Digiflesh - Collision - 1 Track - Released 11th December 2012

Digiflesh

1 track

Collision

Released 11^th December 2012

Digiflesh – New Jersey

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/digiflesh

http://www.digiflesh.net

http://www.twitter.com/digiflesh

http://www.soundcloud.com/digiflesh

Genre: Electronic DnB/Electronic Techstep

Digiflesh is an independent electronic music project founded in 2010 by Rob G (I think the G stands for genius!) and who resides in the New Jersey area of the USA.

Collision

Hard hitting and technically addictive this track smacks a powerful punch in the face of aggression and is instantly accessible with its repetitive driving and burning mechanical beats – mesmerizingly superb despite not having any vocals added to it. The delicious synth sound is energetic and seriously convincing in tempo and delivery. It holds a hard wearing bass hook and enthusiastic beat that is impossible to ignore. It surges to extreme levels and doesn’t let up for a second.  However I would like to hear some vocals added at some point as I feel it would give more meaning to the track – but with this being said I just can’t get enough Digiflesh. But maybe it is now time to add a vocalist, it can’t hurt for sure – so time to don the attire and practise some moves with its highly addictive pulses which will knock you for six! Hearing it makes me wish I had never given up the keyboard but even so I still wouldn’t be as good as Rob G this is really modern incorporating technical excellence.

For all you cyber buffs out there this is what you should be listening to – check out the above links.

9/10

Track Listing:

Collision

The man behind the energetic technical beats - Rob G

Members:

Rob G

The Torn Prince - Dethroned -

The Torn Prince

Dethroned

8 Track E.P.

2012

Superb excellence from the Torn Prince!

The Torn Prince – Ormskirk, Liverpool

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/thetornprinceofficial

http://www.purevolume.com/TheTornPrince

Dethroned E.P OUT NOW! Download here: 

http://www.mediafire.com/?scdswhjt6zp85

Genre: Progressive Thrashy Metalcore

The Torn Prince is a 4 piece Heavy Metal band from Liverpool, and formed 3^rd January 2012.  

In the first couple of months of forming the band aimed to get as many gigs as possible reaching the likes of: Liverpool, Southport, Lancaster, and Ellesmere Port and after relentless effort the band started gaining a strong fan base and took to the studios in early August.

Having witnessed the band live on several occasions and hearing a lot if not all of the aforementioned tracks I am really pleased to be able to review this 8 Track E.P. in its entirety and pleased to say you can download a copy for free on the above link - each track is a killer!

Presence of Absence

The pumping rhythms of The Torn Prince thunder into action and offer a shrill and solid vocal onslaught with amazing harmonies. The driving force comes at you from all angles no holds barred! The drumming is crisp and explodes into a frenzy, whilst the guitars offer brutal and pulsating riffs that are memorable and will no doubt get that head shaking!

Ice to Touch

Thunderous beats blast forth with a surging base hook and then a rhythmic powerful frenzy of molten riffs attack the audial canal with more than a splash – this is more like a Tsunami with the dual vocals shifting from brutal to shrill and very catchy. This track will rip your face off and will give you a constant rhythm that never lets up for a second.  

This Thirst

Driving riffs and a smashing of cymbals, it powers up with an “Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!” Vocals are tremendous whilst the harmonies offer a less brutal edge but together it is a track that will brutalise and leave you mesmerised at the fretwork as the track unfolds, becoming more and more frenzied.  The vocals are like acid on a weeping wound cutting deeper so you won’t forget them once you hear them.

Forever (Interlude)

There has to be a slight respite from the brutality and it comes in the sound of this dreamy little number which lasts all but a few seconds but still a n(ice touch) :D

The Torn Prince

Se7en

Sumptuous bass and strings blend well together with the constant smack of the damming beats then a scathing vocal takes over – growing in intensity to delight the listener as it pummels your ear drums! It is another memorable track that leaves its mark. It slows showing more beautiful strings that are crisp and clean and then builds to fiery intensity.

Royce Clayton

Great harmonies begin on this track as a driving force pushes the sound barrier to the limit with an extreme concentrated surge and basking in vocal madness with passionate rhythms and powerful drumming. I really love this track because it’s wild and untamed and definitely going to be repeated several times over!

Burnt Out

Another favourite of mine for that squeaking guitar and raucous drum beat it literally burns itself into your memory with what can only be described as a captivating force. Lively and compelling it immediately grabs your attention and is another one which will be constantly repeated (and has been already!) It lacks nothing and brings to the table powerful shredding and a concentrated rhythm – delicious and serious ear candy!!

For Her

Probably the most played track on the E.P. for me anyhow, this is the slowest one on the E.P. funnily enough, but it holds a beautiful intensity. The mellow strings bring intrigue and a dream like quality that builds and the anticipation then explodes as the rhythms turn brutal and uncompromising. Steely and strong this track will eat you alive as the chords come out of the speakers like an express train only to slow and become more serene lulling you into a false sense of security and again building to a power crazed and formidable barrage of sound and slows yet again to reveal the crisp strings once more – A roller coaster of a track and yes another favorite of mine. (As if you couldn’t tell!)

For her.... 

The Torn Prince is a force to be reckoned with offering serious strings and brutal beats and savage vocals alongside a more harmonious one that packs a punch to the jawline. Fiery and unrestrained, vicious and severe but yet offers the listener a brief glimpse of a serene but intense, ruthlessness.

I just can’t wait to see The Torn Prince live again to experience the extreme and harsh savagery coupled with a serene harmonic side it is everything rolled into one.

I so urge you to download the E.P. on the link above and very soon you will find yourself absorbed in the twists and turns of brutality that The Torn Prince are now known for.  Highly addictive listening – be warned!

10/10

Track Listing:

Presence of Absence

Ice to Touch

This Thirst

Forever (Interlude)

Se7en

Royce Clayton

Burnt Out

For Her

Members:

Chris Moore - Vocals/Lead Guitar

Adam Gee - Rhythm Guitar

Joe "Thor" Barcas - Bass/Backing Vocals

Jakke Mawdsley - Drums

Osmium Guillotine - Subhuman - 9 Track E.P - Released Friday 13th July 2012

Osmium Guillotine

Subhuman

9 Track E.P

Friday 13^th July 2012

Subhuman - out now! 

Osmium Guillotine – Great Leighs, Essex

Links:

http://www.osmiumguillotine.com

Their latest CD "Subhuman" was released on Friday 13th July, and is available for purchase at:

http://osmiumguillotine.com/album/subhuman

In April 2010 the band released their debut 5-track EP; “How D’ya like them Apples?” which is still available to buy on CD (while stocks last!) and downloadable from: 

http://osmiumguillotine.com/album/how-dya-like-them-apples

In August 2011 they released their brand new EP featuring their new line-up and sound; "Into the Battle"

http://osmiumguillotine.com/album/into-the-battle

Genre: 70’s Punk/80’s Metal/Classic Rock/Twist of Black Metal

Founded in 2009 by James and Elijah the band takes some 80's heavy metal, sprinkle on a handful of classic rock, a zest of 70's punk, with just a light twist of black metal. Pour in a few pints of ale and Osmium Guillotine is the resulting mess.

         

Some notable gigs played during the band's first year include supporting Sham 69, John Otway, Splodgenessabounds, and ex-Iron Maiden and Wolfsbane vocalist, Blaze Bayley.

Between August - October 2010 the band had a bit of a member shuffle; Tom and Barbora were out, but the band was joined by two lead guitarists: Lance Steele and Peter Keliris.

OG are now a totally different beast consisting of Elijah handling both bass and lead vocal duties, James on drums and backing vocals, Lance Steele on lead guitar and Pete Keliris on lead guitar and lead vocals.

In 2012 the band were nominated for the 'Panic Awards' Best Band award and performed on the finals night.  Osmium Guillotine played the Mansfield "Metal Gods" Festival in May 2012.

The cover is quite tongue in cheek with its garish colours and drawn scenery depicting a monster type being standing on the engine of a car...

Blight upon Mankind

Eerie beginning with sparse clean vocals that sound very 70’s Sabbath which build nicely as the vocals turn a corner and take on a more raspy sound with good rhythmic vibes a plenty and some amazing shredding - as a result has good head-banging qualities!

D-Day

The sound of marching and Hitler rambles incoherently and then it sounds like early Iron Maiden took over. A very 80’s inspired track but it does have appeal and transports the listener to a time when rock only had the title of NWOBHM.

Hobgoblin

Sounds like a pirate song with bouncing drums and good rhythmic quality very likable track. Certainly one that will get repeat listens but apparently it is about beer and not pirates – still a superb track!

Genocide

A mix of building drum beats and riffs fast and delightful and definitely has a black metal tinge to it.

Subhuman

Fast and rhythmic with a good driving force behind it – another little head banger! Love it!

Bonus Tracks Live in London 2012

Blight upon Mankind

D-Day

Hobgoblin

Genocide

The above live tracks are raw and compelling and have that uncut vibe to them.

I love the way the band have incorporated the 70’s through to the 80’s and added a twist of black metal although it doesn’t hold anything that hasn’t been done before except to say there are not a lot of bands if any that are this diverse which is in the band’s favour.

The tracks are catchy, memorable and will no doubt appeal to a lot of people who enjoy the feel of 70’s Sabbath, the 80’s feel of Maiden and the more up to date people who enjoy a touch of black metal! - it is all contained within this CD and deserves to be part of your collection.

I can see why Kaine and Osmium Guillotine are connected as they run along the same vein of NWOBHM although Kaine live, eat and breathe the 80’s whilst Osmium Guillotine are more diverse in approach but both are superb in their own unique way whilst not letting us forget that without a doubt NWOBHM is not dead.

8½/10

Track Listing:

Blight upon Mankind

D-Day

Hobgoblin

Genocide

Subhuman

Bonus Tracks Live in London 2012

Blight upon Mankind

D-Day

Hobgoblin

Genocide

Members:

Elijah Kindon – Bass/Vocals

Lance Steele - Guitar

James Balcombe - Drums

Pete Keliris – Guitar/Vocals

Renegade State - Rise of a race, fall of a Kingdom - 4 track E.P. - Released 11th November 2012

Renegade State

Rise of a race, fall of a Kingdom

4 Track E.P.

Released 11^th November 2012

The spellbinding new E.P. from Renegade State

Renegade State - Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Renegade-State

Genre: Heavy Metal

Renegade State is an intense, high paced, heavy metal band from Liverpool.

Forming in 2011, the band only had one style and one concept in mind, intense, brutal metal. Though some of their songs do have a melodic edge never do they lack the raw, heavy sound that has made them so popular, and seeing the band the other night at Metal goes Mental at the Zanzibar I can safely say that Renegade State tick all the boxes for me, despite not just having an extreme vocal they incorporate a clean edged vocal but it works.

Judgement Day

There is no getting away from the brutal edge this track portrays with its chant-like “Mother fuckers” it is swathed in complex rhythms, powerful stunning beats and growly vocals.

Little Dark Lies

The beginning of this track builds with some amazing chords, a cornucopia of melodic harmonious vocals come into play with a rasping vocal sound it levels out to reveal a clean vocal which engages in some clever lyrics. The rhythms are captivating and will no doubt have you reaching for the repeat button.

Unsuspecting Victim

Deep and sumptuous rhythm that will hit you in the gut, it builds with a constant drum beat and fires on all cylinders. You try not to move your head to this – if you can you have no soul!! The progression of this track is spellbinding with added cackles and thunderous guitars that pulsate.

Rise of a race, fall of a Kingdom

Great fret work on this track that knocks out a regular structured rhythm it slows and then more fierce guitars come into play along with a ravenous drum beat that will eat you alive. The fast vocal chant incorporates a more melodic flavour but not removing itself from the brutality of the said track. The drumming is to the extreme raucous and wild. Awesome listening!

Renegade State melting riffs!

The more I listen to this E.P the more I love it, so much so that they have all fast become my favourite tracks.

If you haven’t seen Renegade State live then I urge you to do so as their live performance is powerful and swathed in brutality with nothing left to chance. Go and indulge in the ferocity that is Renegade State. You won’t be disappointed these guys know just where to hit the spot for maximum effect! There is beauty in brutality! and Greatness in the groove!

Check them out!

10/10

Track Listing:

Judgement day                                    3.32

Little Dark Lies                                   5.13

Unsuspecting Victim                           3.54

Rise of a race, fall of a kingdom           4.58

Members:

Joe Pagan - Guitar

Mike Bradbury - Vocals

Tom Carr - Guitar

Jay Owens - Bass

Phill Berrington – Drums

Templar, Renegade State, In our Defence, Hymn for the Fallen and Ensorrowed

Metal goes Mental

13.12.12.

The Zanzibar, Liverpool

Templar – Widnes, UK                         7:45-8:15

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TemplarUK

Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

       

In mid-2011 Paul Kirby, Jim Pierce and Sam Stanley felt it was necessary to begin a music project playing a new variety of heavy metal inspired by history, patriotism and the valour of great warriors. From this inspiration and the recruitment in drummer Dave Phillips Templar was born. Inspired by historical figures, events, everyday life and stories, Templar's music varies from the most positive uplifting of songs to sinister and macabre themes. With melodic guitars alloyed with solid drum beats and groovy bass lines, Templar's mission is clear to bring cold forged metal to the ears of its followers!

Templar is an up and coming North West based band. With many influences from each member, Templar offers a heavy, tight and extremely melodic sound, with choruses that you will never forget!

Despite the vocals being somewhat lost in places, although I feel not the bands fault, it felt as if the mike was not switched up enough and the music sometimes drowned out the vocals which was a shame as Templar did give a solid performance.

It is always hard going on first and warming the crowd up, but what I would say is that I feel the band could do with looking more like they are enjoying themselves on stage and using the space to their advantage as this in turn drives the audience – I did not really see much “vigour” onstage although the performance was tight and really good musically.

By the time the band started “The Legacy” they started to feel more at ease and went on to deliver a good rock-solid performance, plus the sound of the vocals appeared stronger so by the time they played their last track “Lionheart” (one of the best tracks the band played on the night) the band were on fire and a few members of the audience actually said that Templar were impressive.

Let’s see what happens when the band plays again – I will definitely make the effort to go and see them again!

7/10

 Dave, Jim, Sam and Paul

 Sam and Paul

 Dave and Jim

Sam and Paul

Set List:

Live by the Sword

The Last Judgement

The Legacy

Dead Space

Lionheart

Members:

Paul Kirby -Guitar

Jim Pierce -Guitar

Sam "the left hooker" Stanley -Bass/Vocals

Dave Phillips –Drums

******

Renegade State – Liverpool          8:30-9:00

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Renegade-State

Genre: Heavy/Groove Metal

       

Renegade State is a Heavy Metal band based in Liverpool, UK. Currently in the process of preparing new material for the future album and future live shows.

         

They formed in the November of 2011, and after months of scouting around for a lead guitarist and bassist for a few months, they finally found Tom, and Jay. After forming the final line up they progressed to compose a set list ready for their first gig, which took place on the 29th July.

The bands influences are Machine Head, Slipknot, Pantera, Slayer, Chimaira, Triptykon and Sa-Da-kO.

Renegade State has now recorded and fully mastered their E.P ~ Download from their band camp by clicking the 'Bandcamp!' Tab at the top of their page!

Awesome new E.P from Renegade State

         

Renegade State is a new upcoming metal band that are about to take the metal scene by storm! They plan to smash all your windows and fuck you up in the pit!

If they don't see you getting crazy they will personally get crazy and fuck you up!

Well what can I say about Renegade State? Powerful, melodic, heavy and they wear attire not dissimilar to Sa-Da-Ko (i.e. Black suits with blue ties) although funnily enough Sa-Da-Ko is listed as one of the bands likes.

The beats are there, the rhythm is there and they performed really superbly at Metal goes Mental.  “Little Dark Lies” just has to be my favourite track from the band, as it’s catchy and holds loads of delicious riffs that you can’t stop moving your head to!

I am looking forward not only to seeing the guys live again but also reviewing their new 4 track E.P.  “Rise of a race, fall of a Kingdom”

Get down to that groove it will eat you alive!! Once you listen you will be hooked on the rhythms, riffs and beats.

8½/10

 Phil, Joe, Mike, Tom and Jay

 Joe, Mike, Jay

 Joe

Phil

Set List:

Opening Breakdown

Unsuspecting Victim

(Sic) Slipknot

Insidious

Hate Consumes

Little Dark Lies

Judgement Day

Rise of a race, fall of a Kingdom

Members

Joe Pagan - Guitar

Mike Bradbury - Vocals

Tom Carr - Guitar

Jay Owens - Bass

Phil Berrington - Drums

******

In our Defence - St. Helens                  9:15-9:45

New debut single from IOD

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/InOurDefenceUK

Debut Single 'Prometheus' out 31/08/2012

Genre: Metalcore

In the bands own words “In our Defence are four guys and a Somalian pirate, coming all over your ears, and metal to fuck!” Formed in 2011 but not yet experienced live until last night at the Zanzi these guys put the core back into metal.

They used the space on stage tremendously well and got the crowd goers moving to their fast and furious rhythms with front man Alex Melia really giving it some stick on the night!

People were jumping about and pushing each other around in a friendly way of course, as you would expect with each track the band played, it in turn caused more havoc!

The band has a new debut single out called “Prometheus” Check it out if you love Metalcore!

8½/10

Set List:

Intro/Prometheus

Game Over, Snake

Shere Khan

Ultimatum

Vultures

Members:

Alex Melia - Vox

Harry Benyon - Guitar

Kyle Holt - Guitar

Kalvin Walton - Drums

Tyler Jones - Bass

         

******

Hymn for the Fallen – Winsford, Northwich             10.00 – 10.30

Check out Hymn for the Fallen - Flatline!

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/HymnForTheFallen

Download Flatline for free here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?c6zk0mseytv09

Genre: Melodeath/Death Metal/Metalcore

Founded November 2010 Hymn for the Fallen is a five-piece metal band from Cheshire, primarily Northwich and Winsford.

They combine influences from many areas of metal, including bands such as The Faceless, Suffocate, Chelsea Grin, Meshuggah, After the Burial, I the Breather, Dying Foetus and more! These are just a few bands that the members of the band listen to and are influenced by, and they're not claiming to sound exactly like any of them! They don’t either they are far more refined than any of the above, and put their own mark on the proceedings!

Despite Saul having chopped his waist length hair to his shoulders L I could not help but be mesmerized by the performance it lacked nothing what so ever. It was thunderously grisly and the band hardly stopped jumping about for a second even between tracks!

The guy’s feet looked as if they were wiping their feet on the carpet as they smashed out some fantastic riffs and pleasurable beats – they must have been exhausted as their set finished!

I really love these guys and great seeing them live again! And the good news is – Saul says he hates his hair short and therefore going to grow it back again J another reason for seeing these guys live for me anyhow!

9/10

 Hymn for the Fallen

Ben

Set List:

Disconnected

Flatline

Risen

Times have changed

Tear the world down

Proselytism

All my Hate

Members: 

Saul Ennett - Vocals

Jack Bradshaw - Guitar/Vocals

Gary McNeill - Guitar

Ben Quinlivan - Drums

Adam Wheeler - Bass

         

******

Ensorrowed – St Helens                       10.45–11.15

The awesome Ensorrowed!!

Links:

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

Genre: Metal-Core/Thrash

A clash of the same ideas, goals, aspirations, personalities and tastes of music seemed perfect when they came together in early 2010.

With their hopes of much to achieve "Ensorrowed" came together to bring everything they always wanted in a band. After playing their first gig a short month after coming together their progress has seemed substantial.

Sharing the stages at some of their favourite venues, with awesome bands has been a great experience so far. And for sure they will keep all the mayhem coming long into the future.

Having witnessed Ensorrowed at their not so best and watching them grow in confidence and prowess on stage I can honestly say that these guys are heading for the top!

They excel being on the stage and performing and more importantly it shows. They all give out a driving force that simply has you captivated with each riff and beat. Exciting to watch and they just keep getting stronger each time you see them live.

The crowd was going nuts and at one point I thought Tony had put the air conditioning on but then realised as everyone was wind-milling the air was getting colder despite everyone being in a mad hot frenzy as each riff filled the air and at the end everyone was shouting for more – myself included!

This was a fantastic set and one I hope the band will be repeating soon! Too good to miss!

9½/10

 CJ and Lee

 CJ, John and Lee

 CJ

 Danny

 CJ, John and Lee

Lee getting in the pit!

Set List:

Inscribed Destiny

Retribution

Ever Fading

Instigation

The rebirth of Liberation

Testify

Members  

Danny Kelly - Drummer

John Roughley - Bassist

Conor CJ Whitfield - Guitarist

Lee Soady - Vocalist

So Mike Hardy did it again – with a superb line-up!  Is there no stopping this guy? Mike is the shy type although he can stand up for himself if need be, and despite having to leave before Ensorrowed went on stage he really excelled yet again with another Metal goes Mental!

Great support from all the bands that supported each other through-out the night along with the usual banter really made it a night to remember despite the minus degree temperature the Zanzi witnessed a molten metal evening which everyone warmed to.

*Special thanks to Mike Hardy, Tony, Pat, Ian, Danny, Jack and to all the bands for delivering a superb set!

Ian/Cuzzy Laver - He enjoyed it really!