Machinista - Pain of Every Day - 7 Tracks - Analogue Trash - Release Date 16th December 2016

Machinsta

Pain of Every Day

7 Tracks

Analogue Trash

Release Date: 16^th December 2016

Machinista – Malmö/Kalmar Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/machinistamusic

Genre: Electronica

Biography:

“In December 2012 John and Richard decided to try out a new fresh project besides their other bands. The first result was a cover of David Bowie´s "Heroes", and the band also did a low-fi video for the song. The feedback was awesome from start and the band decided to move along with own written songs.

The song "Molecules and carbon" followed the same procedure with a low-fi video and also a Soundcloud account to let more people access to the music. Once again the feedback was really good and the band started to have followers on Facebook/Soundcloud etc. Also , like Sideline, Peek-a-Boo and Elektroskull etc. started to encourage the band. On radio stations like Nebelwelten (Germany), and Synthopia (Australia) Machinista already has plenty of spins and more to come!”

“Due to being their final release with Analogue Trash, Pain of Every Day is an expertly crafted tale of sadness and loss, and how we can deal with those emotions by understanding that we're not alone because everyone goes through the same thing at some point in their lives!”

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It’s a very difficult task trying to pick a favourite remix over the original version as there are some great additions in each track. But with most electronica singles or albums, for me, I usually get carried away with the mighty synth rhythms. The lyrics are really catchy and implant into your head too, so good to be able to sing along and believe me it doesn’t take long to learn the words after a few plays.

The Electronic, EBM scene is just alive with vibrant and heavy mixes and although I would say primarily, I am a metalhead and have been one since the age of 15, but now I have acquired a very varied taste since being sent music from all over the world. But synth music has always struck a chord (no pun intended)

The good and usual thing about Electronica is that is can be pop or metal, it just morphs into whatever it wants to be, depending on the vocals, so, in my opinion, you can get everything from bands like these, depending on the mood you are in at the time.

Although this piece of music tells a tale of sadness and loss it is written in such a way that if you don’t listen to the words and just concentrate on the music it can take you away from the message the band want to get across, but that is the unusual twist electronica takes and it is cleverly done. Like with a band called Absaloot (now split sadly) who sang about Christmas Cheer, the music was so catchy – I totally missed the point that it was about suicide!! 

I was introduced to Machinista through listening to an EBM radio station and also through a compilation album called ‘Spacebouy’ the single track I heard was entitled ‘December’ and just as catchy as ‘Pain of every day’ but my words then and now are:

“Synth-pop is pleasant on the ears but for me needs a little more red hot chillies adding to the mix which would take it away from a mainstream listen!”

I am not a big fan of mainstream anything, never have been, and probably never will be, but on occasions I feel it’s good to listen to something different, as it sharpens the taste buds, and Machinista do possess a good strong melodic beat which definitely grows on you, and the remixes especially Cyborgdrive gives you something extra to think about!

There’s one thing that can be said for electronica, it is unusual music with technological twists that some people find obnoxious, and I, however, have always loved it and will continue to do so!

8.5/10

Tracks:

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Original Mix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Assemblage 23 Remix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Cyborgdrive Remix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Raw Nerves Mix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Antibody Remix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (Oren Amram Club Remix)

Machinista - Pain of Every Day (W Trebor Version)

Members:

John Lindqwister (Cat Rapes Dog, #366: A Life lived, Dog shit, Basswood Dollies etc.) - Vocals, Lyrics

Richard Flow (ex.Vision Talk, Haze for Sale etc.) - Music

Formicarius - Lake of the Dead - 3 Track E.P - Imperative PR - Release Date 1st July 2016

Formicarius

Lake of the Dead

3 Track E.P
Imperative PR

Release Date: 1^st July 2016

Formicarius – London, UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/formicariusband/

Genre: Black Metal

Biography:

“It’s worth remembering, yet all too easy to forget, that Black Metal was spawned in Britain, in the industrial north of England, not in a forest by an icy fjord. But as the ‘80s faded away and the ‘90s began the Scandinavian hordes laid claim to this darkest of musical forms, asserting their dominance with unassailable might. Now, there comes to the fray a band whose breathtakingly bold intent is to recapture the throne. Formicarius entwine blasting fury in coils of wicked melody, swathe monstrous power and velocity in cold shrouds of melancholic atmosphere, harness raw savagery with striking skill and musical dexterity. They have already given a fair warning with the release of the digital single ‘Lake Of The Dead’ and when their magnificent debut album, Black Mass Ritual, arrives later this year they will truly have planted their standard on the field of battle and howled out a challenge to all who dare to face them!”

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The Grim Reaper, I feel is out for a few more souls this Christmas and being possessed by such a demonic force are none other than Formicarius. Their words are harsh and abrasive on ‘Lake of the Dead’ while their music simply enslaves you beyond what any chains could. The potency is snarling, festering madness that draws you into their dark but engaging passages – the ones where every corner has a profound surprise just waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting and revolves around a ferocious expanse of thrilling rhythms.

‘Under Darkness’ has a lot more melody attached to its bristling and captivating craft. Offering more than just symphonic grandeur it simply runs away with its own satisfying pleasures. The primal rhythmic sound spreads its venom with ease and infects without the listener knowing much about it as they are drawn in deeper to this unholy infectious encounter.

‘Cosmic Keys to my Creation and Times’ is rather a long and unusual title for a black metal band who usually sing about Satan and the like and NOT about cosmic keys, however, its fast paced momentum sweeps with utter abandon and devours like a hungry animal. There is no coaxing here but a sheer onslaught of raw power and energy that takes on its own persona – so well worth taking a listen, if you dare!

There’s no doubt this E.P can be labelled grim, odious and unyielding, but it is black metal after all, so naturally what you hear is what you get, but it is creative, imaginative and certainly dark.

The keyboards are a vital part in black metal thus creating its own black magic and Formicarius are no exception to the rule.

The band have a debut album waiting in the wings entitled ‘Black Mass Ritual’ but no release date has been mentioned as yet, so you will just have to wait. But after listening to just these three tracks obviously the album will prove a complete success for the band.

9/10

Track List:

Lake of the Dead

Under Darkness

Cosmic Keys to my creations and times

Members:

Lord Saunders – Vocals/Guitar

Nazarkardeh – Lead Guitar

Hægtesse – Bass/Vocals

Morath – Keyboards

Ælle - Drums

Greybeards - Cold December - New Single - Attitude Recordings - Stampede Press UK - Release Date: 2nd December 2016

Greybeards

Cold December

New Single

Attitude Recordings

Stampede Press UK

Release Date: 2^nd December 2016

Greybeards – Gävle, Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Greybeards

Genre: Alternative/Rock

Biography:

“Since formed in 2012, Greybeards have been a hard working force of nature from Sweden. With the release of their debut album "Longing to Fly" and recent touring in Europe and China, Greybeards have proven themselves to be a jaw-dropping live act. Blood, sweat and tears are shed during their hard rocking, honest and energetic live shows!”

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With Christmas just around the corner, there are the usual Christmas songs being flung out to the general public in their droves, but this one caught my ear as being quite a good strong track. Unusual because the band do not have greybeards. In fact, only one of them has a beard and it is anything but grey, but not really surprising seeing as they are all around the 22 years of age mark! However, it is all about the music, not the beards or lack of them.

This is quite a powerfully melodic track that’s lyrically as sharp as a knife. The beats own a rhythmic quality that is relentlessly captivating, and the harmonies are engaging and more than just an enticing stroll in a snow filled park.

The vocals possess a gravelly content and the power behind it is instinctively energetic and forthright. A commanding track that holds plenty of addictive catchiness and allows the listener to paint vivid pictures in their mind, as the song unravels.

2016 hasn’t been the best of years with a lot of stars already vacating the big stage for the one in the sky and left us some strong legacies, but music will always continue, and Greybeards have already marked their territory and now paving the way for better things to come!

8/10

Members:

Olle Westlund - Vocals, guitar

Ingemar Mårtensson - Guitar

Simon Mojtahedi - Bass

Niklas Nironen - Drums

Def Neon - Self-Titled - 10 Track Album - Analogue Trash - Release Date: 25th November 2016

Def Neon

Self-Titled

10 Track Album

Analogue Trash

Release Date: 25^th November 2016

Def Neon – Wrexham, North Wales

Links:

http://bandcamp.analoguetrash.com/album/def-neon

Produced, engineered and mixed by Michael Harmina at Vic Studios, Wrexham, Wales.

Mastered by Jan Loamfield for X-Fusion Music Production, Essen, Germany.

Genre: Bass Music/Electronica/Synthrock

Biography:

“Hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, and DEF NEON are a band that fuses elements of rock, electro, synth-pop and bass music to create a sound that has been described by critics as energetic, intense and unique.

The band's infectious and accessible sound coupled with their engaging live performances across the UK has proven popular with live event organisers, club promoters and fans alike, leading to a number of headline shows, festival appearances and high-profile support slots for The Orb, 65daysofstatic, Death in Vegas, Pop Will Eat Itself, The Birthday Massacre, Syd.31, The Algorithm and Sonic Boom Six.

After signing a recording deal with Manchester's Analogue-Trash label in early 2016, DEF NEON are set to unleash their staggering self-titled debut album on the 25th of November 2016. Featuring 10 tracks and stuffed to bursting with their signature guitar leads, synth hooks and effortlessly memorable choruses, this is an album that is sure to impress new and existing fans of the band with its uncanny juxtaposition of contemporary electronics and classic indie rock sensibilities. Think The Gossip meets The Pet Shop Boys, or Peaches meets Van Halen!”

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It’s very hard not to like this band, not that I would even try, being a lover of electro-synth music for a long time, and (even sussing out tracks on my keyboard from time to time) this album instantly grips and allows you to enjoy the intense severity of some engaging tracks, that can only be described as ‘body obeying’ those deep rumbles hit the gut and immediately the body spasms into a rhythmic pleasure.

If someone asked me what my favourite track was I would have to say ‘DAMAGED’ for its rancorous dance melodies, but each one has its own charisma and character. Emily’s vocals are hypnotic while Michael’s music just puts you into the dance zone.

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“Feisty and energetic, it’s enough to get the furry boot covers on and go dancing around the living room because you can’t fail to be moved by the riveting and glorious aspect this album produces!”

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The album has a constant presence that surrounds you and infects the senses in such a way that to disobey its expanding grooves would be an absolute sin! Revolving around bumptious melodies and a highly infectious rhythmical union Def Neon are showing signs of hitting the big time rather quickly!

Like a magnet, you are drawn to the volatile, and melodic seductiveness that are contained within the very core of its creation. Not deviating from its exhilarating endeavours it pounds the audial with pleasing sounds that are inescapable.

Feisty and energetic, it’s enough to get the furry boot covers on and go dancing around the living room because you can’t fail to be moved by the riveting and glorious aspect this album produces.

‘Nightvision’ holds a bit of dub-step which fills the track out superbly along with some amazing strings and of course not forgetting the important instrument the synth. ‘Damaged’ is a rugged track holding plenty of beats and catchy as. I feel like I am going to explode with the festering rhythms that are finding their way into my head like a burrowing insect and just infecting my soul, with utter muscular passion!

The rousing melodies haunt boisterously with nagging riffs and are very well musically endowed to say the very least.

There is something very magical about this album and for me, it is the catchiness, it just makes me want to dance the night away and thoroughly engage on all levels.

I am just a metal head with an eclectic taste in music I suppose, but I make no apologies for that!  Shut-up and get your dance shoes on!!

9.5/10

Track List:

Rotoscope

Destroy

Nightvision

Stand Aside

Jed is dead

Damaged

Chocolate

High Hopes

Winter

Stop

Members:

Emily Gresham – vocals and bass guitar.

Michael Harmina – everything else.

Wreak - The Pursuit of Peace through Excessive Violence - 6 Track E.P - Released 3rd June 2016

Wreak

The pursuit of Peace through Excessive Violence

6 Track E.P

Released 3^rd June 2016

Wreak – Providence, Rhode Island

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/wreakmusic

Listen here:

https://wreak.bandcamp.com/album/the-pursuit-of-peace-through-excessive-violence

Recorded & Mixed @ Thee Mausonic Temple [Providence, RI] by Blassstphlegmouse. Mastered by Ken Marshall @ Hiwatt Labs [British Columbia, Canada]. Cello on "The Great & Mighty" by Aidan Weisensee and Scott Quillin.

Genre: Thrash Metal/Grind-Core

Biography:

“WREAK hails from Providence, RI and was established in January of 2015, Year One, thus opening up the floodgates. WREAK is a dynamic group of musicians mixing influences from 80's Thrash/Heavy Metal, 90's Grindcore and Death Metal, as well as 1970's Hard Rock!”

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If you feel like smashing your fist through a wall, think again! You may not have to if you listen to ‘WREAK’ just let them do all the hard work of expelling the anger and aggression from your body, although it could work the other way and you may feel the torment rise within your veins significantly, but what the hell you may as well go out with a bang!

Not to be mistaken for weakmusic either! Hardly, seeing as it will blow your brains out as soon as you start listening, but the catch is that they are not all aggression, well 98% is but that 2% can be attributed to ambient and stoner mixed into its vibrancy and of course, don’t forget the rock element too!

I just love the title of the E.P – sometimes it is the only way, although, be it through music and let’s be clear about this, in no way do I condone violence unless of course it is musically administered you understand!

The first track most definitely has an ‘Unstoppable Inner Will’ as it brutalises the senses beyond everything normal in a mad world! It wreaks vengeance in the most savage way, with its gravelled guttural tones and thrashtastic, grinding and bombastic musical embrace that simply has a crushing effect on the rib cage!

‘Zealots’ has a more uplifting beginning and ambles along to a harsh vocal but does push back into its comfort zone further on and literally beats your ears to death, as it magnificently takes hold of the senses with a mad and yet magical array of frets that congeal into sheer mesmerising savagery.

‘The Impossible task of getting along with everyone’ it can be difficult as we are all different, however, this track sums it up in music. Although I reckon I could get along with this lot as they have ticked all the boxes for being downright brutal – just the way metal should be played and indeed executed. Definitely, a track to bang your head to, and maybe dry your hair at the same time!

‘The Great and Mighty’ knocking the pace down slightly at the beginning it then bellows out a thunderous vocal roar. It’s harsh, unyielding and vengeful, once again the pace turns a corner and twists into a barbarous and remorseless menace that for me, finishes far too soon!

‘Pissants in the Rat Race’ sounding almost punkish with its shouty vocal bonanza, this track engages with an uncivilised, primitive rhythm. Vicious and coarse it isn’t a track to be messed with.

‘A Sucker is born’ is a more ambient menacing, almost predatory track that stalks its prey with utter ruthlessness. Its rhythms can be likened to possessing a typical stoner trait, so no calling these guys a one trip pony! This is also where the band shows their 70’s hard rock pallet and on which a great way to end this superb E.P. Then again there is always the repeat to fall back on…..

9.5/10

Track List:

Unstoppable Inner Will

Zealots

The Impossible task of getting along with everyone

The Great and Mighty

Pissants in the Rat Race

A Sucker is born

Members:

Aaron Weisensee - Guitar

Bill Pincins - Lead Guitar

Rob Cinami - Drums

Tom Sly - Bass

Pat Woods – Vocals/Lyrics

Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz - 11 Track Debut Album - Jet Records - Released 20th September 1980

Ozzy Osbourne’s

Blizzard of Ozz

11 Track Debut Album

Jet Records

Released 20^th September 1980

Written for RAMzine

Genre: Heavy Metal

When John Michael Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath due to his drinking, the world went into shock, nobody could quite believe it, however, Ozzy, being Ozzy didn’t stay unstuck for long and formed Blizzard of Ozz. The debut album hit the world like a nuclear bomb with the addition of the mega-talented Randy Rhoads who had formerly been with Quiet Riot at 22 years of age, went to Osbourne’s hotel room in the September 1979 with his Gibson Les Paul and a small practice amp after being introduced by bass player Dana Strum and history made itself. Ozzy literally thought he was hallucinating after hearing what just flew from Randy’s fingers and of course, Randy was offered the slot of guitarist with Blizzard of Ozz on the spot. Ozzy and Rhoads immediately became close partners, bouncing ideas off each other like a high ranking tennis match.

‘Crazy Train’ was the first single released from the album and became Ozzy’s signature anthem. Let’s face it though, there isn’t one duff track on Blizzard of Ozz. Granted there are a couple of less well-known tracks on the album – one being a non-Blizzard track ‘You said it all’  but for the main part 95% of that album everyone knows and can relate to, so Ozzy need not have worried that Black Sabbath would become more popular without him – Ozzy is Sabbath and will always be associated with Sabbath, we all know that and as much as we loved Dio not even he could pull off Sabbath quite like Ozzy did, but Ozzy was the root of Sabbath and like bindweed that will always stick in the hearts and minds of Sabbath fans everywhere.

There was a lot of controversy surrounding ‘Suicide Solution’ which as Ozzy said himself, he drew inspiration to write the track after the untimely death of AC/DC frontman Bon Scott who choked to death aged just 33 in February 1980, and this made him reflect on his own battle with the demon drink. It was only in 1984 that a teenage boy shot himself to death while it was claimed he was listening to ‘Suicide Solution’ and the parent’s decided to try and sue Ozzy and again the same thing happened in 1986 which prompted a lawsuit – however, both cases were dismissed by the courts.387

The album Blizzard of Ozz peaked at number 21 on the U.S. album chart and in the UK, it went straight in at number 4. To date, Blizzard of Ozz has sold more than six million copies worldwide. Four million of those have been in the United States alone.

It is very sad to think that the Ozzy-Rhoads phenomenon was short-lived as on 19^th March 1982, Randy, at just 25 years of age, despite his fear of flying perished in a plane crash at Leesburg, Florida along with Rachel Youngblood and Andrew Aycock.

This debut album from Blizzard of Ozz will always remain a favourite despite the sadness that oozes from its core.

Track List:

I Don’t Know

Crazy Train

Goodbye to Romance

Dee

Suicide Solution

Mr Crowley

No Bone Movies

Revelation Mother Earth

Steal Away (The Night)

You Looking at Me Looking at you

You said it all (Live)

Members:

Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals

Randy Rhoads - Guitar

Bob Daisley - Bass

Lee Kerslake - Drums

Smash into Pieces - Rise and Shine - 10 Track Album - Gain Records - Release Date: 27th January 2017

Smash into Pieces

Rise and Shine

10 Track Album

Gain Records

Release Date 27^th January 2017

Written for RAMzine

Smash into Pieces – Örebro, Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/SmashIntoPieces

Genre: Alternative/Metal/Rock

Biography:

“SMASH INTO PIECES is an explosive rock band with worldwide aspirations. The young, highly ambitious five-piece formed in Örebro, Sweden has built an impressive impact and following in their relatively short 6-year existence, as band names go, it stands for the vision they all share – the path, focus and the determination for realising their career goals!”

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Absolutely amazing ‘Turn it down’ offers brilliant keyboards and a vibrant beat that is rhythmically charged. They remind me (no pun intended) of Nickelback vocally, that is until a low growl manifests itself briefly, but the addictive melodies are swift and inviting – one hell of a great track! I have heard this track before ‘Let me be your Super Hero’ on You-Tube and raved about it then, playing it more than several times over, so great to be able to sing along to it! ‘Merry go Round’ is another amazing track with plentiful rhythms and harmonious melodies that simply stroll with a gliding quality. ‘Higher’ is the single taken from the album and begins with a harsh swagger that carries a taunting lure of rhythms and an ear-pleasing vocal edge. ‘Animal’ builds with a dark ambience and a rambling vocal that exudes a varying quality showing colossal diversity. ‘Stay’ is a very profound track that possesses exceptional lyrics and a deep rhythm that is refreshing, although it does sound slightly like Tears for Fears in places but unintentional I am sure, none the less a highly pleasurable track.

‘Yolo’ is a riveting melodic romp of compelling harmonies and pummelling beats that spark a serious fire in the belly. ‘Save it for the Living’ begins softly with ingenious rhythms that play on your mind incorporating the melodious keyboard and strong riffs with profound lyrics. ‘In Love with Love’ is a track about breaking up so has that melancholy acoustic guitar strumming feel. ‘Rise and Shine’ again moves in a different direction and blatantly parades its diversity with a fuel charged rhythm that seduces with powerful intervention and beguiling genius.

What a complete honour and pleasure it is to review a band of this high calibre. Long may they Smash into Pieces?

10/10

Track List:

Turn it down

Let me be your Super Hero

Merry Go Round

Higher

Animal

Stay

Yolo

Save it for the Living

In Love with Love

Rise and Shine

Members:

Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye - Lead Vocals / Scream

Benjamin Jennebo - Guitar / Vocals

Per Bergquist - Guitar / Vocals

Viktor Vidlund - Bass

The Apocalypse DJ - Sultan of Swing (Drums)

Guttermouth - New Car Smell - 6 Track E.P - Bird Attack Records/Rude Records - Release Date: 25th November 2016

Guttermouth

New Car Smell

6 Track E.P

Bird Attack Records/Rude Records

Release Date: 25^th November 2016

Written for RAMzine

Guttermouth – Huntington Beach, CA, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Guttermouth

Genre: Punk

Biography:

“Many years and albums later, we are still on the go. In a time where bands take "breaks" in order to have reunion tours along with all types of marketing gimmicks, Guttermouth continues to tour much of the year with no plans on stopping!”

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With a name like Guttermouth, it can only mean one thing and that’s a lot of sweary nonsense and fun judging by the track titles.  I am looking forward to what awaits.

‘Spud like a Torso’ is just classic punk, with that jibe of craziness and the proviso that it’s not going to end. Its chorus bleats out a great beat that literally drags you into its wild, untamed and inspirational jaunts into the world of strange vegetables!

‘Soundtrack to the end of the World’ can be described quite honestly as badass. It’s very tongue in cheek with superb lyrics and puts a middle finger up to, well soundtracks basically with an added ‘raspberry’ at the end – very fitting!

Never having experienced a ‘New Car Smell’ but now with Guttermouth I can! Although it’s sung so fast to an amazing rhythm that you have to listen to it at least four times to follow it, but it’s certainly a good vibrant track!

‘Perma Walkabout’ is guaranteed to make you pogo even if you only have one leg! It’s fast, furious and swears with a good dose of tongue in cheek but only lasts a mere one minute fifty-nine seconds which is a blessing if you only have one leg!

‘Mail Order Bride’ is typically shouted lyrics but done so rhythmically and again just not long enough to fully enjoy the distorted guitar riffs and bass hooks which are superb and really expressive.

‘The Human Mulligan’ is obviously a satirical rendition of a song that’s going places despite it saying “it’s going nowhere” it’s caustic and paradoxical, accentuating the track perfectly.

Punk started in the mid 70’s derived from 1960s garage rock and 1970s pub rock, although the tracks are more basic and a lot shorter using relatively fewer chords to get their point across and of course there is still that slice of hungry aggression!

10/10

Track List:

Spud like a Torso

Soundtrack to the end of the World

New Car Smell

Perma Walkabout

Mail Order Bride

The Human Mulligan

Members:

Mark Adkins - Vocals

Geoff Armstrong - Guitar

Matt Wills - Guitar

Justin Van Westbroek - Drums

Kevin Clark - Bass