Double-Bass Crush

D'espairsRay - Horizon (New Single)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:43:00 +0000

D'espairsRay, the Japanese Visual Kei metal rock band, has released their new single, Horizon. The latest single has three songs of very different styles and substance. D'espairsRay has continued to grow as a band and garnered strong and increasing following not just in Japan, but also in Europe and the USA. Their latest participation in the Tour of Chaos in the US was a huge success and they have since returned to their country to produce more songs and material for their growing fanbase.

D'espairsRay's new single Horizon shows the versatility and musicality of the band. The first song, Horizon, is a straight out rocker with a great melody and tempo. Horizon is sure to be a favourite of many fans, with its anthemic chorus.

The second song, Bullet, is one of D'espairsRay's trademark hardcore sounding tunes. Shouting with a fast hardcore metal tempo, but always varying in atmospher and there is great tension before building it up to a resounding crescendo.

The third and last song on D'espairsRay's new single Horizon, is 闇に降る奇跡 Classical White Version. It is a slower and quiet balladish tune, but steeped in dark and thoughtful atmosphere. It is great to see the band branching out to new territory and even improving on existing sounds and trademark styles.

Sample D'espairsRay's new single Horizon here, and support the band by buying it!

Hizaki Grace Project - Dignity of Crest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:21:00 +0000

Hizaki Grace Project has a great album in Dignity of Crest. It is a classic visual kei symphonic metal album from the Japanese artiste and band that metal fans of the genre will take to. Dignity of Crest is also a rare and hard to find album so fans of Hizaki Grace Project will be delighted with this. There are a total of 10 tracks on Dignity of Crest and each one has great tempo with slabs of melodic metal riffs blended well together to make coherent songs. There is also some experimentation which does not take away from the quality of the songs but add to it.

Hizaki Grace Project released Dignity of Crest in 2007 and it is a timeless classic. Songs available on the album include Philosopher the thundering opening track, Cradle, Everlasting Dream, Dokusaisha no Katsubou and a lot more. Dignity of Crest is bound to stay in your playlist for a long time, till Hizaki Grace Project releases more quality music for everyone to enjoy.

Check out Hizaki Grace Project Dignity of Crest here.

Galneryus - Reincarnation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:24:00 +0000

Galneryus Reincarnation never ceases to amaze fans and musicians alike as their 2008 new release is a stormer of a symphonic metal masterpiece. There are 12 heartstopping tracks that Galneryus has written for Reincarnation, and when you have heard them, you will agree that the band is in top form. Each song is a creation of mindnumbing symphonic metal riffs played at breakneck speed but without sacrificing the melody.

Reincarnation is not the first album of Galneryus nor will it be the last. Based on their musicianship, this underrated speed and symphonic metal band are masters at their craft and should be releasing more material. Highlights of Reincarnation include Blast of Hell, Shining Moments, Wind of Change, Stardust, Fairy Tale and many more. Look out for Galneryus to play at your nearerst metal venue soon if they ever drop by your part of the woods.

Check out more of Galneryus Reincarnation here and here.

Candiria - Kiss The Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:59:00 +0000

Candiria has a new album Kiss The Lie which is a return to top form for the hardcore metal band. There is no jazz or hip hop tracks here to distract the purists but Candiria does not disappoint on Kiss The Lie. If there is anything bad to say about this album, it is that there are not enough tracks. Yes, Kiss The Lie is that good that it leaves you wanting more at the end of it. There is just not enough of Candiria at the moment and they could do better by having a greater output of music. But metal fans will have to enjoy this for now.

Kiss The Lie kicks off with Icarus Syndrome as Candiria teases listeners with a softly spoken start. But the jazzy bassline kicks in and before long you have the hardcore metal riffs waking your consciousness. There are other great tunes on Kiss The Lie, such as Reflection 11, Legion, Genuine and many more. Candiria has provided a winner this time as they always do, and fans all over the world will rejoice.

Check out more of Candiria Kiss The Lie here.

Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:24:00 +0000

Dragonforce has released their latest hit album Ultra Beatdown which is a showcase of the best in symphonic metal. Billed as the fastest band in metal and possibly in history, Dragonforce has completed Ultra Beatdown after being made even more famous by their previous songs featured on the Guitar Hero soundtrack. With this new Dragonforce album, Ultra Beatdown is sure to invade the mainstream even more and bring symphonic metal to a larger and wider audience.

Ultra Beatdown by Dragonforce features the 10 requisite tracks which are all brilliant and full of speed metal riffs infused with generous doses of melody. The album is what metal fans of all ages would anticipate and love, and the various members of Dragonforce do not disappoint with their skills on their instruments. Some of the new tracks include Heroes of Our Time, Heartbreak Armageddon, A Flame for Freedom and Strike of the Ninja.

For more of Dragonforce Ultra Beatdown, check here.

Kreator - Hordes Of Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:52:00 +0000

Kreator will be releasing their new album Hordes of Chaos soon and it is a bonecrushing new slab of extreme thrash metal. Everybody should know Kreator by now as the legendary death thrash metal band that has released classic after classic. And Hordes of Chaos their new 2009 album will soon be regarded as one due to the many massive anthems that permeate the whole LP. It is another return to top form by the German metal band and Kreator does not seem to let up with each release after their comeback.

Hordes of Chaos by Kreator includes 10 terrific tracks with a distinctly familiar cover art. Apart from the title track that kicks of Hordes of Chaos in style, Kreator has also included other instant favourites such as Warcurse, Amok Run, Destroy What Destroys You, and Radical Resistance. All in all, the album contains 10 perfect songs that thrash metal and death metal fans of Kreator will enjoy tremendously.

You can find out and sample more of Kreator Hordes of Chaos here.

Arch Enemy - Tyrants Of The Rising Sun Live In Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Arch Enemy Tyrants of the Rising Sun Live in Japan is a quality recording of the melodic death metal band's flawless performance in Japan earlier this year. The bands go through a double disc set of timeless classics and newer songs, from Blood On Your Hands, Ravenous, Burning Angel, to Snowbound. Angela Gossow continues to be on top form on vocals, while the brothers Michael and Christopher Amott both display guitar chops that are out of this world.

The rest of the band are also in top form on Arch Enemy's Tyrants of the Rising Sun Live in Japan. You could hear that the Japanese fans were evidently appreciative and going crazy over their heroes playing their favourite tunes. Death metal has never been as melodic as Arch Enemy and they have shown that they can do it live effortlessly and with no lack of energy that is always crucial in having a powerful death metal gig. Tyrants of the Rising Sun Live in Japan is a keeper and one that will be played on many fans' turntable for many years to come.

Check out more of Arch Enemy Tyrants of the Rising Sun Live in Japan here and here.

Becoming The Archetype - Dichotomy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:33:00 +0000

Becoming The Archetype have released their latest album, Dichotomy and it is a bone crushing display of metallic power. Death metal and hardcore very well mixed and balanced, with fans of both genres bound to enjoy the release. Becoming The Archetype have filled Dichotomy with beautiful melodies juxtaposed with pummeling riffs that will crash into your consciousness and drive them deep. There is no possibility that you will forget the tunes once you stop listening, and be branded into memory for a long time to come.

There are also heartfelt accoustic moments (short ones though in case the hardcore metal fans are turned off) from Becoming The Archetype in Dichotomy. The album could quickly become a favourite for many metal fans this year, and is a late nominee for best album of the year. That is a big statement considering the many other powerful releases available this year. But it is also testament to the amount of work and genius that can be found in Dichotomy.

Check out Becoming The Archetype's Dichotomy here.

Ayreon - 01011001 (2008) (SPV)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:53:00 +0000

Ayreon will release its long awaited new album "01011001" in January 28th 2008 in Europe (one day later in the U.S.). The album "01011001" again features a double-disc concept, with 15 tracks spread across the 2 CDs. Ayreon challenges musical boundaries within the metal arena and beyond, building upon what was a brilliant album in "The Human Equation".

Ayreon's "01011001" cover art is a fine illustration of the concept the album is presenting. Featuring a whole host of guest artistes from various metal bands including Epica, Blind Guardian, Evergrey, Pain of Salvation and more, in this official trailer for the album's release, Ayreon shares more on what "01011001" is about:

To sample Ayreon's "01011001", check it out here.

Get More Free MP3s With Napster

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 02:55:00 +0000

If you have been searching for an MP3 and still can't find it (even on this site!), then I'd suggest that you check out Napster and its over 5 million of free mp3s. It is free for 7 days when you sign up and no download limits, so make use of the 7 day period to get any mp3 you like. With its huge mp3 database and a leading provider, it's a great deal if you ask me. Support this site and its sponsors to keep providing the best in metal music!

You can access Napster via the banner below or the ones on this site. Good luck!

Norther - N (2007) (Century Media)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:51:00 +0000

Norther the Death Metal will be releasing their new album "N" in Feb 2008. Continuing their simple cover-art, Norther releases another typical Norther death metal album. "N" features their trademark Norther sound but it is grainier and harder than recent releases.

"N" has Norther going back to their roots perhaps but it is still an incredibly enjoyable album. With 13 new tracks and a cover art that does not distract you from the music, Norther has another winner in "N".

Sample some of Norther's new album "N" here.

Heaven Shall Burn - Iconoclast (2008) (Century Media)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 06:34:00 +0000

Heaven Shall Burn will be releasing their new album "Iconoclast" come February 2008. Featuring their usual trademark Heaven Shall Burn sound - a mix of death metal and hardcore - Heaven Shall Burn has a grand return to form with "Iconoclast".

With 14 tracks, "Iconoclast" will have Heaven Shall Burn fans in pleasant raptures - it is raw aggressive power with opening track "Endzeit" in all its glorious double bass footwork and menacing riffs, with greater power than a soccer match. The quality songs from Heaven Shall Burn continue with highlights including "Murderers of the Murderers", "A Dying Ember", "The Bombs of My Saviours" and the Edge of Sanity cover "Black Tears".

Guaranteed to please fans of all metal genres - you can check out Heaven Shall Burn here and here.

If you like the album, get it here.

Exodus - The Atrocity Exhibition - Exhibit A (2007)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:55:00 +0000

Thrash Metal legends Exodus have released their new album The Atrocity Exhibition - Exhibit A. The band has come out smashing on all fronts and the album packs a lot of punch despite the band being around for quite a while and releasing several duds previously.

All in all, this album ranks better than Megadeth's recent release, and this year has been a great one for Thrash Metal - this is another fine addition to the list of strong releases.

Check out the great artwork on the album cover - brings back memories of a certain Slayer cover.

Check out The Atrocity Exhibition here and here.

Moonspell - The Great Silver Eye (2007) (Century Media)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:58:00 +0000

Portugese Gothic and Doom Metallers Moonspell have released another album (their 15th in 10 years) - The Great Silver Eye. It is an epic masterpiece which surprisingly has much variety and depth. You not only get the requisite metal classics in the making, but also songs that include touches from other genres. The electronically-tinged Magdalene best illustrates this.

There are sweeping doom epics here, with a total of 16 tracks, this album should be a massive satisfaction for any Moonspell and doom metal fans. Melodic and often lifting at times despite their musical genre, Moonspell have produced yet another classic which will stand the test of time in years to come.

Find out more here.

Soilwork - Sworn To A Great Divide (2007) (Nuclear Blast)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:59:00 +0000

The Swedish Death/Thrash Metal band Soilwork has released their new album Sworn To A Great Divide. It has been a long time coming and for one, I am really pleased with this album. The songs are fabulous and showcases even a wider repertoire and maturity in sound.

Soilwork is known for not following trends and establishing their beautifully textured sound in a scene which is filled with copycat bands. The hard aggressive nature is still present, but there is a higher melodic quotient with the clean vocals being featured more, without diluting the diamond-hard nature of the genre.

You may find out more here.

Metal CDs for Cheap!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:18:00 +0000

Hi everyone, I have put up 3 CDs for sale on Ebay. If you wish to get these great titles for really cheap prices and in excellent condition (they are used, but I treat my CDs with loving care), do check them out and put up your bid fast:

Deicide - Scars Of The Crucifix Digipak with Bonus DVD
Entombed - Morning Star
Nightwish - Angels Fall First (with bonus track)

Thanks for looking and I appreciate all the support you have shown! It's been tough maintaining this blog and I would appreciate any support you can show me by purchasing my CDs (if you wish to).

Metal fans Unite!

Hammerfall - Steel Meets Steel (2007) (Nuclear Blast)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:07:00 +0000

That enduring German Power Metal band, Hammerfall, has released a massive 2-CD compilation of all their best tracks. Containing 30 tracks, this album marks another milestone in the band's career. If you are a fan, you will love an album that will add to your collection. If you aren't a fan, you will appreciate this one-stop jukebox to find out if the band suits your tastes!

Find out more here, here, here and here.

Dragonland - Astronomy (Jap Release) (2006) (Century Media)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:20:00 +0000

This is Power Metal at its grandest, most powerful and majestically melodic best! Astronomy was released last year and this Japanese release comes with a few extras. Sweden's Dragonland presents an orgasmic concept album that reveals their maturity in musicianship and there is not one dud contained within!

Listen to Astronomy here.

Bury My Sins - King Of All Fears (2007) (Guideline Records)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:47:00 +0000

Bury My Sins release their new album King of All Fears on Guideline Records this month. While the album presents nothing new in terms of Metalcore records that has been piling up the past couple of years, there are enough hooks in the record to keep your head nodding and feet tapping. Nothing more I can say really - it's not a bad album, but it isn't an excellent one either.

Listen to it here and be the judge!

Amon Amarth - With Oden On Our Side (2007) (Metal Blade)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:36:00 +0000

Everyone knows Amon Amarth. If you don't, you obviously do not know heavy metal! This album With Oden On Our Side came out earlier this year, and Alex from Metal Observer sums it up well:

"Basically we get all trademarks of the AMON AMARTH sound, the majestic, but still heavy riffs and leads of Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg, the powerful drumming of Fredrik Andersson together with Ted Lundström’s pumping bass and, of course, Johan Hegg’s roar, everything packed into altogether faster compositions again, which still do not drift off into one-dimensionality and should satisfy every AMON AMARTH fan!"

Find out more here.

All Out War - Assassins In The House Of God (2007) (Victory Records)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:53:00 +0000

Coming across more like a Slayer on extreme aggro instead of a metalcore act, All Out War released this album earlier in the year and took the metal world by storm. The thrash metal crunch is still alive, and kick-ass bass heavy riffs fill the album.

Sample theatrics open the album and the first riff bulldozes its way out of your speakers, instantly pummelling you into submission. There is plenty of healthy double-bass action peppered all over the release and like I mentioned, this puts a lot of Slayer's recent work to shame.

Find out more about Assassins In The House Of God here.

Violent Work of Art - Automated Species (2007) (Swedmetal)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:43:00 +0000

They used to be a metalcore band, but now they have mixed it up with Industrial, Drum & Bass, Death, Metal - just about anything heavy that would crush your balls. A more streamlined version of Atari Teenage Riot with greater (traditional) structure and melody, they have now put out their first album and certainly worth a listen.

Listen to more of Automated Species here.

Steve Grimmett Band - Personal Crisis (2007) (Metal Heaven)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:12:00 +0000

Grim Reaper vocalist Steve Grimmett has released an album of his own, from the Steve Grimmett Band (what else?). This will be out on Oct 24 and is pretty much a good effort in the hard rock vein with a slight nod towards Power Metal.

The tracks are relatively enjoyable but honestly, nothing memorable. Grimmett and band keep it pretty simple and melodies abound - most would sit down well with an arena rock crowd but somehow there just isn't a strong enough hook to hold this up as something a must-listen.

Still, if you are a hard rock fan, this certainly would not disappoint.

Listen to the album here.

Novembre - The Blue (2007) (Peaceville Records)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:24:00 +0000

Italian Doom Metal practictioners Novembre will be releasing their new album The Blue on Peaceville Records on November 5. Produced by Mikko Karmila (Nightwish), this album has all the aspects of a great listen for me. Beautiful melodies and accoustical passages, wrapped by powerful and majestic heavy riffs. The 12 songs are all intertwined smoothly in a strange way, and somehow end up very memorable.

I have just started listening to the promo for a while so the review is short. If you are into melodic doom with a nice dash of death thrown into for good measure, be sure to check out Novembre's new album The Blue!

Sample the promo here and here.

Suicide Silence - The Cleansing (2007) (Century Media)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:15:00 +0000

Suicide Silence produces a powerful mix of death metal, grindcore and hardcore in this new release The Cleansing. The band's sound features a pummelling force of chaos that crushes your eardrums (if tuned all the way up of course) - the production is crystal clear and provides a heavy low end that sits well with the bass heavy riffs.

There is a good mix of the extreme fast and ploddingly slow from 'The Price of Beauty' to 'Hands of a Killer'. And never one to crank up the speedometer just for the sake of showing how extreme they could go on the racetracks, Suicide Silence has released a very mature and killer death metal album that could possibly go down as one of the highlights of 2007.

Check it out here.