Daniel's Forum Replies

October Tide - "In Splendor Below" (Release date: 17th May)

The sixth album from this Swedish doom/death metal outfit.

Ben, please add the following bands:

Trust (France)

Brats (Denmark)

Lazy (Japan)

Yes I am. But we’re gonna need to cover these obscure releases as well as the more popular ones. I can’t believe you found high quality images for these though!

Can you please add Budgie’s metal-oriented releases? I’d like to rate “Power Supply” & “If Swallowed, Do Not Induce Vomiting” & it should completely close out the 70’s bands too.

Exciter - "Long Live The Loud" (1985)

The link to episode 22 has now been uploaded to the front page.

Moonspell - "Scorpion Flower" single (Release date: 13th April)

The new single from this Portugese symphonic/gothic metal outfit.

Motörhead - "Rockaway Beach" single (Release date: 13th April)

Limited edition 7" single for Record Store Day. Backed with "R.A.M.O.N.E.S. (Live at Wacken 2006)" on the B side.

Dio - "The Last In Line (Live)/Push" 12" vinyl (Release date: 13th April)

Limited to 3000 copies for Record Store Day.

Devour The Unborn - "Liturgy of Irreverent Oblation" E.P. (Release date: 12th April)

Slam death metal from Texas, USA.

Nasty Savage - "Nasty Savage" (1985)

Ben, please add the following bands:

Sorcery (Chicago)

Sorcery (Los Angeles)

Centaurus

Thanks. I've rated the first Baron Rojo album & reviewed the debut More record. I still have two more Legend & two more Baron Rojo reviews to upload.

Ben, can you please add these bands for me:

More (England)

Legend (Jersey)

Baron Rojo (Spain)

Thanks for the heads up Vinny. Did you give that release an initial rating on 24th March & then add the review on 11th April by any chance? I don't think the dates are updating under those circumstances. I've experienced it myself & have had to delete my rating first before doing a fresh review to get it to come up in the new reviews section.

I don't think that Helloween's debut self-titled EP should reside in The Guardians. There's not enough power metal to warrant inclusion. It's primarily a speed metal record & belongs exclusively in The Pit in my opinion. Who agrees with me?

Abnormality - "Sociopathic Constructs" (Release date: 10th May)

Brutal death metal from Massachusetts, USA.

Nails - "I Don't Want to Know You" single (Release date: 11th April)

Californian grindcore.

Beheaded - "A Greater Terror" single (Release date: 9th April)

Brutal death metal from Malta.

Blind Guardian - "Imaginations From The Other Side" (1995)

I've never been much of a fan of European power metal but Blind Guardian are the exception.

4/5

Vektor - "Black Future" (2009)

Progressive thrash metal from Arizona, USA. It's very interesting although I can't say I've ever felt it deserving of the classic status that so many critics seem to label it. I'd describe it as a cross between the technical thrash metal of Coroner & Sadus & the progressive metal of Voivod with little bits of the more melodic Swedish black/death metal bands like Dissection or At The Gates tossed in here & there. I think you'd probably dig this more than I do Ben.

3.5/5

What was your take on this one? Taken out of the context of the time, I reviewed it rather harshly. Though honestly the music is awesome, I just cant do the vocals!

I really like it but admittedly "The Spectre Within" & I go back a very long way. To me, it sounds like they've combined elements of the three most sophisticated heavy metal bands in the world at the time in Iron Maiden, Queenryche & Mercyful Fate. It's an absolute riff-fest & the rhythm section do a great job at making some of those more complex riffs & transitions work in such a smooth fashion with Rush being the obvious influence in that respect. The lead guitar work is inconsistent & doesn't compare to the best the metal scene had to offer at the time but the vocals are undoubtedly the potential deal-breaker for most people. They definitely need time to sink in as they're the very epitomy of an acquired taste. This is exacerbated by the fact that there aren't that many legitimate choruses or other vocal hooks. I think the John Arch was still learning how to fit lyrics over the more complex rhythms & it results in some very unusual & occasionally jarring outcomes. It's like he was so hell-bent on fitting those lyrics in that he's sacrificed on flow & melodic structure. But when he gets it right with those Geoff Tate style upper register harmonies we definitely get the high points of the album & the overall class of the instrumentation is right up my alley.  This was definitely the most complex heavy metal record released to the time. I gave it a 4/5.

I completely agree. Ben seems to think it's amazing though which is disappointing as the family had such high hopes for him early on.

Gojira - "From Mars To Sirius" (2005)

An awesome combination of "Domination"-era Morbid Angel, the progressive metal of Devin Townsend & little bit of groove metal.

4.5/5

Chicago-based atmospheric black metallers Chrome Wave cover a Nirvana song from their classic 1991 album "Nevermind".

Knocked Loose - "Mistakes Like Fractures" E.P. (Release date: 10th May)

The new 7" E.P. from this Kentucky metalcore outfit.

Ringworm - "Death Becomes My Voice" (Release date: 3rd May)

The eighth studio album from this Cleveland metalcore outfit.

A teaser from Abbath's new video which will be released next week.

The new video taken from Rotting Christ's "The Heretics" album.

Fleshgod Apocalypse - "Veleno" (Release date: 24th May)

The fifth album from this Italian symphonic death metal band.

Helloween - "Helloween" E.P. (1985)

Origin - "Abiogenesis - A Coming Into Existence" (Release date: 3rd May)

These technical death metal legends will release a new rarities album which encompasses early Origin and pre-Origin material between 1991 and 1996. A lot of this material has been re-recorded with Origin mastermind Paul Ryan playing all the instruments.

Ben, please add Raven, Anvil & Loudness.

The Howling Void - "Bleak and Everlasting" (Release date: 30th April)

The seventh album from this San Antonio funeral doom metal outfit.

Manowar - "The Final Battle I" E.P. (Release date: 29th March)

MANOWAR has confirmed the impending release of "The Final Battle I", an EP comprised of eagerly awaited brand new material. Fans will first get their chance to own this initial instalment in a trilogy of thunderous EPs in an exclusive pre-sale at the merchandise booth of the band's "The Final Battle World Tour 2019", starting with MANOWAR's show in Frankfurt, Germany on March 29. An exclusive digital presale period will start on iTunes the same day. The rollout will then continue into retail and online stores on May 30 and digitally on Amazon and Google Play. 

The first of three parts which will constitute the highly anticipated new MANOWAR album, this EP is "destined to go down in heavy metal history as one of the most insanely epic releases of all time," according to a press release. "An imperious demonstration of the band's undisputed mastery of both skull-crushing metal anthems and extraordinary feats of symphonic bombast, these four new molten metal tracks have been inspired by MANOWAR's 'The Final Battle World Tour' and fuelled by the support and energy of their fans. All music was conceived, recorded and mixed at MANOWAR's very own Valhalla Studios, utilizing the unparalleled power of their PMC statement monitors with over 27,000 watts of ground-shaking clarity." 

Says MANOWAR bassist and leader Joey DeMaio: "The sheer power of these four songs is mind-blowing! We simply couldn't release more songs at one time; it's just too much. We want to give our fans the chance to take in every note, every word. Gain more strength from this experience and then be ready for the battles they fight every day. And join us on the road, on 'The Final Battle'!" 

"The Final Battle I" covers a vast amount of musical ground in its quest to deliver the ultimate heavy metal experience. The opener, the epic fantasy-brought-to-life "March Of The Heroes Into Valhalla" reimagines MANOWAR's music in vivid, cinematic form, providing a deeply moving journey through the warrior's life, from bloody battles to ascension into Valhalla. The battle-filled mood continues with the spine-shattering might and fury of the new anthem "Blood And Steel". Next is "Sword Of The Highlands", one of the most explosive and dramatic songs DeMaio has ever penned: a profound and stirring tribute to heroes long perished, it begins with exquisite elegance before erupting into a grand crescendo of power and glory, exemplified by a possible career best vocal performance from the ever-impressive Eric Adams. Finally, the most startling surprise arrives in the dark, lurking, brutal and merciless form of "You Shall Die Before I Die"; a hypnotic and coruscating epic that delivers a vengeful statement of intent and invincibility… with lead vocals by DeMaio himself. 

 "The Final Battle I" comes with a crushing new artwork by iconic fantasy artist Ken Kelly, masterfully echoing the emotional roller coaster you'll be taken on. 

Parts II and III of the trilogy will arrive in course, inspired by MANOWAR's adventures on the remainder of "The Final Battle World Tour".

Lots of split releases in their back catalogue Ben. I know you’ll love that.

Here's what current Priest lead guitarist Richie Faulkner has to say about Downing:

"I've never spoken to Ken. And I don't really know. I honestly don't know. I don't think anyone's spoken to him. I don't think he's spoken to them. I think he speaks to the management. But I've never spoken to him. Most of the stuff now is online. It seems that there's a lot online and not enough talking with each other. But who knows? But we're just forging forward and doing what we can — new record, new tour, and forging forward with that, really."

Sleep - "Dopesmoker" (2003)

A total stoner/doom drone-fest featuring a 63 minute epic.

4/5

Savatage - "Power Of The Night" (1985)

http://metalacademy.libsyn.com/episode-22-1985-part-1-of-5-featuring-accept-manilla-road-and-fates-warning

Thanks mate. :)

Ben, please add these bands:

Fist

The Rods

Cirith Ungol

Candlemass - "Nightfall" (1987)

My favourite Candlemass album these days.

4/5

Tank - "Re-ignition" (Release date: 26th April)

Veteran British metallers TANK will release their new album, "Re-Ignition", on April 26 via Cleopatra Records (Rubicon Music in Japan). The LP is a tribute to the early days of TANK and features 11 classic TANK songs chosen from the first four albums which were originally released in the early '80s: "Filth Hounds Of Hades", "Power Of The Hunter", "This Means War" and "Honour And Blood". "Re-Ignition" also features two very special guest appearances. CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth and thrash legend Tom Angelripper of SODOM both add their own unique style and energy to this already formidable album. 

"Re-Ignition" track listing :

01. Walking Barefoot Over Glass  

02. Power Of The Hunter (feat. Tom Angelripper)  

03. Just Like Something From Hell  

04. (He Fell in Love With A) Stormtrooper  

 05. This Means War  

06. Shellshock (feat. Dani Filth)  

07. W.M.L.A.  

08. Honour And Blood  

09. Blood, Guts And Beer  

10. Echoes Of A Distant Battle  

11. The War Drags Ever On  

Says TANK guitarist Mick Tucker: "Many of the songs from those classic albums are still present in our live set and we are constantly being asked by our fans if we would ever consider re-recording any of them. Those original recordings are timeless and will always be there but we thought what harm can it do to give them a full metal makeover and inject new life into them. They deserve it!"  

Adds TANK guitarist Cliff Evans: "We approached U.S. label Cleopatra Records to see if they would be interested in releasing the album. They jumped on it straight away and suggested the possibility of adding some special guests on the album. Maybe some artists who were influenced by TANK back in the '80s. Great idea! We recruited CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth to record a version of 'Shellshock' in his own unique style and also German thrash legend Tom Angelripper from SODOM who has taken 'Power Of The Hunter' to another insane level."  

Tucker and Evans are joined on the album are recent recruits David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) on vocals and Randy Van Der Elsen on bass. Longtime TANK member and former SODOM drummer Bobby Schottkowski occupies the drum throne.  

Readman replaced former TANK vocalist and one time DRAGONFORCE frontman ZP Theart after he was approached by SKID ROW to join them on a permanent basis. ZP recorded one album during his time with TANK ("Valley Of Tears") which became the band's best-selling album since 1984's "Honour And Blood". Prior to ZP, the vocalist position was taken by former RAINBOW frontman Doogie White who is a member of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. His contribution to TANK includes the albums "War Machine" and "War Nation" plus the band's first-ever live DVD ("War Machine Live!"). 

Says Evans: "We've always aimed high when it comes to recruiting new vocalists and musicians and it's always paid off. We're very proud of the albums we've made with Doogie and ZP and now this new album showcases the amazing vocal talent of David Readman." 

TANK will embark on a run of shows in April 2019 when they'll be visiting Holland, Belgium, Finland, Sweden and also making an appearance in the Ukraine for the first time at the Volume Club in Kiev. A full European tour is scheduled for September/October 2019 along with shows in Japan and South America.

High On Fire - "Bat Salad" single (Release date: 13th April)

High On Fire recently announced they'd be participating in Record Store Day 2019 with a new EP called "Bat Salad". The EP features a new song that doubles as the title track and then covers of "Into The Crypts Of Rays" by Celtic Frost and "Don't Bother Me" by Bad Brains. While the band hasn't yet released the new song in full, they've posted a full one minute of it on their Instagram.

Mastodon - "Stairway to Nick John" single (Release date: 13th April)

As the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll goodbye to longtime manager, trusted advisor, confidant, and close friend Nick John, Grammy Award-winning Atlanta progressive metal juggernaut Mastodon reveal the details for Stairway To Nick John. For this very special release, the quartet cut a cover of “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin—who their late manager professed a lifetime of fandom for as his favorite band. For the first time, Mastodon will uncover their take on this classic as a permanent Record Store Day exclusive vinyl, featuring the Studio Version on Side A and a Live Version on Side B. Only 1,500 copies pressed to 10-inch vinyl will be available in participating independent retailers during the 12th annual Record Store Day on Saturday April 13, 2019. Poised to sell out fast, fans are encouraged to get one as soon as possible. All of the proceeds benefit the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Mastodon has issued the following statement: “In early September 2018 we lost one of our closest friends and our biggest fan, our manager Nick John. He was essentially the band’s Dad. From our highest highs to our lowest lows he was always there. Every single move we made went through him first as our trust in him was marrow deep. His favorite band besides us and Gojira, was Led Zeppelin. We were asked to perform “Stairway to Heaven” at his funeral. Afterwards, finding out that someone had recorded it, we figured we should record a studio version and release it on RSD as a tribute to Nick with all the proceeds to be donated to pancreatic cancer research. We would not be the band we are today without the help of Nick John. We miss him dearly and think of him always. We love you buddy!”

Ozzy Osbourne - "Randy Rhoads Tribute" (1987)

The best of Randy's Ozzy records in my opinion although I do prefer "Speak Of The Devil" in terms of Ozzy's live albums.

4/5

Entombed - "Left Hand Path" (1990)

This is not a bad death metal record but I've never really understood the unanimous praise that seems to be heaped on it by fans of the subgenre. The follow-up was clearly superior in every way in my opinion.

3.5/5

Apparently Machine Head are auditioning replacements:

MACHINE HEAD has begun holding auditions to find replacements for drummer Dave McClain and guitarist Phil Demmel, who left the band last fall. During an Instagram live stream, frontman Robb Flynn revealed that the sessions are taking place at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California with engineer Zack Ohren, who worked on the group's latest album, 2018's "Catharsis".  

Flynn stated about the musicians taking part in the auditions: "You might not know some of these guys" while "some of [them] you may." 

Among the tracks that all prospective guitar players and drummers were asked to learn are "Locust", "Old", "Imperium", "From This Day", "Halo", "Aesthetics Of Hate" and "This Is The End". 

Robb said that the audition process has "been awesome, really good; in fact, really confusing." He added: "[I] don't know where we are going. We've got some thinking to do."