Martelo Negro - Equinocio Espectral - 14 Track Album - To be released 15th August 2014

Martelo Negro

Equinocio Espectral

14 Track Album

To be released 15^th August 2014

Out soon!

Written for Brutalism.com

Martelo Negro – Portugal, Spain

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/martelonegro?fref=ts

Genre: Black/Speed/Thrash

Biography:

Martelo Negro sacrilegious sound was founded in 2006 by The Beyonder, with the name Black Hammer. Between 2006 and 2009, the band released the EP "Winds of Carrion" 2007.

In 2009 the singles "Hierofante em Chamas", "Sob os Cascos de Satã", and "Bela Lugosi Is Dead, Buried and Forgotten", as a one man project. Also in 2009, the band's name was changed to The Beyonder's Portuguese mother tongue, following a suggestion from Belathauzer, a fellow metal brother.

Intro

Well, this is a startling opening, very dark demonic and strange, with bold whispers and high pitched screams – have we reached the depths of hell, I wonder?

Culto Hermetico

This track explodes with a mighty roar and then frantically portrays a solid energy that is just as compelling as exciting. The vocals do it for me most definitely.

Inferno Abysmal

The thing I love about this track is the sizzling riffs and towering vocal accompaniment they work so well together. It’s an intense, almighty strong draw that sucks you into its malevolent embrace.

Equinocio Espectral

Melodic and fast it captivates with a pounding chug with gruff vocal that encompasses the aural superbly well. The fact I cannot understand the lyrics matters little as the music is there to back it up.

Anjos Captivos

This is a real thrash attack that is dealt out with venom. The drumming holds a constant beat whilst the guitar goes on a wild rampage, and it goes without saying but I will say it anyway – the vocals are forceful and gnarly, just how I prefer it.

Sacremento Maldito

This has punishing rhythms that excite and torment.  It is extremely enticing and impacting to the point of orgasm! And the final growl at the end of the track is a good finishing touch.

Born again Antichrist

The vocals literally seethe to a fast accompaniment of vibrant guitar riffs and bludgeoning beats. It hits you in a wave of ferocity, and holds a good melodic groove.

Liturgia De Excrementos

Malignant to the point of being sheer toxic as its sound mocks and tortures the senses but still holds a rigorous melody.

Ouroboros Constrictora

This track is a lot thicker in rhythm and therefore a lot more vindictive in approach. Unearthing a cascading riff and demonic vocal – superb!

Sworn to the Heptagram

Potent teasing and rabid fuelled injection of riffs with the bass hooks being prominent which adds a great touch to this track.

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“Steeped with melodic intrigue, and magnetic, threatening intensity I would say that this is one album that should hopefully go a long to grabbing the band a stronger fan base that they so much deserve!”

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Thus rides the Plague Bringer

This has a great run of thrashing madness that incorporates a frenzy of beats and raucous rhythms that are so ripe for head banging it is unbelievable! The track is a predacious one with a slab of melodic intrigue running right through it.

Um Dia em Texas (Paralisis Permanente)

Pure thrashing metal this one and the fact it is sung in Spanish helps considerably to cement its ferocious tirade.

Caronte

Is again savage and brutal with a good constant chug of malignance and military precision it takes no prisoners and is a good all round track that is unrelenting, fierce and all dominating. I need to learn Spanish!!

Outro

Holds some rather eerie ambient sounds and very fitting for the end of what is a superb album.

Summary

Although this album doesn’t break in anything new it sure goes a long way as to being a thoroughly pleasurable listen. The way the tracks are sung in Spanish make them sound harsher and more appealing.

For people looking in from the outside you don’t expect the Spanish to be so brutal as like with Italians you expect them to be more romantic in nature, however not being the romantic schmuck myself, I much prefer the outlook of their music being more aggressive rather than singing sweet boring love songs.

Martelo Negro are indeed feisty and harsh and their incessant confrontation during the length album was superbly gripping to say the very least.

Steeped with melodic intrigue, and magnetic, threatening intensity I would say that this is one album that should hopefully go a long to grabbing the band a stronger fan base that they so much deserve.

4½/5

Track List:

Intro

Culto Hermetico

Inferno Abysmal

Equinocio Espectral

Anjos Captivos

Sacremento Maldito

Born again Antichrist

Liturgia De Excrementos

Ouroboros Constrictora

Sworn to the Heptagram

Thus rides the Plague Bringer

Um Dia em Texas (Paralisis Permanente)

Caronte

Outro

Members:

Melkor - Guitar

Thamuz - Guitar

Beyonder – Bass

Arrno Maalm - Drums

Valence - Laser Baron - 3 Track E.P - Released 10th June 2014

Valence

Laser Baron

3 Track E.P

Released 10th June 2014

Let Valence tell you a story.....

Written for Crimson MoonZine

Valence – Connecticut, Westchester, New York

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/valencemusic

Audio Engineer - Mikhail Pivovarov of Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut.

Mixed and mastered at their home studio.

Illustrator Brian Allen from Flyland Designs, Pennsylvania, created the album artwork.

Genre: Prog Rock n Metal

Biography:

“The name Valence refers to the bonding power of an atom in chemistry. As a band, Valence similarly forges disparate styles of music in a fusion of metal, jam, classical, and jazz that creates an eclectic yet cohesive sound palette, transporting the listener to a new state of mind.

Valence just recently released their debut effort, “Sleepwalker”, a 34 minute long epic comprising eight sections. The song-suite follows the contours of a dream, one so vivid it blurs the lines between dream and reality. It's a journey through the subconscious, where myth meets memory and death is followed by rebirth. Catherine Chabert's artwork tells the story better than any words could”

***

Their name suggests to me a sheet you put around the bed to make it look more appealing, although the spelling is slightly different. And there is that word again ‘JAZZ’ it always fills me with dread when I see it, as I just deplore it so much – and a lot of the time I never know what I am being asked to review, So with this in mind, I just need to take deep breaths and plunge right in.

Laser Baron

Actually this really is not bad at all.  It is heavy and complex and literally provokes a reaction. It has strong, empowering structures that suck you into them with eager enthusiasm. Keen riffs and controlled drum beats set it to a really high standard and I have just realised there are no vocals which is surprising, but this allows you to focus on the music and isn’t a bad thing at all – I am pleasantly surprised by this track!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffehwiWupzs

Wormhole

Enticing stringed composition that has a rather dream-like structure comes into play and meanders through its enthralling encounter, holding the attention with ease as it casts a warm and inviting embrace over the ears. However, towards the end of the track, it holds some pretty potent and powerful content that builds to an amazing crescendo.

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“This is pure mastery of music and composed in such a way it lifts the spirit and so indeed is beautifully woven, although it does show a raw side to its eclectic diversity and that brings with it some harsher yet still irresistible gaits of melodic grandeur!”

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The Reckoning

Compelling and savagely raw riffs surge forward bringing a barrage of hugely pleasurable passages that you can literally wrap yourself into and enjoy. It has that complexity that gives it its charisma and elegant charm – make no mistake.

Summary:

From start to finish I have been blown away with this E.P. Valence do not need words in order to portray what they want to say.  It is like painting by numbers – the picture unfolds neatly coming to life and what you have before you is a beautiful picture of vivid colours that leave you breathless.

It is worth noting here that “In leading up to the album release, the band is releasing a series of short stories, penned by Geoffrey Schaefer, to tell the full story of the Laser Baron.” So that should be very interesting.

This is pure mastery of music and composed in such a way it lifts the spirit and so indeed is beautifully woven, although it does show a raw side to its eclectic diversity and that brings with it some harsher yet still irresistible gaits of melodic grandeur.

When I hear the name Valence now I will no longer think of a bed sheet, although you may want to snuggle into one and enjoy the sounds created by this superb band, and as the saying goes “Don’t judge the jam by the label on the jar!”

This is one immense E.P!

10/10

Track List:

Laser Baron

Wormhole

The Reckoning

Members:

Michael Buonanno - Guitar

Geoffrey Schaefer - Guitar

Chris Romano - Drums

Ian Morris - Bass

Document 6 - Black Rose - Video Track - Released 8th July 2014

Document 6

Black Rose

Video Track

Released 8th July 2014

 Black Rose out now!

Document 6 – Aachen, Germany

Links: https://www.facebook.com/Documentsix

Releases:

Das vierte Reich - 12/2012 - Debut album

Blut – 9/2013 Album

Sampler: 12/2013

Freedom Punker No. 14 - 08/2013

Finest Noise Volume 29, 07/2013 - Freedom Punker No. 13

Genre: Death Grind Core

Biography:

“DOCUMENT 6 was founded in January 2012, mixing elements of hard core, punk, death metal and grind core, playing what is known as EXTREME METAL. The tracks are extremely hard, yet catchy, and independently varied.

Because of the line-up changes and various other difficulties DOCUMENT 6 operated continuously, working on new and more extreme songs than ever before. So currently DOCUMENT 6 are working on its fastest, toughest and most extreme set to date. An EP with this set is planned for mid-2014. With enough tracks readily available to fill it.

DOCUMENT 6 provoked and faced away from the tried and tested stereotype metal patterns to leave the beaten track and offer not only to their new fans but to everyone who likes to indulge in the more extreme kind of hard music something dark, heavy and tantalising.

Moreover DOCUMENT 6 have shared stages with Scornage, Sober Truth, Inozi, The Ebeneezer Scrooge Complex and Inarcane.”

Since doing the review of the bands album ‘Blut’ for Brutalism.com the line-up has indeed changed and Document 6 have said Auf Wiedersehen to their Vocalist/Guitarist – Micha and Bassist Frank, and saying a big Hallo to Basti on vocals and Björn on bass duty.

The month of April saw Document 6 travel to Israel for the Molotov Festival Tour where they were received with open arms.

Black Rose:

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“It cavorts in a predatory guise ready to pounce, expelling a certain frenzy you would associate with a mentally challenged inmate!”

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Watch here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmTHdOrG8h4

This is a strong intimidating track – and if you think about it you could literally put Satan on vocals! The emerging riffs and beats create an energy force that is not only demonic but brutal in every sense of the word.

It cavorts in a predatory guise ready to pounce, expelling a certain frenzy you would associate with a mentally challenged inmate!

The sub-titles help immensely to understand the track as pit borne growls are never easy to fathom at the best of times, although not a long track being only 2 minutes and 5 seconds long, it is long enough to appreciate all that has gone into making it what it is, which is an extremely bruising track that holds a lot of bite!

The passages are concentrated and deeply focused creating a lot of pent up tension and certainly a lot of anger.

So what we have here is an engaging, dramatic and passionate track with an equally engaging video attached – that will be pleasing for lovers of the extreme everywhere!

9/10

L-R: Gil, Basti, Rollo and Björn.

Members:

Gil - Guitar

Basti – Vocals

Björn – Bass

Rollo - Drums

Equilibrium - Erdentempel - 12 Track Album - Nuclear Blast - Released 4th June 2014

Equilibrium

Erdentempel

12 Track Album

Nuclear Blast

Released 4^th June 2014

Out Now!

Written for RAMzine

Equilibrium – Munich, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/equilibrium

Genre: Epic Metal

With a thunderous mighty roar or pure power Erdentempel – (Earth Temple) explodes into life with Ankunft, which literally means arrival.

Now we know Erdentempel is alive and kicking the next track ‘Was Lange Wahrt’ – (What is long is maintained) is no surprise – its epic frame and lively sounds are forced proudly through the speakers and into the audial canal like a red hot lava trail.

Waldschwein – (Forest Beast) holds a lot of wild birds singing and then a further folk edge proceeds. Flanked with wild imagery of Vikings from lands afar springs into view. The fact it is sung in German as most of the tracks are really add to its depths of potency on this medieval track – Most definitely epic.

‘Karawane’ or (Caravan) is up next and has a kind of ‘hurdy gurdy’ sound as it wields swords with the enemy. The textured riffs are well rounded and precise along with a heavy gnarly vocal that Amon Amarth would be proud of.

‘Uns’rer Floten Klang’ – (Our flutes sound) Not shifting from its comfort zone of medieval flanks of epic, the track flourishes under a strong melodic haze with more than a sprinkling of flutes.

‘Freiflug’ – (Free Flight) Starts with more of a metal flavour but still epic, of course, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree here. The intensity shifts and the track delivers in equal abundance with stirring intervention.

‘Heavy Chill’ – is one flurry of avenged madness as it swirls tempestuous rhythms and jaw breaking beats that in turn spread imposing, inventive and creative imagination.

‘Wirthaus Gaudi’ – (Inn Celebration) – Another epic rampage of bruising with

Surprisingly, a bit of tongue in cheek, however the band pull it off with ease.  I bet this track goes down well live! And reminds me slightly of Finntroll’s Trollhammeren.

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“Dieser steht hoch und ist eine erstaunliche Album - nichts wurde entfernt oder herausgeschnitten, es ist alles da für die Aufnahme - Equilibrium haben diese hundert Mal über zerschlagen!”

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“This stands tall and is one amazing album - nothing has been removed or cut out it is all there for the taking - Equilibrium have smashed this one hundred times over!”

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‘Stein Meine Ahnen’ – (Stone my Ancestors) – A flight of fancy this is fiery and ferocious with an all-round mesmerising eruption of powerful riffs and keyboard that blend well with the overall accompaniment of harsh growling vocals.

‘Wellengang’ – (Waves) – Literally ‘klunks’ into life and brings to mind the life of everyday folk in medieval times and could even be a sound track to a series. It really does breathe new life into imagination making it bristle with colour.

‘Apokalypse’ – Unleashes a darker side with a tribal drum sound. Its efficient passion reaches into the unknown. Furthering on it ignites into a harsh battleground of raucous rhythms.

‘The Unknown Episode’ – Is a beautiful track to finish on. Its beauty is very impressive, with pouncing melodies and a rich breath-taking sound it paints a vivid picture and is all encompassing.

To Sum up:

I have to say it is one red hot album that lovers of Finntroll and Amon fans should welcome this with open arms. It’s fiery, intense and rich in superb overall sounds that you just want to wrap yourself up in and never let go.

The vocals are luring, the keyboard mesmerising, while the drums are harsh and uncompromising with strong bass hooks and superb guitar riffing, you couldn’t want more from an album.

This stands tall and is one amazing album - nothing has been removed or cut out it is all there for the taking - Equilibrium have smashed this one hundred times over.

The earthy sounds and rich melodies serve to engage its listeners and serve them it does on all accounts.

10/10

Track List:

Ankunft Instrumental

Was Lange Wahrt

Waldschwein

Karawane

Uns’rer Floten Klang

Freiflug

Heavy Chill

Wirthaus Gaudi

Stein Meine Ahnen

Wellengang

Apokalypse

The Unknown Episode

Members:

Robert "Robse" Dahn - Vocals

René Berthiaume – Guitar/Keyboards

Tuval "Hati" Refaeli - Drums

Dom R. Crey - Guitar

Jen Majura - Bass

enkElination -Tears of Lust - 11 Track Album - To be released 21st July 2014

enkElination

Tears of Lust

11 Track Album

To be released 21^st July 2014

Out soon!

Written for RAMzine

EnkElination – London

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/enkElination

Genre: Melodic Metal/Hard Rock

Biography:

enkElination (enkeli - meaning Angel in Finnish) was formed in November 2011 by classically trained former opera singer Elina Siirala. She moved to London in 2008 and fell in love with the power and performance of rock and metal. In 2012 she started working with a guitar player Shadow Venger, whose previous band Empyreal Destroyer was voted as the best unsigned band of 2007, supported Amon Amarth and played Bloodstock. He brought the sound of the band to another level and since then they have been joined by Alasdair on bass.

After playing numerous live shows in and around London, enkElination released their first EP in September of 2012. The past few months they’ve been recording their debut album which is coming out in summer 2014. Their official music video “Tears of Lust” was released in March 2014 and they supported Van Canto at The Underworld London in April.

Tears of Lust

Is an amazing opening track that portrays an unusual blend of beauty, and Elina’s vocals are just perfect for adding to that beauty holding a certain melancholic urging and extremely alluring.  I feel, Elina has earned her title as an angel. A really enticing track!

Higher Ground

Is slightly harsher than the opening track but not detrimental as the angel’s voice reaches its peak in clear and powerful crispness. The keys in the background are not over the top but add to the tracks hypnotic embrace, whilst the guitar gives it that edge.

Never Ending

Quite a disturbingly compelling track that is commandingly effective, concocting a fascinating brew of imagery as it balances between shades of dark and light respectively.

Lullaby

Is eerily disturbing with low tones of keyboard and the haunting lilt of Elina’s vocal dexterity. Shrouded in hues of melody and rich ambience that give the track a tantalising texture.

Insane

As its title suggests voraciously compels and antagonises with rounded infused rhythms and strong keyboard intrigue. It is irresistible because of its dark emotive forces.

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“An absolutely riveting journey through eleven tracks that hold appealing imagination. The canvas is awash with vibrancy that holds a magnetic pull on the senses and never let’s go through-out its entirety.”

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What have you become

A gripping track from the word go, with masterful, uncompromising and seductive haze that hangs in the air as the track plays out. It dances over the senses and is an enchanting embrace.

Reborn

Again hitting the harsher side and cloaked in eerie ambiance it slowly winds and spirals into a well-balanced sound that caresses the aural and is seriously intense.

Chimeras

Opens with a super slice of metal chugging that hits the immense box. Elina’s vocal beckons, is bewitchingly, dark and haunting. Again certainly another winning track.

Changeling

A diverse and unique track that is all encompassing, balanced and breeds a glorious encounter and a sultry stroll of impressiveness that roams through a magnetic canvas of beauty.

Abyss

Dark and deadly it stomps through a twisting landscape of blackened beauty and as it gathers momentum ravages with poetic lure. It holds plenty of intrigue with thoughts turning to a more emotive force of imagination.

Last Time Together

A calming brooding piece of music that is sculptured into an expressive ambiance. The melancholic beauty is prominent and shades the listener in a bitter sweet embrace.

To Sum up:

An absolutely riveting journey through eleven tracks that hold appealing imagination. The canvas is awash with vibrancy that holds a magnetic pull on the senses and never let’s go through-out its entirety.

The operatic voice of Elina is enchanting as it is compelling and haunting. It definitely throws icicles down the spine with regular monotony. The music is embracing and rich in melodic hues that change rapidly – sometimes more boisterous then hauntingly ambient.

Clad in innovative riffs, keyboard magic, bass hooks that are dramatic and drumming that relinquishes beats of passion, this is an emotional journey but one I am more than happy to take over and over again. I cannot praise this album enough! Roll on 21^st July!

10/10

Track List:

Tears of Lust

Higher Ground

Never Ending

Lullaby

Insane

What have you become

Reborn

Chimeras

Changeling

Abyss

Last Time Together

Members:

Elina - Vocals

Shadow - Guitar

Alasdair - Bass

Ben - Drums

Tankard - RIB - 10 Track Album - Nuclear Blast - Released 20th June 2014

Tankard

RIB

10 Track Album

Nuclear Blast

Released 20th June 2014

Out now!

  

Written for RAMzine

Tankard – Frankfurt am Maine, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/tankardofficial

Genre: Thrash

Biography:

Founded in 1982 in Frankfurt, Germany their first sign of life was recorded in 1986 and indicated that not only the Ruhr district is the home of the growing German thrash metal scene. Since then they recorded almost as precisely as a clockwork one piece of finest thrash metal after another never taking themselves too seriously, enjoying their music and making their fans happy. Today their discography includes 14 studio records, two compilations, two DVDs and a live album.

War Cry

The extent between metal emotion and thrash is just around the corner as this frenzied attack fillets the guts. The constant chug and vocal onslaught is powerful as it is gifted.

Fooled by your Guts

With a title like that you know the bands humour is never far from the forefront, however the music swipes a serious hand of anger and immerses the listener into a typhoon of lip smacking thrash!

RIB – Rest in Beer

Is quite a slow and deliberate track that – and sorry for the pun but ‘Whet’s the appetite’ it suddenly turns into a ferocious onslaught of towering riffs and bludgeoning beats.

Riders of the Doom

The melodic chug that simply cannot be ignored will enthral and grip as it takes hold. The fiery vocals are dramatic whilst the guitar literally throttles its victims.

Hope can’t die

Gives the bass a good run for its money! It is a predatory track that feeds the ears with a persistent caustic melodic enticement that is packed full of passion.

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“The sense of humour never far from Gerre’s lips as he screams out formidable lyrics that please and taunt whilst his accomplices are unmerciful in their rampaging madness to produce an intimidating backdrop of abrasive yet melodic encounters”

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No One Hit Wonder

This track evolves making waves with a lingering beat whilst the vocals are edgy and frantic – as you would expect! The irresistible attack of snarling riffs will drive the listener on energy alone.

Breakfast for Champions

A good metal feast of thrashing chunks and striking rhythms come reigning down on the aural. Rabid and scarring the vocal energy is rife and full on. A thrilling and magnetic track with another thought provoking title.

Enemy of Order

The stabbing riffs are tempered with anger whilst the drumming goes on a rampage. The voracity is prevalent here and very satisfying.

Clockwise to Deadline

A scorching madness prevails as the riffs are heavy and power laden. Sweeping with a vocal rapaciousness that is seriously potent.

The Party ain’t over till we say so

And who are we to argue? Fevered with antagonistic riffs and a snarling vocal it soars the metal scale with anthemic grandeur. It’s eager to please and please it does, in an unrelenting manner!

To Sum up:

How I never cottoned on to thrash when it first hit the scene will always frustrate me and leave me regretting it for the rest of my days.

This is one superb album that is maliciously devouring and soaked in a pure thrash frenzy of delights. Each track leaves a mauling on the senses and drives out a fuelled and unbridled surge of extreme aggression. It’s powerful and deadly - just as you would expect from a thrash band.

The sense of humour never far from Gerre’s lips as he screams out formidable lyrics that please and taunt whilst his accomplices are unmerciful in their rampaging madness to produce an intimidating backdrop of abrasive yet melodic encounters.

Although it never ventures from its comfort zone so not as diverse as it probably could be, for me personally I am happy with that as this is ‘thrash’ in its purest form played with skilled efficiency, so it really hits the spot like a baseball bat to the head!

9/10

Track List:

War Cry

Fooled by your Guts

RIB – Rest in Beer

Riders of the Doom

Hope can’t die

No One Hit Wonder

Breakfast for Champions

Enemy of Order

Clockwise to Deadline

The Party ain’t over till we say so

Members:

Gerre - Vocals

Frank - Bass

Olaf - Drums

Andy - Guitar