Stoneman – Human Hater

Releasedate: 26-10-2010; Label: Twillight Zone Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Industrial/Gothic Metal, or as also has been said: “DeathGlam” formation Stoneman is coming from Switzerland. They have been formed in 2004 and are now releasing their third album “Human Hater”.

The band from Switzerland have done tours with acts as Deathstars, Impaled Nazarene and is taking this album on the road while they are on the road with Tiamat. A whole lot of death and doom seem to surround these guys. In the music the vocals come quite upfront. There is this industrial element that gets pushed way more to the back, makes it look they have chosen for a more aggressive approach than simply taking the melodic elements on the lead. Interesting to see is that in the different songs this seem to vary a bit. Cause occasionally it are the guitars who drag the most attention. It somehow gives a bit of the impression that the songs were not made to follow up in one line, but the playful effect that it has while listening the album does not turn you down straight away.
One of the songs on “Human Hater” got guest vocals of Wednesday13. “Zombie Zoo” is that collaboration that seemed to be born naturally as either Wednesday13 as vocalist Mikki have a strong character and therefore they match quite well. Could have been risky, but they don’t fight each other at all.

It is not an album that will be loved by the average metal fan though. It has the potential to get bashed by the true, purist metal fan, while the gothic side might have to swallow a bit due the aggression that “Human Hater” brings. Industrial Metal fans would find themselves most pleased with it, but not after the first time listening. It is an album to grow into and it radiates that a live performance will convince potential fans at first, while the album they get afterwards might hook them for sure.

Line Up:
Mikki Chixx – Vocals
Mr. Fly – Guitar
Iron Cris – Bass
Rico H. – Drums

Tracklist: 01. white star 02. hope you all die soon 03. zombie zoo feat. wednesday 13 04. trail of destruction 05. human hater 06. suicide is a suicide 07. built of anger 08. sugar mama 09. kendra comes 10. let the beast come in 11. no sweet november feat. van velvet (bonus)

Links:
Stoneman MySpace
Stoneman Official