Category: CD/DVD Reviews

Rhapsody of Fire – The Legendary Years

Review by: Juho Karila

I’m not sure if anyone can deny that the Italians have a sense of dramatics, let it be Antonio Vivaldi‘s Four Seasons or anything affiliated with Luca Turilli. Rhapsody of Fire doesn’t only let it show by combining opera and neo-classical with metal but their many turns and events have led into a few changes in the lineup and name. This however, isn’t about the dramatic turn of events but their latest “album.” Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Blood Youth – Beyond Repair

Harrogate heavy weights Blood Youth began life in late 2014, intent on channelling their collective fears and frustrations about unstable futures the only way they knew how: into music. Knuckling down, Blood Youth amassed a wealth of cathartic material, songs that snapped and snarled at the heels of their collective anxieties. The bands focused and positive mindset blossomed into debut EP, “Inside My Head”. Now the band has a brand new album out. “Beyond Repair” is the name of this beauty. Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Volker – Dead Doll

Volker comes from France.The band offers a blend of dark rock and sludge combined with a horror theme. Their album called “Dead Doll” is out now.
Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Alison Moyet – Other

Geneviève Alison Jane Moyet is an English singer, songwriter and performer She got fame as half of the duo Yazoo, but has since mainly worked as a solo artist. Anno 2017 she comes with another album, follow the many she has done already through the years. “Other” is available now. Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Stahlmann – Bastard

Stahlmann is a German band that formed in 2008 in Göttingen, Germany. It is in the genre of Neue Deutsche Härte. Martin Soer, the vocalist of the band, met Alexander Scharfe, the guitarist, and both soon realized that they like the same kind of music, Neue Deutsche Härte. Later that year, they started the band, Stahlmann, and started writing their own songs. Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Coffeinne – Circle of Time

Coffeinne is a Melodic/Power Metal band from Spain by David Villarreal and Iñaki Lazcano . Their first album is called “Circle of Time” and it is out now.
Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Norska – Too Many Winters

Sludge rockers Norska, born in 2004, have their base in the US. The guys are releasing their second album “Too Many Winters” right now.
Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Oknos – Odd World

Oknos is a German formation making Symphonic Metal. They formed in 2013 and after the release of a bunch singles it is now time for their debut full length. It is called “Odd World” and it is available now.

With inspiration of Delain, Nightwish and various other female fronted bands, they are trying to find their own way and with this concept album they bring this search to the world. Here and there you hear that they tend still too much to the confidential side, “Odd World” has some elements that are perhaps a bit too recognizable for their own good, but when they explore their own feeling more you get a look into what the band can be up to.
In ballad “Fire” the band shows how strong they can be, the vocals in good balance with the rest where in other songs the music seems a bit overpowering the voices and cutting the story a bit short. Also, they have to be careful not to overdo themselves, making it too bombastic. Too much in there could be the overkill, less is more. And when taking back the whole a notch or two, you can focus more on the individual elements and their strength. So it is not a surprise that the slowest songs are the ones you get the best chance to hear their qualities.

Qualities seem to be there, but the band could rely more on themselves. Leave their inspiration and inspiration and not much more than that. And perhaps don’t fill the music up with too much extra’s as it does not do them good. That being said, with some quality vocals, guitarists that seem to be up for something (but need some more chance to shine), interesting keys… the band has the base all there. “Odd World” is an album that opens your eyes for what they could do. The potential. But for future material it may be wise to rethink all and give more of themselves in the sound.

Line up:
Philipp – Pipes, Keyboards
Arne – Bass
Sebastian – Drums
Johannes – Guitars
Benjamin – Guitars
Anna – Vocals

01. Prologue 02. Struggle 03. Old World 04. Sin 05. Falling 06. The Gods They Have No Love 07. Ghost Ship 08. Fire 09. Sailor’s Love Story 10. Requiem

Links:
Oknos facebook

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Ofermod – Sol Nox

Ofermod is a Black Metal formation from Sweden. They formed in 1996 and anno 2017 the band is bringing their third full length album out. It is called “Sol Nox” and is available now.
Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews

Rise Against – Wolves

Rise Against is an American melodic hardcore band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band’s current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes. Former members are guitarists Dan Wlekinski, Kevin White, Todd Mohney and Chris Chasse, and drummers Toni Tintari and Dan Lumley. Read more of this article »

Posted in CD/DVD Reviews