Rainbow - Rainbow Rising - 6 Track Album - Polydor - Released 1976

Rainbow

Rainbow Rising

6 Track Album

Polydor

Released 1976

Classic Album

Written for Ramzine

Rainbow - UK

Links:

Produced and Engineered by Martin Birch

Genre: Hard Rock

For me ‘Rainbow Rising’ has to be the greatest metal album of all time just for Ronnie Dio’s vocals alone but this album proves that musicians, if they all come together and the timing is right can make true rock history!

Not been a lover of Blackmore has to be said, but there is nothing anyone can take away from his playing on this album it is credible to say the very least!

Rainbow Rising sets the pulse racing and sends flushes of excitement down the spine with immediate effect. Although there are only 6 tracks on the album the 8 minute 26 second long ‘Stargazer’ takes up a large chunk of the vinyl – yes, you heard right kiddie’s, vinyl – not CD! You know that big blob of black vinyl with a small hole in it for use with something called a record player?

This album renders every metal head to a state of standing still, eyes closed and screaming the well voiced lyrics to the top end of their scale – some even play air guitar to it and or air drumming! It’s that good! But don’t take my word for it just listen to the album and feel the love and pain that has gone into producing it and then say it isn’t a classic album! I dare you!

‘Stargazer’ is without a doubt the best track on it, showcasing Dio’s versatile, bellowing lungs. The keyboards from Tony Carey give it that spaced-out feel, Jimmy Bain’s bass gets the airing of its life, while Cozy Powell’s drums really take a battering and Blackmore’s riffs just gouge through the flesh, along with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in its entirety! Giving it that all-round feel. It is one classic track that never gets boring no matter how many times you listen to it.

‘Do you close your eyes’ is irrepressibly catchy and another favourite of mine for the sheer grin it brings as you sing the lyrics, in fact all the tracks bring different memories of times gone by, some good, some bad, but none the less memories.

I remember meeting all of the above musicians long after this album had been released, and to meet the genius’s responsible for the creation of Rainbow Rising was nothing more than a pleasure and an honour.

If I could turn back the clock - I would be a fly on the wall when this album was made and heard six powerfully charged tracks being spawned by five of the best musicians of rock history in their prime.

Rainbow Rising is the legacy that will live on and on (despite two of the members – the charismatic Ronnie James Dio and virtuoso Cozy Powell who have now sadly departed to that mosh pit in the sky) each and every time someone listens.

Rainbow Rising is a story to music and Dio paints the wondrous pictures with his words and together it is one epic album that relentlessly keeps on giving.

Track List:

Tarot Woman

Run with the Wolf

Starstruck

Do You Close Your Eyes

Stargazer

A Light in the Black

Members:

Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar

Ronnie James Dio – Vocals

Cozy Powell – Drums

Jimmy Bain – Bass

Tony Carey - Keyboards

Heldmaschine - Lügen - 12 Track Album - Released 21st August 2015

Heldmaschine

Lügen

12 Track Album

Released 21^st August 2015

Written for Ramzine

Heldmaschine (Hero Machine) – Koblenz

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Heldmaschine

Graphic artwork by Chillartist,

Photos by think-tank-ART.de

Genre: Electronica/rock

The compelling raucous German language boldly strikes again with added catchy keyboards, getting this all in perspective with their dramatically rousing addictive tracks – I know it won’t appeal to the few with no rhythm, but for me I just can’t keep still, as in turn the tracks demand body participation – and it helps greatly when you know what the band are singing about!

I am not even going to mention the fact they sound like a certain band from Berlin – just shut up and dance!

9/10

Track List:

Collateral

Schwerelos                                            (Weightless)

Wir Danken Euch                                  (We thank you)

Wir Einmal Lüge                                   (We lied)

Ich will Dein Bestes                              (I want your best)

Tränenblut Feat Unzucht                       (Tears of Blood) (Fornication)

Ein Traum                                              (A Dream)

Maskenschlacht                                     (Battle Mask)

Einmal ist Keinmal                                (One for the Money)

Die Zeit ist Reif Feat Unzucht              (The time is now)

Der Hammer Faellt Feat Tanzwut         (The hammer falls) (Dance Rage)

Die Roboter                                           (The Robot)

Members:

René Anlauff - Vocals,

Tobias Kaiser - Guitar,

Dejan Stankovic - Guitar,

Marco Schulte - Bass,

Dirk Oechsle - Drums

Days of Collapse - We got this far - 10 Track Album - Imminence Records - To be released 25th September 2015

Days of Collapse

We got this far

10 Track Album

Imminence Records

To be released 25^th September 2015

Written for Ramzine

Days of Collapse – Vicenza, Italy

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/DaysOfCollapse

Genre: Metalcore-Chaotic-Mathcore

Before you switch off by the strange opening noises - have some patience and carry on listening as they say, for once into the track you will not be able to contain the lip-smackin’ groove and twisted malevolent frenzy that ensues from such a track or indeed an album!

The torrid fuelled passions are there for all to hear - track after track pulverises within a concentrated formula that is dramatic and forthright.

They have got this far, let’s see them go all the way!

9.5/10

Track List:

Restart from Scratch

Escape the Rat Race

Borderline

Mass Effect

Misinformation

Stay True part 1

Stay True part 2

Nell’indifferenza

Keyboard Warriors

Rendez Moi

Members:

Alberto-Guitar

Jacopo-Guitar

Davide-Drums

Marco-Voice

Stefano-Bass

Conflict North - Treading Water - 6 Track EP - To be released October 2015

Conflict North

Treading Water

6 Track E.P

To be released October 2015

Written for Ramzine

Conflict North – London

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/conflictnorth

Genre: Metal/ Melodic Hardcore/Alternative

Hailing from the London area is band Conflict North strange name considering they are from down South, but less of the North/South divide and on with the music.

In true metal core assault the first track ‘This too shall pass’ delves into a sizzling onslaught of venomous intensity with powerful vocal edge, melodic riffs and torrid beats that instantly bed down into the aural, blanketing them with a compellingly ferocious lure.

The second track ‘Lessons Learnt’ has a superb chugging rhythm that lies beneath a strenuous vocal turning clean and lilts, so the mix of both clearly give the band that diverse leaning and they make use of every avenue.

‘Wake Up’ holds a lot of ambiance and atmosphere as well as the tell-tale metal core element. The melodies flow uninterrupted and seamless before it buckles under the weight of some stupendous harsh growling tones.

‘Still Breathing’ offers up a superb weave of impressive music and vocal combined with a punishing rhythm that is catchy and addictive! Now they have well and truly tenderised the ears!

‘Labyrinths’ holds a savage breath that executes emotion to the forefront with compelling riffs and steely bass hooks making it a very imposing track that is best played on full max volume to feel it in your guts! But then there are always those cheeky clean vocals that keep it grounded.

‘All I have’ is a superb array of monstrous riffs taunting the ears as the hearty growl takes over.  The unbridled passions within this track are raw and full of excitement, although maybe slightly subtler, but none the less powerful at weaving their magic.

I cannot believe this band only have 199 likes – maybe metal core isn’t to everyone’s taste, however, the music doesn’t lie, if you like brutal with a cheeky hint of clean then Conflict North are the ones to watch!

9/10

Track List:

This too shall pass

Lessons Learnt

Wake Up

Still Breathing

Labyrinths

All I have

Members:

Robin Godding – Vocals

Matt Hull – Guitar

Matt Anderson – Guitar/Vocals

Toby Campen – Bass

Ed Bujakowski - Drums

Broken Flesh - Self-Titled - 12 Tack Album - Luxor Record - Released 4th September 2015

Broken Flesh

Self-Titled

12 Track Album

Luxor Records

Released 4^th September 2015

Written for Ramzine

Broken Flesh – Oklahoma City, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/brokenflesh

Genre: Brutal Death Metal

Biography:

“Formed in 2004 Broken Flesh are no strangers to the live scene, having performed with bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dying Fetus and others!”

Although, there is a distinct message here which says to me that this band are Christians through and through and quite open about it. However, I am not a believer in God myself, but there is no disrespecting their music what so ever, and I find it quite quirky that a death metal band would find solace in something that doesn’t, in my eyes exist!

I am not against people who believe in anything that brings them some comfort, although for me the music that I can fully engage in, hear and explore has to be my God there will be no changing my mind on that either!

Valley of Mass Crucifixion

Obviously trying to get across the message that Jesus died for our sins – that it may be but we are paying the price, however, musically superb no matter what the band are singing about – hard to tell with death metal but the pent up aggression and raw sound is what death metal is all about – so I have to forgive them as they know not what they do.

Blood Harvest

The gruelling hearty destructive vocals boom out intensely to this brutal track as usual incoherent but you get the idea - amid a backdrop of insane beats and caustic riffs its savagery knows no limits and bludgeons its way through a wall of mesmerizing frenzy.

Consumed by Death

Is a rampaging track with agitated rhythms and sounds like an exorcism is taking place! The raucous lashes of a gnarly and intense vocals dominate through a mass of seething riffs and arduous blast beats.

Buried Alive

Is a bewitching track that hosts a thrilling and exciting proposal of dark delights, although it is hard to tell if they are meant for the light or indeed the dark? Personally I would hope they are for the latter, judging by the title.

Hell

With vicious and raw emotion this track growls the way through its paces and stops little of pure annihilation. Seething structures of energised but inhospitable lures cloak the ears with a rich madness.

Cries of the Dead

The rasping throaty vocal chords twist in an unfathomable barbaric vein along with a forceful deep battering of drum beats and edgy rhythms just melt into a congealing mass of pure intensity.

Forever in Flames

Continuing with more of the same toxic and rabid rhythms of immense grandeur the cacophony brutalises the ear drums that can hardly keep pace with the ferocity it is witnessing.

Unworthy

With the air now covered in a black mist (or for Christians a white light) this track consumes and devours with every riff and beat it can muster! The vocals sound tormenting and raw and provoke the senses with pulverising aggression.

Exalt

Let the snorting and pig squealing commence through a potent wind tunnel that magnifies the deathly sound to one of extreme torture. 

Ignominy

Hard to get your teeth around the title of this track, although by the time you have mastered it, the brutish riffs and beats simultaneously will have ripped you a new set and turned your ears inside out as well!

By his Blood

As if the malice couldn’t become any more aggressive, this one seems to have pushed it up a notch and weighed down by its own extreme weight, the gruelling structure leaves a path of destruction in its wake.

Hate

Just about says it all really, although is that hate for non-believers? Saying that I have to say I love the track for its quickening aggression and creatively inflamed passion.

Summary:

I have to say I have never really thought of Christians forming a death metal band and never even reviewed such a band before, or even knew that there was such a thing called Christian Death Metal! But whatever the message Broken Flesh sure know how to engage with their skilled savagery, even if it does hold a (slight) Christian message.

Amen

8/10

Track List:

Valley of Mass Crucifixion

Blood Harvest

Consumed by Death

Buried Alive

Hell

Cries of the Dead

Forever in Flames

Unworthy

Exalt

Ignominy

By his Blood

Hate

Members:

Jacob Mathes - Vocals

Kevin Tubby - Guitar/ Vocals

Dakota Whiteside - Guitar

Joshua Mathes - Bass/ Vocals

Brandon Lopez - Drums

Atreyu - Long Live - 14 Track Album - Spinefarm Records - Released September 2015

Atreyu

Long Live

14 Track Album

Spinefarm Records

Released September 2015

Written for Ramzine

Atreyu – Orange County, CA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Atreyu

Genre: Heavy Metal Thunder

If heavy metal could be defined as a natural phenomenon it would definitely have to be thunder and this natural phenomenon comes in the form of Atreyu that delve deep into a genre that offers scathing vocals to the maximum.

The melodic slices mingle with some tough hard core edges that make it superb listening. The punk and metal-core elements mean that everyone gets something they can relate to and these guys seem to have a torrid love affair with their instruments that will melt the hearts of metal heads all over the planet.

The twisting lures and melodic seduction go so well together – hand in hand in fact and produces some meaty chunks of edgy metal.

The mouth-watering chugs take you on a tempestuous journey of aggression. Feisty and irresistible their tracks breed a lasting stamp on the mind with melodic voices harmonising superbly with a hard scathing raspy vocal that commands the lead.

The force is paraded boldly, with great tenacity and storming rebellion. The boisterous bolts of metal will hit brutally like an all-out war on the audial cavities and injecting them with military precision.

Atreyu have created a bruising backdrop of stomping metal that is one ‘indecent’ proposal that nobody in their right minds can ignore – once initiated on the press of a button.

The feverish appetites of the band offer one extreme to the next with the flexible writing and playing talents that each of the band delivers with mesmerizing qualities.

Catchy and aggressive momentum leaps into action and firmly takes the bull by the horns, kicking up a bad ass storm of corruption.

Also packed neatly into their flavoursome groove are some mellower moments that captures a glimpse of a very flexible five-piece band whose aim is to annihilate on listening!

The production is perfection alone, although it helps having musicians who know exactly the direction they are heading and that can only be forward with an album of this calibre.

It is a healthy extreme with lots to perk the appetite along the way and portraying a thoroughly capturing encounter - so perfect for drying the hair!

The intensely satisfying creativity flows uninterrupted with contrast and caustic rhythms that cast a magnificent attitude and endeavour to the mix.

They explore new boundaries that offer dreamy seduction and wild abandon lighting the way with fire and passion.

A very cleverly thought out album that leaves nobody in any doubt that this is a first class album that deserves recognition.

This definitely works for me!

9/10

Track List:

Long Live

Live to Labour

I would kill, lie, and die (for you)

Cut off the head

A bitter broken memory

Do you know who you are?

Revival Interlude

Heartbeats and Flatlines

Brass Balls

Moments before Dawn

Start to Break

Reckless

So others may live

Stronger than Me

Members:

Dan Jacobs - Guitar

Porter McKnight - Bass

Travis Miguel - Guitar

Brandon Saller - Drums/Vocals

Alex Varkatzas - Vocals

Debauchery - F**K Humanity - 12 Track Album - Massacre Records - Released 10th July 2015

Debauchery

F**K Humanity

12 Track Album

Massacre Records

Released 10^th July 2015

Out now!

Written for Metal Gods Meltdown

Debauchery – Stuttgart, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debauchery-band

Recorded by Dennis Ward (Krokus, Unisonic),

Cover Artwork created by the fantasy icon and illustrator Adrian Smith.

DISCOGRAPHY

Kill Maim Burn 2003

Rage of the Blood Beast 2004

Torture Pit 2005

Back In Blood 2007

Continue to Kill 2008

Rockers & War 2009

Germany’s Next Death Metal 2013

Kings of Carnage 2013

F**k Humanity’ 2015

               

Genre: Death Metal

Biography:

“Welcome to the World of Blood Gods! DEBAUCHERY has always been something unique. Some people missed the point, that’s why they can ‘Fuck off!’ All other metal heads can look forward to the new album FUCK HUMANITY: death metal in your face!

Expect 10 songs full of violence and bloodshed! In addition, the album will also feature a ballad and an intro track.

The lyrics are about the monsters and dragon beasts of the World of Blood Gods - the DEBAUCHERY background world - and the warriors of Warhammer 40k. For all real DEBAUCHERY freaks out there, there will also be a limited 3-CD digipak edition of the new album, including a bonus disc with BLOOD GOD versions of some new songs and a cover version of Judas Priest's "Painkiller".

The other bonus disc comes with some of the new tracks and two classics ("Töten Verkrüppeln Verbrennen" and "Blut Für Den Blutgott") in the so-called BALGEROTH version in German! Prepare to get destroyed by DEBAUCHERY live this fall, when they’re going on FUCK HUMANITY tour! Blood for the Blood God! The German War Machine is back!”

~~~~~~

I don’t know whether I am happy or sad that the band decided to change their name from Maggotcunt to Debauchery in 2002, both names are superb but Maggotcunt has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?

It is however quite surprising that Debauchery has performed a lot of covers by other bands such as Slayer and believe it or not The Beatles, although I am pleased to say there are none on their new album! I am just glad to bask in the glory of the bands own well-seasoned offerings.

There is rather a sombre opening to the album with ‘My Religion is Hate’ and you can almost hear the anticipation building as the track continues.  It isn’t all about bruising and brings a certain sophistication to the table, with an unusual chanting of vocal lures.

The second track ‘Ironclad Declaration of War’ shows more than just a chugging of rhythms but a real heavy vibe and the deepest vocal snarl ever heard by man! It makes you immediately turn up the volume and bathe in its dark overtones bringing up goose bumps the size of golf balls along your arm! Amazing track!

Quite a fuelled track the next one ‘Kneel before the Dragon Gods’ as the speed gathers and continues to soar. Again with a rasping throaty lure that Johann Hegg would be hard pushed to copy! This is a firm and contagious track that boasts a chanting addictive aggression.

Another emotional track that expresses a vehement snarl of contempt ‘Gorezilla’ and is a real thrill for the listener! The enticing strikes and provocative melody forms an immediate mosh pit for the ears.

A compelling track is ‘German Warmachine’ again for the sumptuous growling vocal lures that resonate through-out. Holding a monotone beat that is none the less heavy as F**k and weaves a fiercely imaginative twist.

A splendid title! ‘Murderbrute Minotaurs’ with its rambling riffs and hard edged drum beats. Accompanying comes a raucous growl that spews forth some increasingly dramatic lyrics as it rampages towards its destiny.

This track expresses hate in the most evil way possible with its opening words that are unnerving and grotesque, and epitomises the bands genre superbly! ‘Fuck Humanity’ is one hungry for guts and glory track that leaves the listener in no uncertain terms they mean business and this track showcases the feelings with a melodic smouldering bite!

A rather dark ambient hue begins on ‘For the Emperor’ with the sophistication of forthright riffs and gargling vocal which no doubt will leave deep scarring to the tonsils (should you try and replicate) so don’t! unless you want to be visiting A&E very shortly.

This track ‘King of the Killing Zone’ unveils yet more brutality in the making and throws forth a creative blanket of oppression of a great magnitude. Its malevolent riffs devour with nightmarish imagination and cultivates a superb vocal angst.

The whirlwind drum beats from ‘The Horror of the Forest’ remind me of Speedy Gonzales on speed! Fast, furious and full of menace this track pummels to an inch of its life and evolves into a tyrannical encounter!

A rugged track that has abrupt vocal edge and plenty of energy! It soars to unimaginable heights and embraces its own fury. It is exhilarating and uncages an intensity with a brutish power, that is the extreme power of ‘Zombie Extermination Crusader’

To finish this glorious album, is a brief respite from all the well-equipped raucous flavours entitled simply – ‘To Hell’ holds a mellower slant on the proceedings.  However the vocals are still full of grit and passion.

Summary:

From start to finish what you have here is pent up aggression and fire! With brief spells of melodic flame and sophistication. It covers everything with immediate effect.

Spawning a raw emotion that ignites into a fully blown forest fire! Is  The evil is present through-out with powerful lyrics and nagging riffs that turns into extreme magnetism pulling you with equal force into a maelstrom of throbbing madness!

The band deliciously dangles a 24-carrat gold bait to the listener which of course is eagerly taken up and then spins them into an emotional turbulence!

Clearly one superb album that holds more hooks than a seasoned angler!!

10/10

Track List:

My Religion is Hate

Ironclad Declaration of War

Kneel before the Dragon Gods

Gorezilla

German Warmachine

Murderbrute Minotaurs

Fuck Humanity

For the Emperor

King of the Killing Zone

The Horror of the Forest

Zombie Extermination Crusader

To Hell

Members:

Mr. Kill - Sonic Blasters

Mr. Blood - Blastmaster Bass

Mr. Death - Drums of Doom

Mr. Debauchery - Sonic Blasters & Voices of War