ABSOLUTION - The Revelation Diaries (2008)

ABSOLUTION (us)
The Revelation Diaries (2008)
Independent

So this is the first full length album from this Californian thrash group, I think they did a great work in this album. Long thrash instrumentation and the old school approach that adds fuel to the resurgence of thrash metal in this metalcore dominated scene. You could head bang to it with its great thrash riffs. But one thing that bugs me and really makes my stomach boil in disgust is when Dave Deroscher, the band's front man sings on a clean note. He totally lose all of the venom of his voice and sounds like a punky kid. When he screams that really completes the viciousness of the band playing thrash in all its glory.

It's not that they stand out playing thrash metal but they do good because you can hear the real thrash influence and they don't sound like Metallica, Megadeth or Slayer. Maybe It's just me hating his voice only when he is doing a clean tone and trying all he can to pretend that he can sing. Sometimes it does some a little hardcorish that really sticks out from the rest of the instrumentation. He should stick to screaming the whole album of the band should fire him..

Here are some of the tracks:

Mask Of Liberty
An old school haunting intro then nicely builds up to the main tune of the song. The guitar solo in this intro part is a good composition but not delivered perfectly but still worth the listen. Almost three minutes of intro before the horrid front man comes in. More screams in this song than the previous songs so I'm still tolerating it. Then, for some strange reason the band didn't maintain the good melody of the song near the end of it. there's even a horrible outro at the end but them again maybe it's just me and my self-righteous preferences in music.

Erase
Another song with a cool intro till the vocals comes in again. Will somebody shoot this guy? He is destroying the song. A good thrash song with a pretty amateur sounding vocalist. There's a part in this song that he is singing his lungs out trying to reach high notes and miserably failing. The title really fits this song. This should be an instrumental song. Erase the vocal track. Where did they get this guy? Do they owe him money or something? He is a disaster.

Blind Reality
Alright I skipped a track. An interesting upbeat intro. Just the intro. I think they're trying to fuse a slick glam rock influence here. One vocalist is a enough to give you headaches but the chorus line here is a duet. It took me to a point where I was questioning myself if I should even publish this review and let you guys download the album. Reality is indeed blind and for their case it's also deaf and dumb. There's a good bass line in this song but the whole song went down in flames.

It's just sad how good thrash riffs and melody are ruined by talentless vocalists. But to save grace, he should stick to screaming. He should never ever even try to sing. Most old school thrash vocalist in the glam era can definitely bust a high note with authority, this guy can't even maintain a note. I just feel sad because I am digging the instrumental part till he comes in and destroys the whole freakin song.


http://www.mediafire.com/?w5vzztzfbmo

EVILE - Infected Nations (2009)

EVILE (uk)
Infected Nations (2009)
Earache

Straight to the point this band from United Kingdom captures the sound of every childhood metal hero of my generation. From Slayer to Sepultura and the ever present Metallica sound and vocal tone and delivery of Main Metalli-man, James Hetfield. This album takes you to circa '86. Puppets to Justice era of the Metallica hay-days. Without the influence of new music. This band captures the 80's thrash sound even in their early days of Evile's existence. And 'Infected Nations' is just their second album.

There's a lot of similarities between the two band, now with the death of Evile's bassist, the buzz grew stronger that this band could be the next Metallica and hopefully regain the lost thrash throne of heavy metal and not stray their direction unlike their predecessor.

This is my first time to listen to Evile and I felt nostalgic because they sound pretty much like the bands I grew up listening to. They're a living proof that their sound is the sound of what could have been.

So without further a due, here are some of the tracks:


Infected Nations
The lead track and the album's title track that starts with acoustic string arrangements then shredding it's way to the furious song proper. the sound of this song is interesting. Try imagining Metallica trademark sound from the Justice album and add Slayer's aggression. Sounds like a really killer combination then at near the end of the song add up Sepultura sound from their Arise album. Now that is fuckin insane.

Now Demolition
This is a song with hard grooves. Angry and taking it's time to ensure it's venom takes it's vice grip to the listener. The Hetfield-like vocal delivery here is most prevalent. definitely this is Metallica without Kirk Hammett and his blistering fast guitar solo's but the Hetfield sound runs rampant here. What do you expect? Evile was once a Metallica cover band. And I bet they were as pissed as us when Metallica went Mellowica.

Nosophoros
Creeping Death-like structure in the intro then blasts it's way to a hard metal groove. a rampaging thrash song that is a classic metal riff that would take and make a stand to the genre's true sound. Slayer/Megadeth like guitar solos. not as fast but do captures it's disharmonic style and aggression. You can't even say that this song is a rip off from the original ones because it has it's own identity.

I liked this band and their music to the point that even if this is the first time I heard them I'm downloading their discography already. The songs are integrated together in terms of likeness so it's hard to single out a song and even harder to throw away a song from the entire album. This is one of the albums that you're going to play from start to end and head your head to nostalgia. The only flaw I noticed is their lack of tempo diversity. All the songs have almost the same tempo but rest assured that this is only hell of an album that makes a book from the pages of most of our childhood heavy metal heroes.


http://www.mediafire.com/?d4kdmyzzzyn

AGGRESSOR - Rape The Willing (2008)

AGGRESSOR (can)
Rape The Willing (2008)
Independent

This is one of the bands that I had a lot of trouble writing a review. Countless heartbreaking hassles that occurred preventing me from posting this review. Not only that there's a some sort of mysterious dark aura about this band and it's sound. They're not trying to be scary but the circumstances that I encountered while writing this review.

But anyhow, I'm still persistent to have this review published for those who takes time to read my work. And I won't allow circumstances to get in my way so let's get on with it, shall we?

Aggressor in a Canadian thrash quartet that sounds like Megadeth and Pantera all mashed together. Imagine Dimebag and Vinnie got the slot opened before in Megadeth in 1990. well, The vocals sometimes sound like a melody written by Mustaine but with a touch of Anselmo style. Both growling and snarling. The guitar line and melody meanwhile sounds like the missing link between "Cowboys From Hell' and "Rust In Peace.'

So let's not get the people waiting, here are some of the tracks:

Chopper
This is the head track, the live favorite and the featured song that Aggressor feels that they are in full effect. This sees the band in a whiplash. Lashing through the speakers like a mad tyrant that enjoys every scar and wound they make with their sonic assault. Mean and boundless the pain is here and happening right now. This is Chopper and this song has a menacing fury that wounds the throat of those who will attempt to cover this song.

Million Dollar Slaughter
A song that enjoys the chaos and unbounded freedom of anarchy with its opening statement: "fuck your beliefs and fuck your god.." This song is about freedom and anarchy and I just don't get the title. It kinda seems like it was just blurted out. Maybe I'll dig into that further in the future but for now let's just rejoice that the song rocks and fuckin rocks hard. To describe the riff, it's a full speed then jerking it off it a sudden tempo shift and dis-harmonizing notes that worst of all, they let it ring.

Burn On My Skin
A dark and haunting song that really exemplifies the Pantera/Megadeth influence.. The guitar line actually sounds like something done by the late Texan Super band but at the same time with the notorious melody of Megadeth's main man Dave Mustaine. A slow thumping and haunting song with a really dark aura surrounding it. Stoned tempo but bittersweet melody. There's is never a happy moment in this almost-stalking sound of the deathly kind. Like a nightmare and a bad hangover, you'll find yourself running away from this song.


I'm surprised that this band haven't landed on a major label contract yet because this debut album is one hell of a classic thrash metal sound in deliverance and spirit. They may have the used for better engineering of the decibel level and a more skillful graphic artist for the front cover artwork because the artwork as opposed to the music really sucked. But if they had the budget for some fancy recording studio, this album can make Lazarus AD run for the money because Aggressor has meaner riffs and more wicked melody lines with more vicious vocals. A few adjustments and more lightning guitar solos would really do the trick.


http://www.mediafire.com/?nmmdnuyzm5t

OVERKILL - Ironbound (2010)

OVERKILL (usa)
Ironbound (2010)
E1 Music

I never liked Overkill. I listened to their W.F.O. album and I didn't like it but Overkill left their mark as one of the pillars of thrash metal. Now their about to release their 16th album and I decided to listen to them again after 15 years now my ears are used to the heavier metal sounds. Im blown away with their sound. Old school thrash metal with modern production. I say this levels with Testament's "Formation Of Damnation" with its great production. It's just that I don't dig too much the high pitch vocal styles but but is a superb album. There are even thrash tracks here that sounds like in the vein of some of the songs in Megadeth's "Endgame" album.

This band popularize the use of warlock guitars and uses a slap-bass sounding effects on their 4 stringer. those are the thing you'll remember from this band.. Now after a decade and a half I'm quite anxious to know how they sound like..

Here's how Ironbound sounds:

The Green And Black
Surprisingly sounds like late-starters toned down and stoned out but don't let it get to you. This track springs back like a bitch. Sounding like the latest Testament release with state-of-the-art production even though I don't dig the vocal style with their high-pitch delivery and occasional sissy-girl-being-raped like screaming, the riffs and overall instrumentation makes up for it. This is a huge 8:12 minute opening track.

Ironbound
Reminds me of a Slayer approach with a with extra notes. Aggressive and spontaneous. This song tests your endurance through their thrash assault popping the question "How far can you take it as you go? Ironbound" The energy and fresh sound don't stop with cadencing tempos that reminds you of the architect of the holocaust. But there's a part here when they mellow down and pours heart into a soulful guitar solo. This guitar solo will take you through emotions from depression to pride.


Bring Me The Night
This song is a thrash version of a something done by Joe Lynn Turner. It's not a cover but it really resembles the era that rock and roll and thrash was mashed up together. A full speed energy demon fueled by the life of the night. Nocturnal adrenaline junkie rampaging to it's heart's content.. this song really jumps up and cranks you hard.

Ironbound is an energetic album to listen to. It cuts down what's left with their dark image and focuses with adrenaline filled ideas of a great time through their great sounds. This album sounds less negative and lighter than the previous ones but heavier in sense. Maturity got to them but still true to metal genre not losing their roots in the process of maturing. The riffs done here are classic ones that would play on through the years.. Now I like Overkill.


http://www.mediafire.com/?nhyomtbmzyj

DEATH ANGEL - Killing Season (2008)

DEATH ANGEL (usa)
Killing Season (2008)
Nuclear Blast Records

The triumphant return of Bay Area Pinoy Thrashers, Death Angel, after the numerous line up changes and music evolution, this band is 101% still loyal to their underground roots. They reunited at a benefit show for co-bay area thrasher Chuck Billy. Originally just for a one-time performance but the band was widely and positively received by the metal community that prompt the band to do some more shows and eventually lead to the recording of the new album.

'Killing Season' is my second time to listen to Death Angel.. First was 'Frolic In The Park.' I didn't like the album artwork, and I didn't appreciate the raw sound so I stocked my CD of Death Angel since then.

After hours of staring at a Pulp mag with Death Angel as their main feature, I decided to give it another try to listen to their stuff and 'Killing Season,' their latest album was great.

I can say that this is Death Angel's 'Black Album.' From mixing the sound and the musical style they were going, it pretty much went the same way with Metallica's multi platinum, self-titled 5th album. The bass is a little prevalent this time, and the song structures are slower, and it has more groove in them.

While core fans of their music disapprove the changes, the band has said in interviews that they recorded the album with what they feel like it should sound and not being pressured by anything.

And the end result:

Buried Alive
The intro is a bass driven build up that gives the listener a "the hunt is on" feeling, then gets to a heavy headbanging groove. Simplistic guitar patterns but very effective though Mark Osegueda lacks volume in this mix. If they put a tad bit of volume on the mic, the impact would be more effective.
The second part of the song is the old school metal speed trips and guitar solos.. The vocals is more intense this time with Mark screaming out the song.. Just lacks the aggression but the musicality is awesome, capturing the original thrash sound.

Dethroned
Haunting clean guitar intro that keeps you wandering into the musical trap of the band that, in an instance, turns the acoustic sound into sonic punches that weigh heavily into you then blasts with a superb blues oriented lead fill and hard rock song mainline. Mark did a great job here. His vocal style and hard rock guitar melody goes together like screws and bolts.. A dynamic song that really feels naturally done by Death Angel and for me is one of the highs of this whole record. A rebellious song of overthrowing power and authority..

Sonic Beatdown
One of the thrashy moments of the album, and if I remember right, the first single off this 5th album. Loud and insane, the guitar solo revives a lot of techniques and sounds that most guitarists today wished that they have thought of that.. Rob Cavestany did justice executing the solos in this song.. I love the dive guitar and the de-tuned guitar wailing.. Rob does better utilization of de-tuned scaling than Kirk Hammett..

Compared to 'Frolic In The Park,' this latest release from a band coming from a 14-year slumber is a huge improvement.. I like their new style and fresh sound better than before.. fusing old school thrash and a few hard rock influences here and there is very effective considering that these guys were around since the early 80's and they still made this album heavier than the previous ones..
Their music is better than ever and it doesn't sound 'forced' like Metallica trying to be heavy again.
"Killing Season" sounds natural, new, and still have the old school beat down..


http://www.mediafire.com/?iyiznoznn0n

DREAMING DEAD - Within One (2009)

DREAMING DEAD (usa)
Within One (2009)
Ibex Moon Records

I really think they should have kept their old name, Manslaughter, it sounds tougher. They go by the name Dreaming Dead now since their changed the line up. Elizabeth Schall Elliot, formerly of The Iron Maidens band (a tribute band to Iron Maiden) leads the group doing the vocals and most of the guitar parts from riffs to solos.. and yeah, she even did the bass tracks for the whole album while the album was in the recording phase.. Juan Ramirez now handles the bass duties.

Within One is their debut full length album under Ibex Moon Records..Eight songs of melodic death-thrash toppled with blackened screams. An awesome starter that propels them to non-stop touring, Arch Enemy comparisons, good reviews, and the infamous title of being the heirs of Chuck Schudiner.
Eight tracks is not enough for our starving consciousness for their music and craves more of their sound.. A bittersweet storm of dark and alluring melody of metallic aggressiveness in a perfect mix. Technical, fast, and impressive song writing both musical and lyrical.

here are some of the tracks:

Manslaughter
Though the song was around since the time when they were known as the same name as this track, it's included here in this full length album and gives a solid idea of how the band can fluidly shift forms and genres without using breakdowns. A defining song of the album.. This track will take you down to the old Metallica lane with its clean guitar string arrangements in the intro, reminiscent of One. Builds up to a melodic death thrash song filled with spiky guitar harmonics despite the speed and technicality of the song's structure with subliminal creeping bass lines and a catchy tempo that adds new coals to metal's fire and refreshing its flames.
Liz discusses inequality, injustice, and murder in this tune. And lastly, the song's guitar solo wouldn't be left out.. Though not my favorite guitar solo in the album. This is a high energy song with a fresh youthful idea that keeps the listener interested..

War Machine
Sirens wail like the ones you would probably hear in Arch Enemy songs.. Strumming, clean guitar intro again to a blistering waltz-like lullaby. Combining the apocalypse and fairytale in the lyrics. This has old-school death metal elements but still radiates its femininity.. fast shredding and blast beats with a dark lullaby.. This is the closest song comparable to Arch enemy's brand of death metal..

Stairs Into The Vortex
This song opens the album and can also be heard in the making of Within One video in Youtube.. This song packs a punch as this one leaves an impression of what Dreaming Dead is all about.. Nice choice of song to start their global conquest.. The fastest song in the album with high headbanging groove..
The picking in this song is amazing and drops a jaw.. Despite the speed, it's precise and clean.. Elizabeth rocks freaking hard and her skills effortlessly tops even male guitarists.. From solos to mainline riffs, the technical song structure is amazing not to mention she does the vocals at the same time..

Dreaming Dead will go a long way with this very strong debut album further distancing the obsolete chug-chug sounding bands creating a sound comparable to Angela Gossow's death growl style of vocals with a raspy Dani Filth tone.. The guitar song structure on the other hand is similar to Dave Mustaine's precision and speed and Mike Ammott's aggressive song writing style..

A must-have for any enthusiast of melodic death and thrash.. Arch Enemy better run for it because Dreaming Dead is coming in fast and strong with this one helluva wicked album..


http://www.mediafire.com/?ezz1aznokzy