Fénix #1030 – 14 / April / 2013 – 100% Lusitano - Playlist

·         Fluid - Wretched Tide Part II - A Shimmering Glimpse (Edição De Autor, 2000)
·         More Republica Masonica - Mad River - Blow Your Mind (Numérica, 1995)
·         Dr Frankenstein - Nightmare In Elche + Electro III – The Psychotic Sounds Of… (Zona, 2002)
·         Lesma - Love's Too Deep Monique - Wearing Blue Pijamas (Heaven Sound, 1993)
·         Santa Maria Gasolina Em Teu Ventre - Go West Celine - Ep 91 (Zounds, 2004)
·         Kassefazem - The Cold Wind Of Past - Pay Back Time (Heaven Sound, 1993)
·         Émasfoi-Se - Coca Cola Billy [Live] - Umas Fitas Perdidas Dos (Lux, 2005)
·         Émasfoi-Se - Umas Fitas Perdidas Dos - É (RRV) - Umas Fitas Perdidas Dos (Lux, 2005)
·         Fallacy – Anorah – Martírios (Demo, 2000)
·         Sarcastic – Chameleon – Inside(Plutonium, 1998)
·         Isiphilon - Circle Of Gold – Essence (Symbiose, 1997)
·         Haus En Factor - Early Fear – Ignition (Banzé / Zona, 2000)
·         Icon And The Black Roses - Crucify Your Love - Icon And The Black Roses (Dark Wings, 2004)
·         The No-Counts D.O.M - Fuck You Very Much - 7''ep (Sleazey, 2002)
·         Dawnrider - Walking Blind + Poison So Mean (Number 13) - Split 7'’ep (Blood & Iron, 2005)
·         Bizarra Locomotiva - Adormecida Pelo Éter – S/T (Symbiose, 1994)
·         Bizarra Locomotiva - O Cavalo Alado – Bestiário (Symbiose, 1998)
·         Mata Ratos - Sementes Do Ódio (Hate Breeders) - Portuguese Nightmare A Tribute To The Misfits (Raging Planet, 2005)
·         Sick Sick Six - Será Que Vou Ter Que Matar Para Viver - No Circo Da Vida Real! (Anti-Corpos DIY, 2001)
·         Albert Fish – Apathy - Strongly Recommended (Anti-Corpos DIY / Zerowork, 2002)
·         Nosferatus - V.P.C - From Here To Nowhere Comp. (In-Édita, 1994)
·         Cruel Hate - Self Introspection - From Here To Nowhere Comp. (In-Édita, 1994)
·         Exomortis - Through The Looking Glass - From Here To Nowhere Comp. (In-Édita, 1994)
·         Sacred Sin - A Monastery In Darkness - Darkside + Live Ep (Música Alternativa, 1994)
·         Sacred Sin - The Shades Behind - Darkside + Live Ep (Música Alternativa, 1994)
·         Genocide - Twisted Corpses – Genocide (Música Alternativa, 1994)

Fénix #1029 – 31 / March / 2013 – 100% Lusitano - Playlist

·         Capitão Fantasma - Doce Morte - Viva Cadaver (Raging Planet, 2007)
·         Gazua - Piratas - Música Pirata (Gazua / Raging Planet, 2009)
·         K2O3 - Volta Para Trás - Grita! (Contra Regra, 1999)
·         Les Baton Rouge - Somersault - My Body The Pistol (Elevator, 2003)
·         The Parkinsons - A Night On The Council - Down With The Old World (Rastilho, 2005)
·         We Were Wolves - We Were Wolves - Night Riding Anthems (Sleazy, 2003)
·         Crise Total - Assassinos No Poder - Ao Vivo No Rock Rendez Vous 1984 LP
·         Inkisição - Porcos Fascistas - Split Cd (Slime, 1993)
·         X-Acto - Tourada E Tortura - Split Cd (Slime, 1993)
·         Trinta E Um - Bomba Relógio - Terceiro Assalto (Crossover, 2004)
·         Cinemuerte - Air - Aurora Core (Raging Planet, 2008)
·          [F.E.V.E.R.] - Twilight Roadkill - 4st (Fever - Raging Planet, 2007)
·         Phantom Vision - Strange Attraction - Calling The Fiends (Cop Int, 2004)
·         Culto Da Ira - Testamento - Ao Vivo No Rock Rendez Vous 1984 LP
·         Capela Das Almas - Culto Da Virgem - Estranhos São Os Designios De Deus (Demo-Tape, 1994)
·         Sci-Fi Industries - Rehability (Ah-Cama Sotz Remix) - Drafts And Crafts (Thisco, 2007)
·         Waste Disposal Machine - All The Good Ones Die Young - Interference (Thisco, 2008)
·         The Ultimate Architects - Bófia - E Se Depois... Tributo A Mão Morta (Raging Planet, 2007)
·         Mão Morta - Vertigem - Nus (Cobra, 2004)
·         The Temple - Shoot Me - The Angel, The Demon & The Machine (Skyfall, 1997)
·         Incognita - Life's A Bitch - Life's A Bitch (Demo 1994)
·         V12 - Sinais Dos Tempos - V12 (LP 1990)
·         Casablanca - Listen To A Friend - Once Upon A Wasted Time (Edição De Autor, 2002)
·         Vertigo Steps - Schadenfreude - Surface Light (Esw, 2012)
·         Project Creation - Sons Of The Stars - Dawn On Pyther (Progrock, 2007)
·         Divine Lust - Veil Of Golden Leaves - The Bitterest Flavours (Deadsun, 2008)
·         A Dream Of Poe - If Only Tonight We Could Sleep - Lady Of Shalott (Edição de Autor, 2010)
·         Decayed - Moon Of A Wolferian Shadow - In Lustful Mayhem (Skyfall, 1995)
·         Thormenthor - Pulverising - Mortuary Split Cd (Skeleton, 1993)
·         Filii Nigrantium Infernalium - Calypso - Felatrix Discordia Pantokrator (Procon Media, 2005)
·         Thee Orakle - Rescue Of Mind - Smooth Comforts False (Esw, 2012)
·         Erros Alternados - ... - Corpus Delicti Comp. Tape (Anti-Demos-Cracia, 1992)

Fénix #1026 – 10 / March / 2013 - Playlist

·         Sacred Gate – Burning Wings – When Eternity Ends (Metal on Metal, 2012)
·         Heathendoom – Alternate Sickness – The Symbolist (Metal on Metal, 2010)
·         Wishdoom – Zeus The Thunderer – Helepolis (Metal on Metal, 2011)
·         Heretic – Child Of War – A Time Of Crisis (Metal on Metal, 2012)
·         Trail Of Murder – Nightmares I Stole – Shades Of Art (Metal Heaven, 2012)
·         Mortalicum – Devil’s Hand – The Endtime Prophecy (Metal on Metal, 2012)
·         Inquisição – Burn You Down – Reborn (Metal Soldiers, 2010)
·         M.Ill.Ion – Hell’s Gate – Sane And Insanity (Metal Heaven, 2011)
·         Alta Tensão – Rock Batalha – Metalmorfose (1985 / Metal Soldiers, 2011)
·         Slippery – Two Young Heart – First Blow (Self Released, 2012)
·         Metal Pesado – Invasores – Metal Pesado (Metal Soldiers, 2011)
·         White Widdow – Strangers In The Night – Serenade (AOR Heaven, 2011)
·         Stress – Não Desista – Flor Atômica (1985 / Metal Soldiers, 2010)
·         Vertigo Steps – Zeppelin On Fire – Surface / Light (Ethereal Sound Works, 2012)
·         Thee Orakle – Winter Threat – Smooth Comforts False (Ethereal Sound Works, 2012)
·         Mangrove – Time Of Sorrow – Endless Skies (Transubstans, 2009)
·         Abramis Brama – Vägskäl – Smakar Söndag (Transubstans, 2009)
·         Samsara Blues Experiment – Army Of Ignorance – Long Distance Trip (World In Sound, 2010)
·         (Highlight) Seamount – Just For Fantasy – Earthmother (The Church Within, 2012)
·         Moonless – Devil’s Tool – Calling All Demons (Doomentia, 2012)
·         Family – The Wonder Years – Portrait (Pelagic, 2012)
·         Khoma – Winter Came Up – All Erodes (Pelagic, 2012)
·         Earthship – Catharsis – Iron Chest (Pelagic, 2012)
·         Abraham – The Great Dismemberment – The Serpent, The Prophet & The Whore (Pelagic, 2012)
·         Horn Of The Rhino – Awaken Horror Of Tuur – Grengus (Doomentia, 2012)
·         Collision – Dose Of Death – A Healthy Dose Of Death (Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Gorerotted – Mutilated In Minutes, Severed In Seconds – Mutilated In Minutes (2000 / Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Phobia – Atrocious Atrocity – Remnants Of Filth (Willowtip / Hammerheart, 2012)
·         (Highlight) Lord Of The Grave – 00/15 – Green Vapour (The Church Within, 2012)
·         Vile – Prophetical Betrayal – Metamorphosis (Willowtip / Hammerheart, 2012)

Meliah Rage - Interview January 2013

 

1.         Meliah Rage did not have a steady course since its formation in 1987 to these days. Lots of line-up changes, several record labels, change in musical style, etc. When you look back, how do you see 25 years of Hard ‘N’ Heavy over your shoulders?

Wow... 25 years! Who would have thought! Well, it would certainly be tough to keep any band together for 25 years without lineup changes... even the wealthy ones! I will say I/we have always made it a point to have at least three original members on any record we've ever done. Bands like Iced Earth, Anthrax, Metal Church, Exodus, Overkill, Testament and many others have done records with only 1 or 2 original members which to me at some point takes away from the legacy of the band. I put the number of having 3 original members or we wouldn't do a record. Again 25 years of making metal without making much money at it would be nearly impossible to keep all members for that amount of time!

As far as style change goes, being the primary music writer and arranger I just write what I feel. Of course our second vocalist Paul Souza brings a different vocal vibe to the table. Mike Munro was more Hetfield-ish and Paul is more melodic. They also write what they feel so it is what it is... A record sounding like our 1988 debut "Kill to Survive" probably isn't going to happen.

  
2.         New record, new label. “Dead To The World” was released in July 2011 through Italy’s Metal On Metal. How did the collaboration with this independent label take place and how is it going so far?

Metal on Metal contacted us after noticing our 'at the time' label wasn't doing their job. That label was on its last leg and did absolutely nothing to promote 2009's "Masquerade". We were just about ready to start searching for a label but after a few emails and calls from Metal on Metal there was no need.

How is it going? The label... Absolutely great. They're quite simply the best, most thorough, in touch with their genre, hard working label we've dealt with since Epic! Jowita at the label will give her feelings on the music, my bad spelling, photos or just about anything we present to her... That's a good thing! She cares!!!

Meliah Rage members, all being our 40s, we have other things going on and I wish we could give the effort and time the label does!

3.         After more than a year apart from the release, what’s the balance in terms of reactions from the press and fans? What about live shows?

 

For the most part the reaction has been positive, but of course not everyone is going to like a new record without original frontman Munro. I will say a lot of the reviews seem to compliment the guitar work which I will always be proud of... that's what I do and if someone likes it that's cool!

Only one show booked so far. Next summer in Ohio at the Warriors of Metal festival.

4.         The lyrics are always an important part of Heavy Metal. Would you like to highlight and explain some of the lyrics in “Dead To The World”?

I'm not the lyrics writer so it's hard for me to give an explanation of the lyrics. There is no doubt that they have a dark tone to them. Paul was going thru some tough times when the record was being recorded and if you dig in you can see that!

 

5.         Playing this type of traditional Hard ‘N’ Heavy, which is not trendy or commercial, what are your thoughts on the current Hard ‘N’ Heavy scene? Are there any new bands that you like or you just stay faithful to the old school stuff?

Funny you ask! I went to a club the other night to see a younger friend's band. There were 4 bands and they all had that newer type of singing. Not my cup of tea but they were all good at what they did. It's all generational. I remember older metal fans thinking thrash was unlistenable when Metallica and Megadeth were starting making waves in the mid '80s. They would say that singing is terrible... well now my generation is saying that about newer bands. Bottom line, if you're good at what you do that's all that counts!

What I like? Classic Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Arch Enemy, Queens of the Stone Age, AC/DC, Riot (Guy Spuranza records), Krokus "Harware" (not much of their other stuff), old Scorpions, Stones '67 to '72... etc., etc.

6.         What are your plans for the nearest future?

I have been working on a side project with Jon Hardy who is the singer/bassist from the indie band The Bags. The project is called MEXICAN APE-LORD and so far so good. It will sound a bit like Meliah but with a few different twists. Stay tuned!

7.         Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese Metal fans?

Well, thanks for reading this if you made it this far!

Interview by: Ricardo dSdS

Answers by: Anthony Nichols (guitar)

http://metal-on-metal.com/bands/meliah-rage/

http://www.facebook.com/MeliahRage

http://www.myspace.com/meliahrage
http://www.meliahrage.com/

Sacred Gate - Interview October 2012

1.         Sacred Gate was born from the ashes of Made Of Iron (great record, by the way). Can you quickly explain this metamorphosis and introduce the musicians in Sacred Gate?

- Made of Iron existed from 1999 until 2005, there were some differences between some band members and so it came to the split. In 2008 me, Jim and Holger, all Made of Iron members, got in touch again and we decided to make a new start, under a new name so we formed SACRED GATE. Unfortunately Holger left the band in 2010 but we found very fast a replacement. The line up at the moment consists of Jim Over on the vocals, Peter Beckers on the bass, Chris Wolf on the drums and me on the guitars.

2.         The debut album “When Eternity Ends” was just released. Tell us a little bit about the whole process (composing, recording, production).

- We had some songs from the Made of Iron era, for example ‘’Burning Wings’’, but also some new material. We began with the recordings in November 2010, at the Metallurgy Studio which is in the middle of the city where we live. We recorded the album in 12-13 days and we had another 5-6 for the the mix and mastering. It is a classic metal album, I would say something between Iron Maiden and Iced Earth. Of course we want to create our own style and sound but in the beginning everyone compares you with some famous bands.

3.         How did the collaboration with Italy’s Metal On Metal take place and how is it going so far?

- We sent emails and CDs to a lot of labels, and actually Jowita from Metal on Metal records was the first person who replied. She said that she liked the songs a lot and she wanted to offer us a deal for the release of the album. We heard good things about Metal on Metal so we signed to them. We had another 3 offers but this one was the most serious and the best for the band. Everything goes very well so far, they are doing a good job and support all their bands the best way they can.

4.         The lyrics are always an important part of Heavy Metal. Would you like to highlight and explain some of the lyrics in “When Eternity Ends”?

- I write all the lyrics, and I like all of them, but the best ones for me are those of ‘’In the Heart of the Iron Maiden’’ and ‘’ Vengeance’’ which are very dark and mystical lyrics about an alchemist who is arrested, tortured and killed by the Holy Inquisition. And also the lyrics of the song ‘’When Eternity Ends’’ which is an anti-war song about some leaders of big nations and their buddies from the industry who don’t care about the lives of innocent people or their own soldiers, sending them to wars, just for their own interests, or ‘’Creators of the Downfall’’ which is about the decline and fall of our civilization by self destruction. ‘’The Realm of Hell’’ has also some very interesting lyrics about a man who dies and goes to hell, very typical heavy metal lyrics.

5.         Playing this type of traditional Hard ‘N’ Heavy, which is not trendy or commercial, what are your thoughts on the current Hard ‘N’ Heavy scene? Are there any new bands that you like or you just stay faithful to the old school stuff?

- The most not-commercial bands in the heavy metal scene are in the underground, many of them change their style when they sign to bigger record companies, maybe they think they can sell more records by doing that... The thing that matters is not if their sound is old school or modern but the music itself. When I listen to music at home, I listen most of the time to older albums. The bands that I like a lot at the moment are Grand Magus, Wizard, Amon Amarth. The new Kreator album is also a great one.

6.         Is there a tour already aligned to promote this record?

- No, there will be no tour, only some concerts. A tour is too expensive for a new band and you need a very strong financially record company.

7.        What are your plans for the nearest future?

- We are recording at the moment the next studio album that will be released in 2013. It will be a concept album about the 300 Spartans and the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. It will be a very epic, heavy but also emotional album. We are in contact with a lot of promoters to play next summer at some festivals, something that is not so easy as every band wants to play at festivals,  and we are organizing by ourselves some gigs or with some friends of ours who play in other bands.

8.         Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese Metal fans?

- Thank you very much for this interview and your interest in SACRED GATE. I want to say to all the metal fans in Portugal to continue supporting all the bands they like, to buy their CDs and go to the concerts to keep the metal scene alive, even if there are hard times at the moment, especially in your country and my country Greece.

Interview by: Ricardo dSdS

Answers by: Nicko Nikolaidis (guitars)

http://www.sacredgate.net/ / http://www.myspace.com/sacredgatemetal / http://www.facebook.com/sacredgatemetal / http://metal-on-metal.com/bands/sacred-gate/

Skelator - Interview October 2012

1.         First of all, can you guide us into the world of Skelator, when did you start the band, releases, important live shows and significant line–up changes?

- Me and my best friend Max started the idea of the band when were young teenagers getting into Metallica. At first we wanted to write songs about politics, war and religion because we were both raised under socialist ideals. But later when we heard Slayer and Iron Maiden we decided to write songs that would paint a picture in your mind and let you make up your own story to them. I met Pat Seick in high school and he had been drumming for a few years at that point so we thought we'd have a go at it and see what could be done. We wrote some pretty awesome but really shitty thrash metal songs and played all over San Diego spreading the blood of posers everywhere. Later we had a falling out and then we went trough a whirlwind of new members until Pat came back and we had Jesse and Rah in the band in 2004.

 

Thus began the second era of Skelator “The Time of the Sword Rulers”. We had been listening to Manowar for a long time at that point and we wanted to go for a more epic sound. We recorded the “Swords” EP in the Winter of 2004/05 and began to send it out to the European labels/press and got some pretty cool reviews here and there. In 2005 the “Swords” EP was nominated as the best Hard Rock/Metal album by the San Diego Music Awards. During our first tour we started writing more songs for our next release “The Gore of War”. This was a split album with our friends GutRot. A lot of people did not understand why we did a split with a Death Metal band but honestly we did it to promote not only the San Diego metal scene but to promote diversity in the global metal scene entirely. Then in 2005 Patrick left to Olympia, Washington to finish his college degree. Robbie moved up to Seattle, Washington 6 months later and then I followed 6 months after that when Pat was done with school and living in the same place as Robbie. But in between all that we played one final show with Helstar and Agent Steel at the Burning Star Festival in San Diego.

The third era of Skelator goes through even more members than I even want to recollect, but we did get to opening up for bands like Slough Feg, Doomsword, Zandelle, Thor, Rotting Christ, Mantic Ritual, Hatchet and Witchaven. Patrick left the band in 2007 but to come back to the band in 2010 when we needed him the most...

The fourth era is where we are today with a band of hardened metal warriors. “Death to All Nations” was our first album to really penetrate the international market and the first album where we had found our true sound and not just rip off our heroes. “Agents of Power” was another leap beyond that and the response has been amazing from both our fans and the press around the world. In this era we got to open up for bands like Primal Fear, Accept, Symphony X, Anvil and Rhapsody of Fire.

2.         How did the collaboration with Italy’s Metal On Metal take place and how is it going so far?

- In 2007 we played at the Swordbrothers Festival in Germany. After our set Jowita came to us saying that she and her husband were starting a new label (Metal on Metal) and that they were interested in signing us. We decided to take it and they have treated us very well since. If it wasn't for them our album not be available in many shops and mailorders, as well as on iTunes, Spotify, Zune, Amazon MP3 and countless other official digital distribution centers.

3.         The new album “Agents Of Power” was just released. Tell us a little bit about the whole process (composing, recording, production).

 
- Well, like any album it takes a few months of collaborative songwriting to get even close to the recording process. We then took a week off to record all the drums, rhythm guitars and bass. Then another week to record all the fundamental vocals. After that it was every weekend recording guitar solos, backup vocals, falsettos and keyboards for another month or so. Then like 3 weeks of mixing and a week off to the guy to master it for CD and vinyl (coming later). Then we send it to the label and wait about 6 weeks till it is released and then another 6 weeks until we get our copies in the mail from Italy. By the time you get the CD in your hand you almost forget that you had just created an album and then you get happy again.

4.         After four independent tracks, the album continues with the conceptual alignment of tracks “Elric: The Dragon Prince (A Tale Of Tragic Destiny In 12 Parts)”. Can you guide us through this concept? Which books or stories particularly influence it? And what made you choose this particular character, considering that so many bands already did it in the past?

 

- I read the book in high school back when I started the band. It really hit close to home for me. Elric of Melnibone is basically a mix of Darth Vader meets Captain Kirk. He is full of hate and full of regret but he still knows how to save the universe and get some sex on the side. I based our epic on the first and third books of Elric because I feel they have the most important plot points in his life. Obviously I heard all those other bands and they helped me find the right aspect of Elric to sing about because they mainly covered the sixth book, the end of his saga and the end of his universe. So don't wait for us to write about that because Domine already beat us to it and did a better job than we ever will.

5.         Traditional Heavy Metal is not exactly trendy these days. Although Skelator has some back history, it is nonetheless an Underground band. Metal On Metal is also an Underground label run by two Metal fans. What are your thoughts on the current Hard ‘N’ Heavy scene? Are there any new bands that you like or you just stay faithful to the old school stuff?

- Yes we are underground and we are fine with that. We never started this band to make a bunch of money or fuck a bunch of chicks. We just want to write Heavy Metal the way we see fit and have fun doing it. As for newer bands? Evil Survives, Spellcaster, Vanlade, Borrowed Time, Split Heaven, Volture, Stonewall and Enforcer are great bands that have the same passion for real metal as we do and there are countless other bands as well.

 

6.         Is there a tour already aligned to promote this record?

- We are touring the west coast here in USA in a couple days and then we will do a couple shows in Germany in early 2013.

 

7.         What are your plans for the nearest future?

- After our west coast tour we will find a new bassist and begin our fifth wave in Skelator history. We are writing new songs and will continue to do so until we break.

8.         Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese Metal fans?

- Thanks for having us and we hope to play in Portugal someday and lay waste to every poser in our sights with our metal and our might. The world is ours to conquer, War is Declared, Death to the False. GIVE ME METAL OR GIVE ME DEATH!!!!

Interview by: Ricardo dSdS

Answers by: Jason Conde-Houston (vocals)

http://www.myspace.com/skelator / http://www.facebook.com/TrueSkelator / http://metal-on-metal.com/bands/skelator/

Ronny Munroe – The Fire Within (2009) – Metal Heaven

Atravessando os Metal Church um hiato, o vocalista Ronny Munroe decidiu não ficar parado e este foi o resultado, “The Fire Within”. Sinceramente, não percebo como é que estando os Metal Church parados, 3 dos seus músicos acabem por estar envolvidos neste disco (o álbum é, obviamente, do vocalista Ronny Munroe; o guitarrista Rick Van Zant contribuiu com a sua guitarra; e Kurt Vanderhoof foi o produtor lado a lado com Munroe). Mais valia trabalhar no novo dos Metal Church! Mas passando ao disco propriamente dito, este não foge muito daquilo que a banda de origem nos oferece. Heavy Metal descomprometido, forte, rápido, com muita melodia, com aquele travo “old school” bem apetecível. Mas, no final, não sobra muito. Onde estão os temas memoráveis? Onde estão os refrões ou melodias que nos ficam na cabeça durante o dia todo? È pena pois “The Fire Within” até tem potencial. Mas fica a meio caminho. É bom enquanto dura, mas assim que acaba a última faixa, varre-se da memória. Realço os temas “Far”, “Sea Of Sorrows” e “Desperate Man”. Resta ainda referir a participação especial de Michael Wilton (Queensryche) em “Sea of Sorrows” e “What You Choose to Call Hell (I Call Home)” e dos THC (Texas Hippie Coalition) em “Ride Me”. Como bónus há ainda uma (mediana) versão de “Man On The Silver Mountain” dos míticos Rainbow a fechar o disco. Apenas para completistas da igreja do Metal. 65% www.ronnymunroe.com / www.myspace.com/ronnymunroe / www.metalheaven.net
RDS

Geff – Land Of The Free (2009) – Metal Heaven

Disco de estreia para este super-projecto Sueco criado pelo guitarrista Ralf Jedestedt e que inclui Göran Edman (voz), Anders Johansson (bateria), Mats Olausson (teclas) e Per Stadin (baixo); nomes podem ser reconhecidos de bandas como Yngwie Malmsteen, Hammerfall, John Norum, Silver Mountain, Snake Charmer, Glory, Brazen Abbot, Jean Beauvoir e A.R.K. O teclista Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) contribui ainda com um solo numa das faixas. Este tipo de projectos fazem sempre franzir o sobrolho. O que irá sair daqui? A soma das partes será assim tão boa? Na maior parte dos casos, o resultado final é mediano. Infelizmente, é o que aqui acontece. Há talento, há técnica, há até espírito, mas no global, não há aquele “je ne sais quoi” que torna o disco excitante, fresco, apelativo. Ouve-se, soa bem, mas não fica retido após a audição. 60% http://www.metalheaven.net/ / http://www.aorheaven.com/
RDS

Impellitteri – Wicked Maiden (2009) – Metal Heaven

O guitarrista Norte-Americano Chris Impellitteri regressa às edições com “Wicked Maiden”. Nestes novos 10 temas faz-se acompanhar por Rob Rock (voz), James Pulli (baixo) e Brandon Wild (bateria). O que esperar de mais um disco de Impelliteri? Será escusado de explicar aos fãs da velha guarda, por certo. Muito Hard ‘N’ Heavy bem potente, pesado, melódico, velha escola do US Power. Secção rítmica potente; guitarra omnipresente com riffs assombrosos, solos inventivos e muita melodia aliada ao peso; e a “cereja no topo do bolo”, a fantástica voz de Rob Rock. Mais um capítulo importante na longa discografia do guitarrista. E os fãs agradecem. 85% www.myspace.com/impellitteriofficialsite / http://www.impellitterifanclub.info/ / http://www.metalheaven.net/
RDS

Deceiver – Thrashing Heavy Metal (2009) – Pulverised Records

Os Suecos Deceiver reuniram-se uma última vez para gravar o seu “canto do cisne”, “Thrashing Heavy Metal”. Em 10 temas, que não atingem os 35 minutos, pratica-se um Thrash Metal da velha escola com fortes influências de Mercyful Fate e Judas Priest. O típico som Sueco de finais dos 80s e inícios dos 90s é também notório nesta fusão de Heavy e Thrash. Tem os seus pontos de interesse, mas também tem os seus pontos fracos. Há aqui boas ideias, riffs, solos, melodias, mas ao fim de alguns temas, torna-se algo monótono e cansativo. Esgota-se muito rapidamente e isso é mau. No entanto, não me interpretem mal, esta é uma boa aposta para os fãs deste tipo de sonoridades, das bandas acima mencionadas e outras como Venom ou Dismember. 65% www.myspace.com/deceiverswe / http://www.pulverised.net/
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Burning Point – Empyre (2009) – Metal Heaven

O quinteto Finlandês volta ao às edições com “Empyre”, um disco que traz 11 novos temas (sendo a introdução uma adaptação metaleira de “The Godfather Theme”). Desde o primeiro disco que estes tipos me chamaram a atenção e, até agora, nunca desiludiram. Nada de novo ou original, isso é verdade, mas gosto da abordagem que fazem ao típico Heavy Metal de descendência 80s, fundindo-o na perfeição com elementos de Hard Rock, Power Metal e até algum Glam Rock. Conseguem destacar-se facilmente de inúmeras bandas do género que inundam o cenário metálico mundial. Nesta nova proposta voltam a surpreender e, quem já os conhece, reconhece imediatamente o estilo pessoal. Desde temas orelhudos e potenciais “hit singles” (se isso existisse no Heavy Metal) como “Maniac Merry-Go-Round” ou “Only The Wrong Will Survive”, passando por temas rápidos e poderosos (“Face The Truth”), até alguns mais épicos (“Fool’s Parade”) e “power ballads” (“Was It Me”, ou a fantástica “Cruel World”). Para fãs de nomes tão díspares como Iron Maiden, Europe, Survivor, Rainbow, Stratovarius, Accept, Helloween, Manowar, Magnum, Running Wild, Skid Row ou Motley Crue. Recomendo também a audição dos 3 discos anteriores. 85% http://www.burningpoint.net/ / www.myspace.com/burningpoint / http://www.metalheaven.net/
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