm. Of the Deep holds a sinister rhythm that sounds disturbing and mordant. However, its fuel-charged malignancy is more than welcome. Of the Earth is swept along by powerful and groove insistent plague of rhythms that compel whichever way you look at it. The Worthless Ones simply makes the guitars scream in some form of agony as the flexible fingers of Nate and Brian work their magic. The beats thunder with solid and unyielding clarification and the voice is emotionally disturbing! Time for an Interlude which allows for a brief respite from the turmoil and is sharp and yet emotional as the strings play out to moments of musical command. Night Hag twists and turns into a malignant scathing groove that forces its way forward and into a brilliant caustic turbulence. The Lesser Key has a deep resonating feel about it that simply punishes and pulverizes the senses, losing no ground as it penetrates the mind with overwhelming ferocity! Great track!  Endless Descent It's sludgy ambiance is so powerful despite being slow paced, holding so much to witness, it’s rippling with adventurous rhythms that are edgy and full of intensity and intrigue with incredible vocals it simply scales the depths and brings with it a harsh and very impressive quality.

The album is superb, great production, executed fantastically and is a sheer delight to listen to. You can get so much from this album, my only gripe was that the tracks weren’t sent in order but no big deal, just took a little longer than normal to put them in order, but that aside its incredible appetite is just consumed by slaughtering rhythms and beats in excess and never stops rewarding throughout.

It’s addictive, uncaging a beast that once awoken is hard to put back to sleep! The potential of a band like this has far-reaching qualities and should never be underestimated!

10/10

Track List:

Lapis Philosophorum

Lion’s Teeth

Thirteen Zeros

Of the Deep

Of the Earth

The Worthless Ones

Interlude

Night Hag

The Lesser Key

Endless Descent

Members:

Scott Angelacos – Vocals

Nate Jones - Guitar

Bryan Raymond – Guitar

Tom Crowther – Bass

Jeff McAlear - Drums

Sentient Horror - Ungodly Forms - 12 Track Album - Testimony Records - Release Date: 9.12.16

Sentient Horror

Ungodly Forms

12 Track Album

Testimony Records

Release Date: 9th December 2016

Written for RAMzine

Sentient Horror – Stockholm, Sweden, and NJ, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/sentienthorrorofficial

Listen here:

https://testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com/track/abyssal-ways

Genre: Death Metal

Biography:

“Sentient Horror is a death metal band from New Jersey formed in 2014 by guitarist/vocalist Matt Moliti (ex-Dark Empire). The vision behind Sentience is to play classic early 90’s style SweDeath with a strong emphasis on great songwriting and musicianship!”

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The album cover is as stunning as the slabs of metal contained inside it! The prowling and intense opening track Into the Abyss is just a brief encounter of 50 seconds – a familiar trait of death metal bands which can be annoying when the music is so good and you want to hear more. Abyssal Ways wastes no time in thundering into action seizing the moment with a tirade of blast beats and low toned malevolent vocal slurry. Die Decay Devour does what it says on the tin, as it singes and burns through the tender audial flesh in a frenzy of captivating and riveting rhythmic infection! Blood Rot the title says it all for a keen death metalist and what you want to see on an album. It seethes with a heavy structure of textured rhythms, weaving an engaging path of destruction, insane beats and caustic vocals making it a superb encounter! Splinter the Cross another familiar theme, pokes a finger in the eye of religion. Battling the elements with catchy command of unmistakable potency, ravishing everything in its wake. Beyond the Curse of Death is madness personified. The evil rhythms and crazy blast beats set to work, disrupting the ears with exploits of greedy attention and warranting justice for its technical embrace. Ungodly Forms the title track is a strenuous one that indulges the imagination with rhythmic sway and dark malevolence, drawing the unwitting listener into a world of madness. Suffer to the Grave takes a mad dash across a soundscape of punishing brutal rhythms that will no doubt leave one salivating! The glorious vocals are forthright, harsh and malicious, backed with sheer unadulterated riffage. A Host of Worms A fast paced track that gathers no moss, for sure takes more than a vicious stab at the ears before colliding with a brutal groove that torments the soul. Of Filth and Flesh employs a thunderous swipe of metal, invading with infectious and severe rhythmical pounding. The riffs are indulgent and magnetic in delivery. Mourning (Instrumental) gives the listener and the band a small respite which after all the head banging - much needed! It’s a beautiful passage that proves the band have the much-needed diversity and have executed this track with finesse. Celestial Carnage sees Sentient Horror return to their death metal roots with a vengeance! Taking its life in its hands it brutally devours with intent!

10/10

Track List:

Into the Abyss

Abyssal Ways

Die Decay Devour

Blood Rot

Splinter the Cross

Beyond the Curse of Death

Ungodly Forms

Suffer to the Grave

A Host of Worms

Of Filth and Flesh

Mourning (Instrumental)

Celestial Carnage

Members:

Matt Moliti – Vocals/Lead Guitar

Ian Jordan – Bass

Ryan Cardoza – Drums

Jon Lopez - Guitar