Bring On The Metal

Alot more requests this time around, some from earlier in the year. enjoy \m/

“As Above, So Below” by Angel Witch

Heavy Metal 

Released March 12th 2012

     With this album, Angel Witch’s goal is to revive the long-lost sound of the NWOBHM. The same 80’s style raw production and general approach of that era and music is here, but in all honesty, it ends as nothing more than a nostalgic trip. Its nostalgic to the point of sounding dated, and one can’t help but wonder why Angel Witch would approach any new release with trying to sound older than they already are. Its not a bad album, but its lazy, as Angel Witch tries their best to stay where they were in the 80’s, and ironically, their debut actually sounds fresher than this retro-styled release.

Rating: 2.5/5 (Mediocre)

“Long Live Heavy Metal” by 3 Inches Of Blood

Heavy Metal/Speed Metal

Released March 15th 2012

     This album knows what it is straight from the start: good ol’ heavy fucking metal. Its heavy, fast, loud, and is guaranteed to have you singing and banging your head before the end of the first track. Its also one of the few metal albums with no filler, and instead gets more interesting as it progresses, with elements of power & thrash metal backing up an already powerful sound. It can be predictable as a result though, but its easily some of the most fun you’ll have listening to a record. Its not spectacular, but it doesn’t want to be. Its just trying to be fun, and if thats what you want, then this is essential. 

Rating: 4/5 (Great!)

“Lillie: F-65” by Saint Vitus

Doom Metal 

Released April 27th 2012

     Its hard to find a good doom metal record anymore, unless you count the gothic/black metal doom combo’s we see so often in music. Saint Vitus proves once again that doom is awesome, even with the somber, downer atmosphere that plagues the genre. It helps that vocalist Scott Weinrich is back as frontman, sounding stronger than before, and leading his band with slow churning rhythms that make and define the themes of the album. Each song is a crushing reminder of the foundations of what makes metal so damn heavy.

Rating: 4/5 (Great!)

“The Power Within” by DragonForce

Power Metal 

Released April 15th 2012

     DragonForce’s main criticism is that they’re too damn loud, and too damn fast. The music is pure noise. I couldn’t even listen to ‘Ultra Beatdown’ because of the sheer volume and speed. New vocalist Marc Hudson, in my opinion doesn’t mesh nearly as well here as the previous singer did, and alot of the songs have that same problem that has plagued DragonForce for some time. The solos are wild, the beats are insane, and the choruses are ridiculously melodic and larger than life, and thankfully, its much easier to listen to. But its still more or less what you’d expect from a DragonForce album, especially with the constant, absolutely tedious and cheesy ‘believe in yourself’ lyrics, and I’ve been tired of their sound for some time now.

Rating: 2/5 (Poor)

“Elation” by Great White

Hard Rock

Released May 18th 2012

     Great White just isn’t the same without frontman Jack Russel, it isn’t. He leads the whole thing, and gives the music so much more personality than newcomer Terry Ilous. Unfortunately, thats where this album suffers as well. There is no personality at all. No attitude, barely any energy, and the result is a record that barely even passes as hard rock. Its a standard rock record, released by a band torn apart by idiots, and desperately trying to relive their so-called ‘glory days’. 

Rating: 1.5/5 (Bad)

“Undead” by Six Feet Under

Death Metal

Released May 22nd 2012

     The similarities between Six Feet Under & Cannibal Corpse are endless, so in a sense, your interest in Six Feet Under depends on your interest in Cannibal Corpse, right down to the general antics and presentation of the band. Unfortunately, while Cannibal Corpse constructs fine, raging death metal, Six Feet Under is happier with giving you the bare minimum. The pieces are there to make a decent album, but it just doesn’t come together, and it can get boring. To experienced ears, this sounds like death metal assembled by a market research team rather than talented and inspired musicians. 

Rating: 2.5/5 (Mediocre) 

Some new requests today, such as a live album from Godsmack and a debut LP from Adrenaline Mob. enjoy metalheads \m/

“Omertà” by Adrenaline Mob

Heavy Metal

Released March 13th 2012

     One thing that strikes you when listening to Adrenaline Mob, is how simplistic yet cocky each band member is. The album tracks are nothing special, with typical paterns, lazy cover songs, and even the mandatory ‘slow song’ included, all while somebody tries to outplay the other, especially guitarist Mike Orlando, who can’t seem to go even a few seconds without letting out a pointless short solo or sound effect. The end result is another standard metal band, desperately trying to sound like Judas Priest or Black Label Society.

Rating: 2/5 (Poor)

“God Told Me To” by John 5

Alternative Metal/Instrumental Metal

Released May 8th 2012

     John 5 stands as one of rock’s most underrated players, and hopefully this will change that. With a blend of both acoustic music and alternative metal, John 5 creates an enjoyable album that manages to be sweet, creative, and angry at the same time, bringing a seamless feel and atmosphere, which is essential for instrumental rock. It’s clear that John 5 is excited to play music, and that alone is worth a listen, as theres nothing better than hearing somebody get excited with their music.

Rating: 4/5 (Great!)

“Stones Grow Her Name” by Sonata Artica

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Released May 16th

     If you’re a diehard fan of Sonata Artica’s earlier work, don’t even think of this album. Rather than follow their power metal roots, Sonata Artica brings along a traditional heavy metal sound, reminiscent of Skid Row or Rob Halford’s solo work. If you can except that this is not the same music that you know and love, its actually a decent record. Theres nothing here that stands out, with the exception of the obviously Poison influenced ‘Shitload O’ Money’, and the result is just above mediocre. Its not terrible, but its not for Sonata Artica fans.

Rating: 3/5 (Decent)

“Live & Inspired” by Godsmack

Heavy Metal/Alternative Metal

Released May 15th 2012

     The guitar heavy sound translates to a live setting, and the music sounds powerful in its context, sounding like a strong compilation. The tracklist itself is pure fan-service, and includes newly recorded covered songs, including a sweet, sincere version of Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’. A must-have for any Godsmack fan.

Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)

“Carolous Rex” by Sabaton

Power Metal

Released May 22nd 2012

     This is my the most inspired record that Sabaton has ever made, in their career, and thats saying alot. A true definition of power metal with massive choruses, laced keyboards, ferocious guitar playing, moving at the speed light yet settling into a crushing and nearly addictive groove. It all works well with the general concept, revolving around the Swedish imperial period, and is definately welcome. The only thing holding the album back from a masterful score, is its lyrics. They’re not bad, they’re just difficult from that of the Swedish version of the album, to the point where even the ideas are different and inconsistent, and it comes across as dummer than that of the Swedish version. Luckily, it doesn’t ruin the experience and its still a fantastic album, the best thing Sabaton will ever make.

Rating: 4.5/5 (Incredible!)

Anonymous asked: WOW @ tumblrdatinggame(.)com WTF is this.. my little brother's roommate is on this and I think I saw you too lol

tumlrdatinggame? yeah, nice try, but I only follow things that are metal, or are just plain awesome…. or things I’m obligated to follow cuz i know the person (cough cough @The Sacred Circle ;D)

but no dating shit on my Tumblr, just metal