In the true Underground vein we are proud to announce this debut of a band known as AGONIZED. The band of Nuno Pereira (vocals), Marco Silva (guitar), Paulo Grandão (drums) and Gonçalo Paiva (bass) emerged in 2001, on Covilhã city and decided to go forth spreading their agonizing sound with this demotape titled «Victim Of His Own Fear», distributed by Luci Dist. Productions. Here we can find four (short) songs: 'Smashing The Pride', 'Terminal Stage', 'Agonized Feelings' and the title track, 'Victim Of His Own Fear', all of them in the Death Metal style. Featuring a quite nice production (although not excellent, as the tape naturally makes the loss of some musical brightness), AGONIZED here presented a little bit of what they are able to do, brutal enough, worked-out as needed and quite catchy for a presentation. Some (good) musical ideas are left without further development, within the demotape structure but even so, I think that furthermore work and these guys will suprise within our Underground scene. Regarding my favourite pick on this «Victim Of His Own Fear», it goes to 'Terminal Stage' as I found it the most well-balanced song (good intro very well conjugated with the guitar riffs and the drums). Enough said, the fair quotation is (8/10).

M.A. (added June 2003)

This project of Joaquim Aires is not new to our scene and is indeed quite known among the underground media, due to the high quality of the music and in particular to the unusual style that is delivered by ANGEL. Since is, yet, an underground project you would expect something in the death (or even black) metal area or nowadays, something along the power/heavy metal wave... You couldn't be more wrong! This demo CD is a powerful and very well succeeded in the more technological side of metal and we're not talking about the nu-metal trend - ANGEL is far above this trend, particularly in the essence and musical quality, mixing almost in perfection the samples, the guitar riffs and the gutural voice of Fernando Ribeiro (you can also hear some clear vocals, that enhance the power of the sound). Four tracks make this demo, to know: 'It Is Done (No Fuckin' Surrender)' - the song that launched the project among the media, very fast and, in my opinion, a masterpiece of technology; 'Fear & Defy ' - a more obscure one but indeed an excellent song, 'Reversion' - in my opinion this is the ballad or the most alike to a ballad in this particular style, a very cool and hypnotic song, touching the trip-hop fields and last 'The newfront'- also kicking ass, this song ends the fifteen minutes of tech-metal. I define this ANGEL demo as an excellent recording (the production is very good), filled with a quarter hour of the most uncompromised tech-metal, finely blending guitar riffs, drum beats, a very distorted voice, clean vocals and fx effects. The result is excellent but somewhat dangerous to handle in the scene, since the most purist metalheads refuse to accept this kind of sound - remember when FEAR FACTORY released «Fear Is The Mind Killer» and the more recent compilation «Remanufacture»? Many voices urged saying that was not metal and nowadays is very difficult to find a band not using samples in its music... Concluding, ANGEL (although not recent) is a fresh breeze in the scene and without fear of innovation or lack of courage to do something different, granting them a high score - (9,5/10)

M.A. (added February 2001)

I almost bet your faces if I say that this is a melodic heavy metal band... Ugly faces, I bet... Yet, despite the trend and huge wave of this style together with the German power metal, some interesting bands have arrived at our mail box - APATHY are one of these bands. I must confess that I'm no big fan of the power/heavy metal revival, mainly because the cloning technology around - you listen to two or three BIG names in the style and thousand copies surge, cloning the style, pose and ideas (like Black Metal in its wave...). Although these contraries, APATHY surprised me, not only for their freshness but also for the great technical maturity demonstrated in this promo (to know that the band is almost 4 years old); in part, this maturity is derived for their live experience, that makes any band grow and evolve. Needless to say that the promo has a good production (it was recorded in Vale de Milhaços, Almada in 2000) and everything sounds crystal clear in the songs - the voice of Eduardo Inácio is excellent, not too high pitched (like is usual in the power metal style) and we can often hear some nice pieces of inspiration in the guitar riffs (Afonso Guerra and José Espírito Santo in charge of axes). The band also incorporates keyboards, mastered by Nuno Gomes, as pointed by the intro of title-track, very exotic. As usual (hey, they had to show some cliches...), there's a ballad, that I think is also a hymn to the band since is named 'Apathy'. My guess is, if these guys record something self-financed (and I'm talking of a full-length album), there's a high chance of conquering a spot in the scene, for their quality and sound maturity (in resemblance to what EVIDENCE did). Go for it - (8,5/10)

M.A. (added February 2001)

Groooooaaaaarrrrr!!!! No other sonic word can be used to describe this special split package that contains the only two released albums of the band: «The War On The Wailing Wall» (released on 1999) and «Satanic War In Jerusalem» (unleashed in 2002) - both produced and mixed by SALEM's Ze'ev. Definitely Black Metal in its pure evil and satanic essence, I found once more that farer from comercial and/or mainstream niches the most unique styles (or with very particular variations) we find - ARALLU are a perfect example of this statement. Beginning by the most recent release (exclusively distributed by System Shock/SPV in Germany), the blasphemy and evil content of ARALLU's music invade our speakers and spirits. Certainly the geographical location of the band - right in the middle of the Israeli conflict - are a mighty source of fury and power that Butchered (vocals and bass), Avi Caspi (guitar) and Jonathan (drums) condensate in their Black Metal discharges, musically and lyrically. Also, the band imerses in a strict satanic/blasphemer image and iconology (Arallu is one of the demons of Hell...) that complements their music (and as usual found on 'pure' BM acts). Globally, one can found a raw yet mid-paced BM sound with an unique Middle-East variation (cultural beats...), that keeps you grooving along the songs development. «The War On The Wailing Wall» is somewhat more aggressive/speedy than the late recording (certainly due to its date of recording) and I've found it much more into the raw than «Satanic War In Jerusalem» (i.e. more monotonic and lacking in cultural variations that enrich the sound). In its 71 minutes odf lenght this split pack demonstrates the quality of the 'hidden' acts in specific geographical areas of the globe, that is a blasphemy not to be spread worldwide... Hail Arallu, Hail!... (9/10)

M.A. (added August 2003)

And the Portuguese scene continues on suprising me. This time the surprise comes from ARYA, a finest rocker band from Aveiro... In the 12 songs that compose this «Estrada de Fogo», one can expect a deep jump into a groovy hard rock, sometimes touching the boundaries of Metal itself ("Mamma" or "Avant La Mort") and others walking the soft paths of melody ("Estrada de Fogo" or "Esse Fogo"); in my opinion, "Vai" along with "Tu" are the most intense songs in the album (man, isn't that MONSTER MAGNET groovy style?). Indeed, the band recorded a videoclip to the first song, nowadays broadcasted on Sol TV channel. Initially preachers of Melodic Heavy Metal, ARYA evolved to a innovative and deeply groovy Hard Rock style - the vocals are clean, in the adequate rock pitch, and the musical technique is accurate and objective, consequence of 4 years of experience and much live workout. Even so, in «Estrada de Fogo», they managed to be not confined to the hard rock stereotype, as the musical influences present in this debut album are wide and diverse. Definitely, the band of Miguel Corte Real (vocals), Sérgio Carrinho (guitar), Bruno Ferreira (bass) and Hugo Ribeiro (drums) managed to create a fresh breeze, long time lost in the Portuguese Rock/Metal scene. Adequate to the average Metal listener and a must to the Rocker/Heavy Metal fan, this «Estrada de Fogo» represents what can be taken as the next step in the Portuguese Rock music; I'll be waiting anxiously for the next ARYA release... Highly recommended... (9/10)

M.A. (added June 2002)

If you are into the Portuguese underground, then ATTICK DEMONS are not new to you (we hope!). Then, is also known their heavy metal style, pulled right from their hearts, which makes them more tasty :)... Personally, I know the band for some time but can't remember how was their sound in the demos - to know, «Promo-tape 96» and «Promo-tape 97» but I assure to those who not know them they deliver a fine good heavy metal, much in the vein of IRON MAIDEN (early phase) and our TARANTULA (also in their initial phase); by the way, these are two of their influences... This MCD starts with "Visions", a fine tune right after some seconds - Artur Almeida voice reminds me of old good metal songs, when life was a combination of sex and rock n' roll (we pass for drugs) and the guitar was our good... Ok, stop the vision since technology invaded us and sex and rock n' roll always result in divorce! My highlight is, surely, «The Ideal» and note, last week, I found myself singing along in the middle of the train (needless to say that everyone was looking to that weird guy over there :); seriously, I find this the best song, despite "Attick Demons", a hymn to the band, should be in my preference's top. To those who unconditionally think that a good heavy metal release should have a ballad, tune your CD player to track 3 ("Desert Rose") and it will jump to your ears. Being this a heavy metal based MCD, we were expecting long songs (6-7 minutes), with loads of solo guitars and good riffs, resulting in *ss-kicking songs; these parameters except one - the track lengths - are more than fulfilled. We also know that they are preparing their debut CD, which promises to be a bomb! So, if you don't know them, you must a) put your ears on this release b) go to one of their concerts or c) wait for the CD bomb... By our side, all the answers are more than valid, since for long time we didn't had such a good retrospective of the 80's metal. One lack (that made them lose one point) was the production, that could be more refined to give a more clean sound - we're sure that this point will be fixed in their debut; even so, I enjoyed the layout, rather simple but effective, raising half a point. Overall: (8/10)

M.A. (added February 2001)

Here's a very particular band, with a particular sound and certainly with a particular way to promote themselves. The band, composed by Pedro Oliveira (vocals), Pedro Pereira (bass), Pedro Pedro (guitar), Diogo Freitas (guitar) and Nuno Sá (drums) (a short note to state that members age rounds about 30) released this debut demo during this year, to spread the word. The band, unlikely usually seen, have a great self-promotion basis which should be taken in account by younger bands when spreading their word. A "particular band" since is not usual to have such old members in a line-up, neither the inclusion of a DJ in their ranks (Defi, aka Fernando Veloso was part of axamani in their initial steps and during the recording of this demo); and they have a "particular sound", at least within the Portuguese boundaries by creating a blend of groovy hip-hop (at least on the vocals) and raw hardcore. This demo, features: 'Animal Pouco Racional', a very hip-hop song with some fine guitar riffs; '...Para Mim Não', the nice demonstration of the hip-hop/hardcore mixture; 'Kamikaze (Estrada Sem Lei)', almost 100% hardcore (nice memories echoed in the mind of this editor...) and completely slam-directed; 'A.V.E.M.A.' is the last candy of this demo and is a rehearsal song recorded during January 2000, also very core. Overall, this is a nice band presentation (excellent CD layout), with high musical quality (although the production of the demo could be better...) and recommended to all Da Weasel (hip-hop) fans. Particularly, I enjoyed their harcore vein, which improved their electric side... As far I am concerned, continue on the good work!... (7,5/10)

M.A. (added October 2002)

Nowadays, more and more bands prefer to spent some extra money and see their music/work circulating on the (underground) scene, than to wait for a milionaire deal with an obscure label. This kind of behaviour denotes some will by the members of the band and reinforces them as entity for future commitements; AZAGATEL must be included in this group… The band emerged in our scene some years ago (precisely in 1995), in the midst of the Black Age. Several line-up changes gradually reinforced the spirit of the band, leading to the recording and release of their debut (and also self-financed) demo, "The Middle Earth" in 1999. Never stopping to create music, the band emerged again in 2001 with this fine delivery of Metal symphonies called "Nautilus". Sure thing is that the musical style delivered by AZAGATEL is not innovating but, nevertheless, the band manages to create some fine tunes and melodies. Lyrically and conceptually, this debut album surrounds the water element ('Atlantis Descedent', 'Albatroz', 'Nautilus', 'Water World' and 'Come By Water') but touches other ideas such as the Tolkien universe ('Isengard Son'). A cover of TORMENTOR ('Elisabeth Bathory') is also included in this release. The band of Marco (bass), Filipe (guitar), Rodolfo (vocals), Nelson (guitar), Tiago (drums) and Zé (keyboards) shows a good maturation of the music structure, ranging from the Black Metal style to a more technical deathish sonority, heavily complemented with keyboards; one point that must be stressed out is that AZAGATEL managed to recreate what I like to call as the 'Portuguese Death Metal Sound', only found in our boundaries. My highlight goes to 'For A Piece Of Heaven', which takes me some years back to INHUMAN, HEAVENWOOD and DESIRE debut releases. To all instrumental lovers, 'Come By Water' is the perfect track for you, synthetized as written in the books and majestically performed. Tech-metal intro can be found in the 'Elisabeht Bathory' cover, although heavily raw and very old-school (a must for the fans of this kind of sound!). Then comes 'I Wanna Die', that I understood as the this-one-is-for-us-all-guys track, a very surrealistic song featuring some nice reverse effects. What's left to say? GIMME MORE!!!!...(9/10)

M.A. (added March 2002)

After the successful release of «Bestiário» during 1998, the cult-band BIZARRA LOCOMOTIVA are back from the black hiatus... The machines of Armando Teixeira and mates (Miguel Fonseca, guitars and Rui Sidónio, vocals) just released this «Homem Máquina». On the musical paths that always characterized BIZARRA LOCOMOTIVA - industrial, synthetic metal hybrid formulations that penetrate deep inside your mind, this «Homem Máquina» succeeds for good the previous album. If «Bestiário» led the listener to the underground realm of beasts and mythologic demons, in a raw and very disturbing way (remember "Gatos do Asfalto" or "A Fala Do Feto Com Cabeça de Cão Antes do Aborto"), now «Homem Máquina» pushes you into more technological musical ways. Here the music is synthetic (yet, as usual the best guitar riffs are present), the machine surpasses the human side and drive into characteristic BIZARRA LOCOMOTIVA ride. If «Bestiário» was a complete beast-book this «Homem Máquina», reflects the distance of Man to the Machine - this one's cold, cruel and distant of emotions. If you have never heard of these guys, then you must not be connected to our Undeground and should not miss this «Homem Máquina» (although not recommended to the most extremist faction of metalheads...); to the followers, a must that should be part of your CD collection, along with the previous albums from the band. A less positive note to the booklet that contains no information (lyrics, updates photos) than the three active members of the band (although the cover is awesome) - and for when an updated website? In the 10 tracks that compose this excellent album, one travels one step further in the BIZARRA LOCOMOTIVA realm - a necessary question, when will we know the following step? (9/10)

M.A. (added May 2003)

Initially formed during 1998, BLOODY TEARS gathered strenght and bond element formation to release this self-financed digipack EP, aesthetically perfect, to which a high credit must be done - I imagine the effort and $$$ dispended on the feature of the cover, layout and all the imagem promotion that the band breeds. In deed, BLOODY TEARS dispended great care in the visual look, sometimes even more than in the musical side, but we'll be there right away. The CD comes in a black and visually pleasant digipack, which also contains 5 black 'Bloody Tears' stickers. Adequately, the material was "Made In Hell" (note the codebar)... The booklet is direct and also visually pleasant, featuring members photos and lyrics. Once said, high care was spent in the layout, which is something I must applause. Now, onto the musical side... The EP features 4 songs: 'Chapter XIII' - a very strange musical (I would call it an intro...), 'The Queen Of Death (Devil's Bride)' - my highlight of the release, 'Angels Of Purity' - more melodic and quiet than the others and finally, 'Infernal War' - contrary to 'Angels...' the most furious song. A very highly rated not for the incursion of two videos ('Dark Invocation', a live one which didn't touched me as did 'The Queen Of Death'...). Well, globally the band walks on the Black/Dark Metal style, sometimes with some (very short) incursions on the Death style; not masterly spreading the gospel of Black Metal, these 4 guys (I read that H. Shino, bass, left the band short time ago) created a high quality Black-alike EP, which will keep the listener satisfied. Even though, I would like to see a more complex musical structure, as did with the layout - several times, the band falls in the cliches of the style that does not favour them. Finally, I must stress that this effort is more than valid and BLOODY TEARS must be applaused for it... My jurisdiction, with extra 0,5 points for the visual evaluation and additional features: (8/10).

M.A. (added April 2003)

One of the catchiest albums, in the Black Metal (and related) category, in the millenium year. After several problems in the past concerning the stability of BORKNAGAR and the paradox "project-band" that haunted some of the members, the band (yes, finally they made up and band it is...) returned in 2000, promising the revelation of the foundations of Metal; in other words, the band of some prominent members of other great bands insist on expanding the boundaries of what we might call Black Metal. This is a good attitude (and a better practice) since the most dark scene convulsed after the boom of several shitty bands and fresh oxygen is demanded for the sake and fine health of the B.M. scene. BORKNAGAR achieved all of this - first, they managed to record a innovative and heavily melodic and second, all that was achieved without loosing effectiveness and power of the music. For the lover of brutal metal, this album will be some points below the brutality patterns but for the metal fan in general, «Quintessence» will be a surprise (specially if you're not into the BORKNAGAR stuff) - very melodic, instrumentally (always circling the paths of the traditional keyboard based Black Metal) and also in terms of vocals (yet, expect loads of reverberation, chorus and other effects). The result is great and I found this to be another precious pearl of the last year. My highlights are: "Inner Landscape" for I enjoy a lot good instrumental songs and the closing "Revolt", maybe too basic and maybe too repetitive but I find it great. So, I recommend this album to everyone who is not afraid of experiencing a more extreme side of metal... (8/10)

M.A. (added April 2001)

Dark Symphonies presented us with another release from their catalogue, issued in the middle of August, «Searching For The Sun» from American BRAVE. This band from Virginia, featuring Michelle Loose (vocals, piano and keyboards), Scott Loose (guitars and also keyboards), Trevor Schrotz (drums) and Chris Welborn (bass) are preachers of a quite distinct sound. In the 41 minutes of this release, no grunt is heard and the guitars, although distorced, never shock for their heaviness - in fact, the melody of guitars (along with the excellent voice of Michelle) may shock some listeners less used to soft passages. Within the 11 songs, the musical paces does not speed too much, making this record the ideal choice for those days you're stressed out and without energy for anything more speedy or brutal; relaxing enough, BRAVE created a very good album, where the technical mastery of the musicians is often heard. In the song line-up, my highlight goes to 'Trapped Inside' for the asian grooves and the diversified musical structure (yet not falling into baroque) of moods within, during almost 5 minutes. Overall, this is one album recommended to everyone capable of enjoying quite relaxing melodies, often stretching far from what one might call Metal and to people not afraid of listening other sounds than hellish grunts or unholy-inspired distorted guitars. A high note goes to Michelle voice, enchanting... (8/10)

M.A. (added September 2002)

And here's another project (or should I call it side-band) of Mr. Nagash, who once was the bass-player for DIMMU BORGIR. This man is quite talented as seen for the outnumbered projects in which he is involved: TROLL, these CARPE TENEBRUM and THE KOVENANT (previously known as COVENANT). Of course, for those who do not know, we're talking about Black Metal and affiliated styles. Since this album, «Mirrored Hate Painting» was released during the DIMMU hysteria (remember the success they had with «Spiritual Black Dimensions»?), is not surprise if CARPE TENEBRUM sound like the previous releases of DIMMU BORGIR. And this surprise is even more dissipated if we look to the line-up: Nagash (as himself) and Astennu (the real mentor of the project), both previously members of DIMMU BORGIR. Their sound is good but not exceptional (or innovative) and some groovy songs can be found on this painting: all the song structures exhale DB and some cliches in the referred band are also obvious here (the keyboards creating the perfect sinister mood, the melodic guitar riffs, two characteristics of DB's «Darkness...», also present on the later «Spiritual...»); definitely interesting as album but not an opus in the B.M. area. A note: expect interludes between the songs, featuring a distorted voice that describes (for what I've comprehended) satanic rituals - very funny but the witch hunt ended some time ago. Overall, a good release in the B.M. area despite very trendy and DB alike... (8/10)

M.A. (added May 2001)

When reading the press release where the band stated their New Metal influences, I got scared of what I would be hearing when pressing the 'Play' button of the CD playeer; let's be true and state that we're indeed not avid fans of the so-called Nu Metal scene but fortunely, this band from Aveiro managed to avoid the usual and sometimes annoying cliches of the New Metal vague. With the composition initiated during 2001, CLINGER members joined forces and gave birth to «Inside» EP, which included 4 excellent raging songs and also an interactive track as bonus (bio, photos, wallpapers and 'War' video). This EP, produced by Rodolfo Cardoso at Indústria Rock, starts fuelling with 'War', comprehending highly groovy riffs and deep-throat grunts, a blend to which headbanging is a necessary condition (the video also reflects these words - check out the banging of all members). Following we have 'Searching For Myself', another in-your-face track in the crossover style, with a very groovy, downtuned guitar and highly raging vocals. 'Start The Machine' is track number three and some KORN influences can easily been found here. To end, an rather old song, 'My Pain', recorded during 1999 and again remixed in January 2002 - one more time, a groovy song, long distant of the releases labeled as Nu Metal. Indeed, CLINGER surprised me on the positive side as they proved to be original even if they labelled themselves as playing one style that contains not such thing as originality; the band revealed that has much more to give musically than the 'Nu Metal' label allows and their technique and musical hability sure are weapons enough to surpass this barrier and start making history. Also, a very positive note to the CD card, in recycled paper and not much seen around. Definitely, not suitable for LIMP BIZKIT or analogue fans. So, for their effort and will to break labels... (8/10).

M.A. (added September 2002)

With world promotion by Deevel, these american vampires are ready to conquer the realms of your inner thoughts. How? Using their album «Carnivorous Lunar Activities», proclaimed to having unique enchantments... Well, these guys - Christopher Moon (vocals and guitars), Victor Gregory (guitars), Forest (bass) and James Rodrock (drums) - formed in 1997 in Denver location and after the recording of a 7-track album, they've embarked on more 'carnivorous' activities. The result is a 12-song album filled of nice metal riffs. Definitely more thrash - and one with a quality of a kind! - than the mentioned horror metal, COLD MOON present themselves in this album with a fierce metal attitude, arising remanescent memories of old and well known thrash acts. If the song titles suggest some evil attitude - 'The Mistress Death', 'Conjuring', 'Demon In Disguise', 'Nightmare Creatures' or 'Hell Rides' to name the most relevant names - the concept horror metal is far from its technical applicability; a more wide review will contemplate COLD MOON within the retro Evil Thrash style (early DIABOLICAL MASQUERADE, AURA NOIR...). No matter where this genre discussion will take us, these guys show a good technical skill, creating well balanced songs that will please the common metalhead. My song pick goes to 'Dead Cold' for the perfect conjunction of all elements: complexity, melody, riffs and thrash groove. Although with a very good musical skill, I would like to see this COLD MOON with a more defined musical attitude. A very positive note for the wolfish layout. For all that... (8/10)

M.A. (added August 2003)

CRAFT, a Swedish band, were completely unknown to me; after some searches in the Web, I realized that this was their second album edited by the Selbsmord, preceded by the album «Total Soul Rape» and one demo tape. These Swedish guys play a raw black metal, in which there isn’t any kind of keyboard or special effects. It’s just a guitar, bass, drums and voice, in a way that is much like the style played by the northern gods DARKTHRONE, but with a sound cleaner. I could almost say that their much alike the Norwegian KHOLD, but KHOLD play something more slow. But I really like this album. Although they don’t bring anything new, their attitude, their necro lyrics, the evil and cold feeling that we feel make them a band that can count on in the actual Black Metal scene, in opposition to the clean and full of effects Black Metal that invades us every day. It’s like we were in the begging of the nineties, where Black Metal was something hateful, cold an feared, and much, much obscure. Although it was edited in 2002, I couldn’t let pass the chance to review this album. Fans of Old School Black Metal, you have here something really good. I can’t hardly wait for the next album. (8/10)

M.C. (added May 2003)

Sometimes, the bands can't surprise us enough after an excellent album... Certainly this is not the case; after the horror masterpiece of DIABOLICAL MASQUERADEcalled «Nigthwork», Blackkheim and Dan Swano return with this «Death's Design», supposedly a soundtrack to the film of the same name. Due to some ideal problems and some misunderstandings, the film was never shot and the soundtrack ("too metal" as stated by the producers of the movie) was recovered and released as an album, although it's not really one, because of the concept behind it and the structure (20 movements and 61 tracks can't be called an album...). First, let's go to the concept: the central idea in this release is the mechanic design of Death (the reaper himself), that somehow acts and does the job in a specific way (if you should die, it will appear next to your bed, to take you...) and the story of a man that breaks that designing and escapes from the cold hand of Death. I must say that the concept is truly original and unfortunately something that cannot be understood just by hearing the album - the digipack edition of this release has no lyrics! Now, onward to the musical structure: 20 movements comprehending 4 to 5 songs (of half minute to 2 minutes), all of them labeled, which helps to the creation of a storyboard. The sound is definitely DIABOLICAL MASQUERADE, all the usual elements of the band are there - the horror side is always there (specially in this release) with the additional nuances related to a horror movie; needless to say that Dan Swano keeps on axing with mastery. Definitely, one of the biggest surprises of the year... A piece of collection, in my opinion... (10/10)

M.A. (added July 2001)

The long-waited return of one of the most successful bands (their quality also contributes to this success) in the Black Metal arena is here and is called «Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia». Norse mates gathered once more, along with the Gottenburg Opera Orchestra (that contributes classically to some songs) and made one of the top 10 albums for 2001... More raw, more aggressive, more in-your-face, all these aspects can be used to label this «Puritanical...» and combined in such a way that a usual fan of DIMMU BORGIR will be addicted to it for several weeks or even months; a non-fan will have to possibilities: throw it away to garbage or start adoring them (the usual "love it or leave it"). If «Enthrone...» kicked some *ss, «Spiritual...» was diabolic, then this album is a complete massacre, since they managed to get more heavier (the guitars are more prominent and the keyboards less noted, although some comparisons could be made with OLD MAN'S CHILD rawness) and simultaneously have a more powerful sound (some fx added to the songs contribute to that). After the changes in line-up: Vortex assumed the bass guitar (and lend some great vocals in the album), Nick Barker (ex-Filth and one of the best drummers in the neighborhood) assumed the drums and Galder (mentor of OLD MAN'S CHILD) take the lead guitar (replacing Astennu). A dream team, I dare to say... Overall, the album is excellent (yes, I became addicted to it) and is difficult that DIMMU BORGIR will overcome it in the future (let's hope they can...) and is a must in every collection of (black) metal worshiper. The cover of TWISTED SISTER, "Burn In Hell" also blasts brain... I'm getting insane, but it deserves (10/10).

M.A. (added July 2001)

I've mentioned before a NWOBM (New Wave Of Black Metal) but this album cannot (definitely) be understood like being part of that wave... First of all let me tell you that the the extreme technologic side is more than evident and stated at each second of the songs of «666 International» which is a good fact to anyone into experimentation and new ways of seeing life (me included) but after 20 minutes of sample bombing, reverbing echoing and several more tech gizmos, the listener looses completely the sense (and even the purpose of the songs). Sure that is innovation but, let's face it, is TOO MUCH innovation for just one album. Not recommend to those Black Metal worshippers, kind of 'give-me-Darkthrone-rude-sound' or 'hey-what-a-great-keyboard-solo' but to anyone appreciating: new mixtures, innovation (remember what I've just said?), samples. Finally, I just can tell that this album is a fresh breeze in the B.M. scene. And, almost forgot, I loved the 66 tracks (56 of them featuring 3 or 4 seconds of silence) and the 66:06 minutes... Overall score: (7/10)

M.A. (added November 2000)

Another good surprise in our scene; EVIDENCE, after somewhat struggle in the deep deep underground decided to put hands on the work (since the Portuguese labels didn't...) and recorded and are distributing the debut all by themselves. The work was recorded at Rec n' Roll Studios (Oporto), property of thy master of Portuguese production, Luís Barros. The result is a splendid heavy metal delivery, although with several touches of TARANTULA (because they are EVIDENCE's favorite band, right?), energetically performed in the 13 songs. The band composed by Sérgio Sarino (vocals), Vasco Martins (guitar), Pedro Antunes (bass) and Rui Lino (drums and percussion) fits almost perfectly the melodic heavy metal label: the long and technical guitar solos are there, melody is a constant parameter, the voice a typical heavy metal one (not distorted, grunted or whatever). And this release appeared in the best time, since the scene (specially the international one) is with their eyes put on the revivalism - power and heavy metal, granting EVIDENCE's a little bit more exposure and opportunity to show their potential (for what I´ve read, they behaved very well when replacing the odious MAGO DE OZ). From their own pockets, the band also produced and recorded their own clip for this «Truth From A Lie», which proves that their are not joking around. So, if you really enjoy a good heavy metal album, don't be afraid to put your ears on EVIDENCE, because they're good at what they're doing (and they know it) - you won't regret it! Even if you are not totally into the heavy scene, go ahead, listen to them, since this demo is well worth. I almost forgot, the layout of the CD is great, very blue but really great. The overall score, which I added one extra point for their motivation and cold-blood: (8/10)

M.A. (added February 2001)

After some years in the darkness, FALLACY returned with a renewed sound. The band started long ago in 1994, with members of LAKRAU and SACRED SIN and received good reviews between the audience (by this time, a technical death was their style). After some line-up changes, the band turned into a more progressive and experimental sound and some time after went blank. In the last year, the band returned although just João Paulo (guitars) remained from the initial formation. Joining him are Luís Candeias (drums) and Nuno Jesus (bass). The band is actually much more instrumental (note that is no vocalist), reinforcing the instrumental and technical side of the band; in my opinion, this work is extremely innovative, combining jazz, fusion and folklore influences (some pieces of Portuguese folklore chants are structured within the songs). I dare to say that their actual sound is comparable to CYNIC or even MESHUGGAH, but the label is to limited, due to their technical effort and courage to innovate/be different. This demo is composed by five tracks where the metal feeling is never lost, despite the fusion or avantgarde of their music: "Martírios (Prelúdio)", "Martírios", "Anorah" (available on their site), "Memórias" and "Crochet no Bairro da Encarnação (Balde d'areia)". The layout is very good and the production deserves good score (the work was recorded at RV Pro Studios between October 99 and January 00). A little note, the last song is the more heavy (that is, with the most metal feeling), with an authentic show of guitar virtuosos. The overall score is 8 but since FALLACY convinced me of their courage to be different without loosing quality or being too simple, one extra point is added. Expect half an hour of excellent technical metal. (9/10)

M.A. (added November 2000)

Mea Culpa the delay of such review (the album was released on April 24 2001)... Yet, is never too late to post here a major name like FEAR FACTORY - after 10 years of existence, the wait for their releases always keep me anxious and this «Digimortal» was no exception (this album is also a fair candidate to 2001's Top 10). One thing that FF are good at is the designing and conception of their releases: «Digimortal» deals with a futuristic concept (who would say?!...) of fusing the digital boundaries with our body, granting this way Immortality to Man - this is the meaning of the Digi-mortal title. Personally I think that «Digimortal» follows the logical timeline of «Demanufacture» and «Obsolete», very avantguarde for their own time, although the inner concept of each one of the albums is really different. «Digimortal» presents the listener with 11 tracks of typical tech-metal, as usually delivered by FEAR FACTORY. Less powerful than «Demanufacture» and, in many ways, musically similar to «Obsolete», this release does not bring anything new to the band, despite the high quality content. The usual line-up was in charge of fusing "machine and man": Dino Cazares (guitar), Burton C. Bell (vocals), Raymond Herrera (drums) and Christina Olde Wolbers (bass). In "Back The Fuck Up", B Real (known in the rap scene as The Serial Rhyme Killa) lends his vocal chords, turning the song into a futuristic rap-metal one, heavily breathing groove. My highlight goes to "Linchpin", maybe the most representative song of the concept behind «Digimortal». Concluding, a must for any FF fan and/or futuristic metal appreciator but to use with care by all of you that not support this kind of 'techarized' metal; a fair good album but somewhat disappointing since nothing of really new was achieved... (8/10)

M.A. (added December 2001)

GODIVA are a very young band from Vila Nova de Famalicão, formed in September of 1999. «Tales To Be Untold» is their first demo, reporting a live concert, in a band festival. It is not a professional promo (as stated by the band itself) and sometimes the sound quality is poor but... let's focus our talks to what really matters! In my opinion, they have not yet completely defined their musical direction, which is quite understandable since the band is very young; this promo has 5 tracks: 'Summoning' starts very softly, in a fine arpegio and then a heavy distorted voice is added, turning the song to a more obscure paths (the keys do a fine job, complementing the melody and atmosphere); 'My Bride To Be' remembers me a lot the demo «Pure Redemption» (a reference work in our scene) from INHUMAN, balancing the melodies created by the keyboards, the striking riffs and the strong guttural voice; 'Fallen Tear' starts very sad, with a taste of Norse Black Metal in the harmonies and a doomish voice (very ANATHEMA) and quickly accelerates into a more death/doom path, incorporating some good guitar riffs in the near end; then, 'Utopic Dream', in the same death/doom blend and for last, 'Gipsy Of Illusion' where the intro keys are very crrrreepy (does Carla enjoys B.M. what?...). Overall, I find this promo a good statement of the band, although they are young and lacking in some experience and/or objectiveness in their sound, which is not necessarily bad but a step in the stairs of the life of each band (you don't really believe that IRON MAIDEN always were as they are today, do you?). They show some nice ideas in this promo, much in the doom/death (others call it melodic death metal), resembling the first years of INHUMAN and, I dare to say, CELESTIAN SEASON (that incorporated also a melancholic male voice and a female voice). Last, they made a special effort on the promo layout, related with the title (yet, the back-cover text is somewhat unreadable due the font used). Overall score is (7,5/10)

M.A. (added March 2001)

Mobile: (+351) 91 4724354 (Ricardo) or
(+351) 91 9943712 (Pedro).

One of the heaviest bands in the Portuguese scene, GOLDENPYRE, hailing from the North of Portugal presented Scrolls Of Steel with their second demo-Cd, titled «NecroTERRORism». In fact, despite the poor quality of the recording (which definitely would improve the musical impact), these 5 guys managed to make a terrorific musical demonstration. A small note stating that this demo was released in the middle of 2001 and the band has already unleashed a MCD titled «decrepidemic», during this year. A 4-way split CD is also scheduled to hit the metalheads, as soon as they're expecting. Enough said from future releases, let's focus on this one... Composed by 4 songs: 'Mourning Relief', 'Filthy Potion', 'Corrosion Of Future' and 'Mesmerizing Aphrodite', the Death Metal discharge cannot be ignored. Technical when needed, furious where demanded, goooore as prescribed and 666% Portuguese, one must hail GOLDENPYRE. Indeed, I'm curious about this new «decrepidemic» MCD, where possible the band reveals much more than in this 16 minute demo-CD. Possibly not as relevant as we might want, certainly something for you to catch your ears on and bang furiously the head. Waiting for some musical terror, this demo deserves (7,5/10).

M.A. (added March 2003)

This demotape serves the purpose of preparing the worldwide fans and not-so fans of the American veterans HOLOCAUST to the forthcoming album called «Primal». It only contains 3 songs: "Iron Will", "Colossus" and "They Colonise", too few to the appetite that grows in the auditions of this «Friday The 13^th» demo CD... The band is one of the pioneers of the NWOBHM, born in Scotland in the 70's, although nowadays comprehends members from North America and are one of the few bands covered by METALLICA ("The Small Hours"), GAMMA RAY ("Heavy Metal Mania") and SIX FEET UNDER ("Death Or Glory"). After some successful albums like «The Nightcomers» (1981), «Live: Hot Curry And Wine» (1983) and «Covenant» (1997), the band composed by John Mortimer (vocals and guitar), John McCullim (guitar), Brian Bartley (bass) and Ron Levine (drums) will make, certainly, another thrash metal opus with «Primal». This demotape features great heavy/thrash based songs, remembering the early days of known bands of the U.S. Bay Area (METALLICA, EXODUS are two names...): "Iron Will" rages high and loud (turn to the highest volume possible and watch your brains splashing all away in the ferocious headbanging provoked by the song..); "Colossus" is more calm and melodic, more in the sense of a ballad, that is, a normal thrash song with slower rhythm and less aggressive guitar chords and drums. And, to end in beauty, comes "They Colonise", to give you the chance to finalize the brain-decoration in the room walls. If this is just a demo, then please give me the album! (8,5/10)

M.A. (added July 2001)

Mr. Peter Tägtgren returned again last year with one more killer album... The name is «Into The Abyss» and I guarantee that you can expect a free ride into the pit of fine Death Metal; as usual the album is excellently produced since the usual place for recordings was Abyss studios, property of Peter (where else it could be?). After the release of «The Final Chapter» and the rumors that stated the break-up of HIPOCRISY and the almost confessed dissolution of the Swedish band, Peter Tägtgren and mates gathered their weapons, riffing and spreading worldwide the grim aura of Death Metal. Result: a live album «Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken 1998» and this excellent return to the roots, «Into The Abyss» in the last year. This release is more brutal and ferocious than the previous «The Final Chapter», but the essence of the style practiced by HYPOCRISY is still there; sure you'll not find the extremism of «Penetralia» nor the change of rhythm (fast-slow-fast...) as they did in 1997. «Into The Abyss» is a far more 'in-your-face' album, breathing and exhaling European Death Metal, with great songs such as "Unleash The Beast" or even the opening "Legions Descend"; for the purists and as HYPOCRISY have been saluting us, the final track, "Deathrow (No Regrets)" should be listen as the ballad of the album - very calm but veeery intense... Ending in the best way possible! Looking back and reflecting on the past events, it would be sad to watch a departure of such a great band, an icon of Metal nowadays and justice has to be made - Peter Tagtgren is a great musician (and not least producer...)! We will keep waiting, anxiously, for the next chapter, maybe the "Devastation of Abyss"... This one really got me, so the highest score possible is (10/10)

M.A. (added March 2001)

Long time no heard such a good delivery of doom metal from Portuguese shores... This bomb was dropped by one of the heavy-weights of Azores Islands, of their name IN PECCATVM. Indeed, I was amazed with the exquisite quality of this 18 minute-MCD... Let's see: this work starts with 'Septem Aquae', a very good classical piece comprehending violins, violas and cello, which can be placed side by side of technical interpretations by APOCALYPTICA or our CORVOS (the reduced song time is the only weak point); the melancholy is then initiated with 'Everlasting Delicacy', where Alexandra Ávilas lends her voice and the splendor of the doom tunes and melodies is fully developed (not too rough or too baroque as some bands tend to play). Following is 'Watery Portrait' which takes the listener to a state of musical melancholy very characteristic of (well elaborated) doom songs and 'Till Daylight Comes...'. This one remembered me the wide and wild mountains in the North, involved in fog... Closing the MCD is 'Sustained In The Nebula', an outro performed in classical guitar. This is my first contact with the sound of IN PECCATVM, the Azorean band of Neves (guitar and vocals), Gouveia (bass) and Almeida (drums and keyboards) and I was far from disappointed with it... Probable followers of Portuguese doomsters DESIRE, these sinners managed to produce authentic doom tunes, without being too complex (lots of keyboards, intricated grunts and female vocals, etc) or extremely simple as sometimes doom can be. The inclusion of classical guitars (Azorean Guitar in track 2, classical guitar in tracks IV and V) was also a good valorization of this MCD that can be more developed in future releases of IN PECCATVM (which I think is extremely advisable and sound enriching). My negative note goes to the lack of lyrics in this release, leaving the listener somewhat lost in the words of the Neves; although not a serious lack, it should be revised in the next opus of these Azorean doomsters. Despite not being a true lover of doom tunes, it got my attention for some nice listenings... (8/10)

M.A. (added May 2002)

INTHYFLESH came from the North of Portugal immersed in a cloud of Darkness and Evil - that's right, they preach and practice the dark arts of Black Metal! The band composed by Sataere (vocals), Inferi Dii (guitar noise), Chrysaor (guitar struggles) and Njord (strikes of bestiality) released this «Rehearsal Tape» in the last Spring, that contains 3 songs of Raw Black Metal. Don't expect the usual melodies delivered by keyboards or female choirs, just pure rage and brutality that result in a powerful sound, although the fact of being a rehearsal tape does not help much in the "purity" and production of the sound. Despite this fact, that should be correct in future, the band is competent enough in what they are doing - they master the feeling behind this style and it's curious to state that, since Black Metal itself is slowly draining to its previous Underground niche and the global exposure to this style of Metal is decreasing very fast. This tape from INTHYFLESH comprehends "Harvested By Pride And Glory", starting with a spoooky intro, really in the Black Metal spirit, "Victory Shall Be Ours!" and ends with "An Epilogue In Ruins", finalizing with a divine choir. Overall, the tape spreads the gospel of Black Metal in about 15 minutes of the most intense, grim and brutal side of the style, although (and as I said before) its production is something to acknowledge in the next releases - I know that's only a rehearsal tape (and in the Raw Black Metal arena) but nowadays, there are few metalheads that will spend some money on a demo with a "dirty" sound quality. So, let's wait for the next release of this band... It just might surprise us... (7,5/10)

M.A. (added July 2001)

Directly from Kaiserslautern, Germany, we announce the IVORY NIGHT brotherhood and their melodic metal release titled “7 – Dawn Of The Night”. Uncompromised mid-paced Heavy to Power Metal is the best description for what one can find on this studio debut; balanced melodies, right-tuned vocals and enjoyable riffs, everything is there as written on the book. Starting with a minute and half instrumental intro, “The 7th Sea”, follows “Killer 7” that defines the musical path for the album. “And I Fly” is more Power Metal oriented and when running this track the comparation to the early days of MANOWAR is undeniable (yet much more sobrious than those ;-). And I left a quiz for all listeners of this “7 – Dawn Of The Night” – please find the resemblances between “Salvation Is An Honest Man” and some well-known METALLICA songs… Ongoing on the album a “Ghost”ly track appears and onto another good Power Metal flight called “Mighty Wings”. Grim the teeth on “Beyond The Pain” as one sure bangs the head on this one, for its Thrashy style and, since a ballad can’t miss, “My Dearest Love” is our choice for mellow-track. As highlight, our pick goes to “Never Be My Friend” – good rhythm and good riffs… Overall, maybe not an icon for more extremist headbangers or young listeners of extreme sounds, this IVORY NIGHT’s release surely will catch the attention for the Power-Heavy lovers and even some non-metal listeners; this follows, with no doubt, the standards of German Metal, a formula that still remains in the hearts of a good number of heabangers worldwide but, essentially, brings nothing more when compared to other acts on the same scene. Keep on going, this is the path, this is your Dawn Of The Night! (7/10)

M.A. (added February 2004)

One of the masters of Brutal Death - we're speaking of KRABATHOR - are back to life (sic) with another fine discharge of sound napalm. It's name is «Dissuade Truth» and was released in the end of March through German label System Shock. Despite the good looking CD - I loved the booklet cover... - unfortunately this was one of the albums that still is grisping on my hears; the quality has a high standard and looks like Christopher (guitar and vocals), Skull (drums) and Speckmann (bass) concentrated all their fury into this silver disk. Raw, aggressive and very in-your-face this «Dissuade Truth» will delight most fans of Brutal Death, although other may be 'dissuaded' by the brutality within. Songs like 'Dissuade Truth', 'Dead Hate Screaming', 'Smell All The Stench' or 'Silence Will Cover Noise' are some of the noise discharges by KRABATHOR in this recent release. I've found them having strong similarities with US Brutal Death - is this coincidence or a new wave of Eastern European Brutal Death is merging? I leave this question to the true fans of the style to answer. I recommend it as a high-impact stress reliever on those impossible days - not advisable to ear-sensitive metalheads. The jury gives (7/10).

M.A. (added June 2003)

After more workout and enhanced musical skills, LOVE LIES ETERNAL decided to release a single-track to demonstrate their new attitude and aptitude. After the award at JCP Festival and the departure of original drummer (shortly replaced by Orca), the band emerged to bring "Paintings". Once more, these guys amazed me with their quality... In about 6 minutes, "Paintings" is professionally presented in the perfect combination of Nya vocals, Orca drum beats, Pedro slashing riffs, Likka groovy bass tones and ambient-enhancing Zekka keys. Their style continues rather dispersed and undefined but I think they have found THE style, unique until now and definitely musical appealing... As once said, where's the album?!... (9,5/10)

M.A. (added October 2002)

And from the East of Europe, LUNATIC GODS make their appearance, more precisely from Slovakia. The band of Hirax (lead guitar), Luboslav (rhythm guitar), Psycho (drums), Richard (bass), Horar and Emir (vocals) released this third album right in the beggining of 2002 but still continue on promoting this excellent work. The band emerged in the scene during 1993 under BESTIALIT whose name turned into LUNATIC GODS when choosing more technical death paths; the departure of their original vocalist also made the band turn into different musical paths, taking them to play live along KING DIAMOND, VADER of KRABATHOR. «The Wilderness» layout is very good - front cover of booklet was made by Slovak painter Milan "Whitty" Hrabovsky and special care was taken on all lyrical aspects. Musically, the long experience of the band together with exotic musical re-arrangements (including sitar passages) make this album one of those that you won't stop listening easily (by self-experience, I assure...). Songs like 'Curse' where two different vocals are part of the melody and where the guitar riffs create such an impetus can't make anyone different; once more, mixing Death Metal drum fury with exquisite guitar riffs gives rise to 'Tormenting World'. 'Fallen Beauty', as the name states is a very smoooth song, with clean vocals, nice bass job and (an almost) melancholic atmosphere. 'Doomsday' follows next - introducing a classical piece and then the full metal discharge. The music goes on on the 11 songs that compose this release, including 3 instrumental songs: the excellent 'Dance Of Salome' and the intro e outro 'Bemidbar I' and 'Bemidbar II'. LUNATIC GODS heavily surprised me by the positive side, with a complete, diverse and fully Metal raging album (not attached to a specific style or within the monotony of a single label) - this surely could be the jump to higher flights of the band... Anxiously waiting for what's to come... (10/10)

M.A. (added January 2003)

The Finnish are back with the full-lenght discharge of its name «Chapter XIII», after the world dissemination of their promotapes (see review below). This album was released during the first trimester of 2003 and is the confirmation that one would expect from the said-mentioned promocional packages. The band of Marco, TT, Ollar, Log and Aki present a quite nice workshop of thrashy riffs, groovy melodies and raging songs, along the eleven tracks that composed this «Chapter XIII». As far I've understood, the compilation of all promo CD's give rise to this fantastic album, as all the songs featured in the former are also here:'The Spirit Of Northern Brotherhood', 'Au Revoir' (excellent track!), 'Last Steps Of Joe', 'World Wide Mystery', 'The Chosen People', 'Simply Simplicity', 'Invincibles', 'Victim Of Life', 'Nothing Starts From The Beginning', 'Embodiment Of Air' and 'New Direction'. Certainly for the number of times that the promo rolled in my CD tray, my highlights within the album go to the «Promo CD 1/02» tracks; although the other 8 tracks that compose this (bang your head...) thrashy album are also of superior headbanging quality and one or two songs can also be mentioned - the opening 'The Spirit Of Northern Brotherhood', the quite heavy 'Last Steps Of Joe' or even the raging 'Victim Of Life'. With a sober layout - simply white cover and nice red booklet lyrics - these guys do certainly have the potential, quality and will to succeed in the musical Metal wildlife. Some time ago I asked for the complete album... Now is time to enquire, when will we be seeing MAPLE CROSS on a major?... Justice must be done...(9/10)

M.A. (added August 2003)

Hailing from the Northern side of Europe, MAPLE CROSS can be considered as veterans in the Metal scene, emerging in 1985 as ACE. Shortly after, in 1988, changed their name to MAPLE CROSS. After some successfull demo releasings during the decade of 90 and several live concerts along names as WALTARI, BACKYARD BABIES or DARKTHRONE the band emerged n the Summer of 2001 after a break to rest and re-compose the line-up: Marco R.J. (vocals), Late TT (guitar), Ollar (bass), Log (guitar) and Aki (drums). During this year, the band released this promo, where you can find three masterpieces of the Thrash wave: "Invincibles", "Simply Simplicity" and "Au Revoir" - note that the band released a second promo, containing "The Chosen People" and "Nothing Starts From The Beggining", both promos showing all the actual musical potential of the band. In this particular promo reviewed, the common metalhead will be very pleased with the Thrash discharge, highly enriched with groovy riffs and uncompromised melodies; in the actual scene status (Nu-waving...), this can surely be a candy to the most classical metalheads, not much seen lately. I pick up "Invencibles" as my favorite song for this promo release, where I thing that much of the potential of these (renewed) veterans is revealed. Following is "Simply Simplicity", also raging with fine guitar riffs and ends with "Au Revoir", mixing a more 'dirt' sonority with the musical atittude of Thrash. Well, I think that this «Promo 1/02» is indeed just a candy to sweet your ears... For when the entire album?... (8/10)

M.A. (added Nov 2002)

Indeed a great demotape release of 1999, that arrived to my hands some time ago - MASQUE OF INNOCENCE dwell in the Portuguese Metal Underground since 1997 and after some delays concerning their line-up (and an unreleased demo that did not satisfied the quality patterns of the band), the band decided to put their sound on the hears of the Portuguese bangers; and they did it quite well. The band composed by Nuno Damião (vocals), Hugo Lopes (keyboards), Nuno Conceição (guitar), Paulo Batista (bass) and Rui Brito (drums), recorded 5 songs of high quality in the fields of what we might call Melodic Death or Doom/Death (I don't know why but we are really good at these kind of sound as stated by several bands in the scene): '753-alpha' - with excellent vocals by Elisabeth Santos and a strong doomish feeling; 'Emptiness Portrait' - typical death/doom song but really groovy and ; 'Dormant Bliss' - an instrumental masterly performed by Hugo, very sad and, at the same time, very hypnotic; 'Until The End' - great intro and then, discharging their sound and demonstrating in full power what MASQUE OF INNOCENCE are made of (this is my highlight of the demo); finally we got 'Wrapped In Tears' - another menacious discharge but much more doomish, yet great enough as ending song. Despite being a demotape, the sound is quite good and the production is high above the average usually practiced in these demos - a negative note, in my opinion and a reflection of the tape format, is the silence time left in the A side but this is a simple detail in the overall release. Nowadays the band is looking for a new grunter (Nuno Damião left the band in the beginning of this year), a fact that is delaying them of releasing something more but the band is currently working in new stuff to surprise the Portuguese metalheads (and outsiders too). Gotta hear them... (8,5/10)

M.A. (added May 2001)

What a surprise, this declaration of war... Gimme more!!! First impression: extremely hypnotic album (try to listen to them 3 times in a row and you'll understand what I mean) - Maniac's clean vocals are great and the drum job is even more terrific! Sure, lots of gossip in the metal arena - 'they made this for the money' or 'what kind of bastards are they, corromping the B.M., this way?' - but I must admit that this album is really good (despite the intentions behind its making) and the result is one of the best releases of this year. Remembering the late releases of MAYHEM? «Grand Declaration of War» has nothing to do with them (ok, the spirit of MAYHEM is there) even lyrically - Maniac explores now a more nihilist side of life, although the presence of the Satanic side as usual on the releases of the band. Now, the anti-christian attitude is not so direct but camouflaged by the exaltation of: power, deceit, pity, etc. Need to say that the lyrics are very self-directed, which enforce their strength. A very positive note to the articulation of Maniac's voice - the clean vocals make such a blast! Instrumentally, good as any MAYHEM release, but a little bit more emphasis on the mid-tempo (listen to the drums). Also, very military rhythms, empowering the final work. And, one of the main causes of the gossips - MAYHEM used some sound effects ("used in the 80's" as stated by Maniac), specially on the vocals; I found them not exaggerated and very well placed on the songs. Ok, ok, I loved this album, it rolled so many times on my CD player that even it knows the songs :) (9,5/10)

That's right, after some complications between MEGADETH and the previous label, Capitol Records and the known misunderstandings with Nick Menza and Marty Friedman, the band is back with another full album. Almost a hour of good heavy/thrash, yet somewhat distant, in my point of view, of the usual MEGADETH sound... I'm not talking about «Risk» or even «Cryptic Writings», too "soften" albums in the all band discography but reporting to «Countdown To Extinction» and previous albums. Since the band declared a more raw and root-based album, I was expecting something look-a-like «Countdown...», my favorite album; yet, they did not managed to get even closer - I still haven't found (besides «Moto Psycho») some good thrash songs a la MEGADETH. Maybe, after several auditions I'll find them but for the first listening I haven't... The album is very good, as it concerns the musical structure but my expectations where not fulfilled, since I was hoping for a return to the old-speed-attitude sound; I also find it a little "pushed" to fit the old fans of the band and the recent worshippers of «Risk» and related albums; as stated before, if this «The World Needs A Hero» was not a commercial success, the band will quit (looks like the albums selling is just fine, as declared by Mustaine). So, this album might be a commercial maneuver, to MEGADETH achieve the long-gone success. It's sad that a really competent band bends to the $$$ aspect of music but is a fact that money rules the world... A good effort, in my opinion, but not even close to the real MEGADETH... (8/10)

M.A. (added July 2001)

The master of psychotic/psychological/psychopatic horror, Jack D. Ripper is back with anoter masterpiece of Metal horror. This «Sketch...» was a real surprise for me since I was not expecting another release of MORGUL so soon, and once more no string of disappointment was felt. I had not yet the time to hear the previous albums of this one-man band, but considering the high quality mark of «The Horreur Grandeur», the achievement in this «Sketch Of Supposed Murderer» was imense. I don't remember how many weeks I was addicted to this album, by the time of its release... The psycho factor is overwhelming in the entire song line-up, pulling you much deeper into the music and intensifies the power of it: the bass is very proeminent, several fine samples are present and the violin lament gives improves the atmospheric and melancholic side of the music. Much more terrific than the previous album, this MORGUL release amazes by the complexity and intensity of its content, when one thinks that all came out of one man's head; surely, the album passed somewhat unnoticed in the Metal media which is a pity since the quality is high and the concept unique. Also unexpected is the cover of "She", an original song present by the painted rockers KISS in «Presented To Kill» album (1975) - does Jack D. Ripper have a traumatic experience of some particular woman or is he just impersonating the character he wears?... The question is on the air... Although distant of the entire musical concept of the rest of the album, I pick "Stealth" and "Once Again" as highlights, mainly due to the mystic and hypnotic effect (I abused of these two songs...). Overall and since it surpassed the previous album, the only fair score is (10/10)

M.A. (added December 2001)

And here's another fine example of our Underground life, or should or I say Death?... Although released in 2001, only now this «Promo 2001» reached my mailbox and my tape deck - here NECROSE mates unleash their fury and anger in three in-your-face songs. What they preach? Raw Death Metal on the Portuguese fashion - raw... simple... direct... Emerging from the coldest and highest city from Portugal (Guarda), NECROSE quickly present their musical know-how in this demotape. In fact, their sound is sometimes trackable to known Raw Death bands which is compreensible when one think of the rather simple musical structure usually found in this Metal style. With brutal headbanging, one will find 'Feasting With Your Fucking Flesh', 'Sinister Legacy' and 'Waiting For The Ejaculation' on this short «Promo 2001», although with enough rage and fury from Micael Olímpio (grunts), Daniel Simão (guitar), Rui Gil (bass) and João Batista (drums) souls. Definitely a brutal promo-tape... (7/10).

M.A. (added June 2003)

Need to hear this album a dozen times, till it entered my soul... Uff! It was difficult, initially, but perseverance always wins, that is, I had heard two songs from «Sacro Cult» (the later one) and loved them and when put my ears on this «Black Opera», they did not enjoyed it at first :) I tried and tried, tried again and click something inside awakened. Cadaveria's voice is something particular in the whole B.M. scene (she's a lady, that's why!) and the combination of keyboards and her voice is something unique in OPERA IX and all B.M. bands out there. Sure, the sound is not innovating but that's why they are so great - remind me some of the early Black Metal bands out there (Evol, Alastis and even Samael, in its beginning) - note that the band is now 10 years old, which is fundamental to enhance some particular sonority. OPERA IX have already achieve it... Anyone into the great spirit of B.M. - the two S's: Satan and Summoning must take a look unto this album. It fits the most bitter fan of raw B.M. to the fan of Burzum clones. Believe me, when you find your click, you'll be amazed with the quality of this album... And the cover of «Bela Lugosi's Dead», even though not B.M. at all, is great! (9/10)

Once again, Dark Symphonies surprises me with one of their bands... This time was the time for RAIN FELL WITHIN, a sextet from North Virginia (USA) with 6 years of experience in the Metalground; the band is composed by Dawn (vocals and keys), Tim (drums), Charles (bass), Kevin (guitars) with special appearances by Jason (guitars on live shows) and Laurie (backing vocals on live shows). After one demo («Solemn Days»), a mini-CD («Believe»), the band felt that was the time to release a full-lenght CD called «Refuge». Professionally presented (the album was recorded at IQ Studios with Ron Vento as co-producer), the listener can expect about one hour of "showcase of the most innovative music", as stated by the band itself; as far as I'm concerned, expect one hour of excellent female vocals (no grunts or evil roars presented) in a very smooth musical structure. There are no significant and/or drastic tempo changes which makes this «Refuge» the perfect CD to take with you on trip after a stressing day, to calm down and relax. Somewhat lost between the usual doom style (lots of keyboards and slow tempos) and a goth sound, this album lacks in a crucial aspect, in my opinion: no significant guitar solos or proeminent riffs can be heard, with Dawn vocals being the focus of all the music structure. Lost one point with this particular detail... Even so, the vocalizations are great and deserve 10 points! Particularly pointed to soft-sound admirers, this release may not strive in the world of brutality that surrounds the usual Metal releases; I found it a very refreshing album, different of we're usually used to and recommend it to the female-vocal lovers or everyone who is not afraid of different sounds. Create your own refuge... (8/10)

M.A. (added April 2002)

Once more Israeli deathsters merge into the international scene with another exquisite release, this time a CD-ROM containing 3 videos from the band: «Broken Yet United», «Act Of War» and «Al Taster» - songs from the latest album «Collective Demise» (through KMG/System Shock). This CD also features some high-resolution pictures of the band (live and promocional). The video format is surely one way to get the bands known around and in the case of SALEM, this is no exception; «Broken Yet United» shows the band performing live at the same time that shows the fierce in their live concerts; «Act Of War» is a declaration against the suicide bombing operating in Israel, where the music is very well balanced with the video sequences and finally, «Al Taster», is a cover of an old Jewish hymn (taken Psalms, chapter 102, verse 3). Once more, fine video sequences (some featuring a lovely maiden) are very well conjugated with the music. Overall, this CD-ROM is definitely a collectors jewel...(10/10)

M.A. (added January 2003)

Salem (ISR) - Collective Demise
(CD, KMG/System Shock, 2002)
(11 tracks, 39 min)

This 9-year old band from Kristiansund (Norway), initially as a punk-cover band decided to get into it more seriously. After two demos and a worlwide good reception «Dies Ire» and a 30-minute music video (quite rare release in underground bands) album, these four guys dived straight into a «Strange Weakness». Still in promotion of this 2000 record, SEMPER FI continue on pursue of a place below the sun and will probably get it, as one can state with this exquisite rare quality from an underground band. Let's then start by the beginning: professional designed cover (simple but effective), unusual booklet enriched with the meaning of each song (no lyrics, though), top excellence musical quality production and already developing a self-musical identity. Face it, so many good arguments are not easily found on newcomers... With a style that can be defined as a mixture of death, rock and 'groovy' crossover sound, «Strong Weakness» impressed me by the well-based musical structure (check the virtuouso solo at 'Mouth To Man'). The band of brothers (?) Stian (vocals), Espen (drums), Arild (guitars) Pedersen and Roger Lysø manage to be mature enough and innovative (or unique within the Metal realm) to deserve a proper attention from the major labels in the scene - our job is to keep on spreading the word since they proved that are capable of higher flights... For the fine standards found on «Strong Weakness», the jury gives (9/10)

M.A. (added July 2002)

At least, shocking!.... Ok, maybe not that shocking but certainly something aesthetically not usual in Portugal, these SHOCK SHOW and their «The Birth Of Divine Tragedy», self-released debut. The band composed by Barbie Shock (vocals), AnOnimaTuS (guitar), RIP (bass) and Koma (drums) deliver something that can be labeled as crossover/nu metal, yet not really attaching to one style, as they are musically diverse in this release. The CD, with a nice layout includes the lyrics (!!!), a rare fact in the late days, where the common metalhead can sing-a-long with the band. Musically, all the concept is shocking (metaforically speaking) with the album being divided in 12 tragedies with some suggesting titles as: 'My Idea Of Fun' (very nice groove), 'Sin-Pathetic Hubris', 'Fuck You Very Much (An Ode To All Pigs)'... Although not as heavy as I would expect, but groovy enough to keep you banging for some weeks, SHOCK SHOW certainly drank much of the aesthetics (musical and conceptual) of early Marilyn Manson, therefore enriching their songs with extended 'rage'. The more puritanic metalheads will not find this release an opus but the new fans (and all those without fear of something different) will certainly enjoy this 36 minutes of quality anger. As I am concerned, these shocking guys deserve (7,5/10)...

M.A. (added Jan 2003, revised Feb 2003)

This is one of the fastest ascending Portuguese Metal bands and, as their grim and cold sound may trick, their were indeed forjed in the hot and sunny lands of Portugal. Their international debut is presented in 10 excellent songs of one might call of 'Majestic Black Metal' aka Black Metal fully speed with keyboards and effects. Since the band became close friends to Samoth, owner of Nocturnal Art (the label that launched this «Spectral Transition»), a tribute to Black Metal fathers EMPEROR closes this release of SIRIUS; needless to say that the song is almost equal to the original present by EMPEROR, although a listener would expect some 'special touches and surprises' in the cover. The 50 minutes of music that compose this album are of high quality as noted by the successfull rise of the band within the European Metal (in particular the Black Metal one) scene, highly recommended to every Black Metal fan, specially those with no problem with sound innovation. As expected in some 'majestic' (term that remembers me an orchestra or alike), the songs are dense although not lenghty (all around 5 minutes) and the album results in something very atmospheric - highlight for a listening during a furious thunderstorm. The concept?... Well, Space, Universe and Infinity are common words and ideas in this album, giving the liberty of wandering to the listener... If their previous debut album (titled «Aeons Of Magick») was really good and exhalating quality, then this «Spectral Transition» must be admited as an opus in the Black Metal style, with an excellent quality, musically and conceptually. My highlight goes to "In Astral Plains Of Trance" and "Into Forbidden Dimensions"... Overall, I can only say that this album is highly recommended!...(9,5/10)

M.A. (added December 2001)

Portuguese blacksters, previously known worldwide as THE FIRSTBORN EVIL adopted the simpler and shorter THE FIRSTBORN and released this nice piece of made-in-Portugal metal, their debut in CD, in the middle of 2000. The album was anxiously awaited and the release was said to be as new start for the band, that abandoned their previously raw black metal and bet into a much more melodic sound, yet grim and dark enough. I definitely appreciated this release (despite I only got it recently) and I must admit it that the CD rolls two times from the epic starting of "Stronger Than Blacksteel" to the last inches of "Draconian March", the last song on the album. The album can be defined (aargh! How ugly the word sounds...) as melodic black/death of high quality since the song structures are just fine, the guitar riffs always breaking the Hell-loose and the voice of Bruno ranging from the somewhat pitched black metal vocals to the soft and powerful clean voice. You have thirteen tracks to drink and ask for more! My highlight goes almost to all songs - I must admit it that I loved the album despite some flaws (the production of the guitar sound could be a little more elaborated in a way to improve even more the overall sound, but I'm just being too itchy...); my highlight goes to "Scourge" for the creepy intro and the musical thereafter, amazing! With this «From The Past Yet To Come», THE FIRSTBORN gave a huge forward step as they are instrumentally more mature and personalized and with an objective in view. If this is from the past yet to come, I will be blasted by the future... (9,5/10)

M.A. (added March 2001)

Directly from Austria, here we present the goth/rock act known as THE FROZEN. Short time ago, the CD arrived at our mailbox and was with astonishing surprise that I've listen to this quartet formed by Dennis Panholzer (vocals and guitar), Tom Koller (guitar), Gerhard Peter (bass) and Tom Zöchling (drums). And I mentioned surprise since I was expecting a grim and brutal band (as usually found in Austria) - I couldn´t be more wrong. THE FROZEN are a rock gothish act with about 5 years of existence (they have emerged during 1998 but since then several line-up changes have occured). Actually with two edited CDs, «Pain» (1998) and «Sudden Frost» (2001), this «Zero» is their third recording. Definitely into the hard rock scene, well mixed with gothic and depressive tunes, the band presents itself in four songs ('Shine In Black', 'Levitate', 'Feelings Are Dead' and 'Disappear'). Simplistic and having not a complex musical structure, «Zero» will surely please the most extremist followers of known goth acts, as well it also will please the hard-type radio listener. Not musically bright or with songs that make you remember THE FROZEN for many months, this «Zero» degrees album serves the purpose of presenting the band to the world yet revealing that those guys need to walk a long path in the meadows of music. Glad to hear some quiet sounds from Austria, the jury gives...(7/10)

M.A. (added August 2003)

Well, I still don’t know why, but I keep putting the eclectic ULVER in the metal reviews. Somewhere, there is an explanation, but I don’t know her. Since the times of «Madrigal Of Night» they left the heavy stuff, but I still worship their work. The masterpiece that was «Marriage of Heaven and Hell» leave completely dazzled, such were the quantity and quality of the edited material. Next, we could hear the jazzy «Perdition City» and a few EPS, where Trickster G and his band mates explore (further more) some unusual sounds. In this «Lycantropen Themes» we have a gathering of repetitive sounds, which are explored in the 10 tracks of the CD. I don’t know what the film talks about, but the Original Soundtrack is very mournful and black. To end this review, the latest CD from ULVER brings nothing new to the work they have done previously. Who already knows Ulver and likes the recent releases from them, certainly will buy this CD. For those who don’t know the work done by ULVER or for those that don’t like this experimental side of Ulver, this CD is dispensable. (6/10)

M.C. (added May 2003)

Directly from the USA right to our CD tray, here's a fine compilation gathering some acts from worldwide. This sampler contains 18 bands from USA to Italy, showing their talent to the metalhead mob. The CD opens with the heavy-height from the house, JESTER'S MOON and their JUDAS PRIEST style, followed by an instrumental 'Moonlight Horizon' by Swedish MOONLIGHT AGONY, the Italians THE PROWLERS (former IRON MAIDEN cover band) and their progressive/heavy style in 'Incubus', next are ELEMENT also from USA with a thrashy approach, Austrian MADOG with the power metal 'Heart Of the Dragonsteel', following HELL CANDIDATES also from USA with a heavy-thrash incision, Polish ANTARES with the progressive 'Shutting The Door', DR. MASTERMIND from USA with a heavy, thrashy and groovy 'Haunted' song, Italian METHARIA with the Italian-lyric song 'Riflesso', American VICTIM with their 'Bedlam' - one of the darkest songs in the compilation (very into the KING DIAMOND scenario), next are Austrian ART OF FEAR and their personification of Power Metal, progressive 'Illusions' from USA's STILL LIFE, following Polish RAPID FIRE with a progressive demonstration in 'Liegia', British STAIRWAY with a groovy 'Under The Gun' NWOBHM alike, next Italian RAIN with a classic heavy incursion, 'Bride Of The Dark' by the British MERCURY RAIN with a more melancholic feeling, Spanish SABATAN with the power/heavy 'Terror Mind' and finally the American BABYLON who gave musical life to a poem of Edgar Allan Poe. Overall a quite good selection of Metal in the Heavy/Power/Progressive styles, this compilation serves it purpose of presenting the acts from several parts of the world. (7/10)

M.A. (added October 2003)

Directly from Hungary, we're proud to review WITHOUT FACE, a relatively young band, already experienced in the Metal works since shared stages with bands like THE GATHERING, ANATHEMA or THE KOVENANT. This aspect was enough to improve their musical quality, as one can state when listening to the debut «Deep Inside». I must say that the seen tracks presented in this CD did not completely satisfied my curiosity for the band that features, although not new, two singers (thrashy male and angelical female). When travelling through the deep inside dimensions, expect a complex musical structure that definitely will not deceive the common Metal fan: their formula blends thrash riffs, melodic vocals, enraging musical strenght, along with a quite mature Metal concept. The CD starts with the (short) intro 'Caleidoscope' leading the way to 'Sands Of Time', where we are surprised by a melodic duet featuring Juliette and Andras (his thrash voice reminds me Phil Anselmo). Keyboards, enhancing the mood and groove of the songs are geometrically delivered by Sasza, always along with the intense riffs of Roomy. Akos and Suto are the guys in charge of the rhytmic section. Then cames 'I and I', also featured in the CD-ROM track as bonus video (worth seeing...); and since we're talking about PC files, expect (although not fully operational) a great presentation of the band, with a personalized bio (featuring a profile of each of the members), the lyrics for the album, a photo gallery and their contact. A side-note: this may be taken as example for future newcomers on the scene, since enhances the info and complements the music to new listeners, eager to know more about the bands. Enough divagation!... I must confess that 'I and I' endlessly plays on my hi-fi since the (almost) perfect combination of the above musical aspects was achieved in this song. Next track is 'Hymn To The Night', more epic and esotheric (great arabian mood) but along the progressive vein of their particular sound, followed by 'Screaming Heartbeat', perfectly conducted by the thrashy/angelical duet. 'Depression', as one would suspect consists in a very short keyboard instrumental, that opens the musical gates to 'The Picture', where Roomy's guitar excellence arises right in the beginning of the song. Concluding, WITHOUT FACE are a band to follow closely, since combine live experience with interesting musical ideas and an immense will to create a different sound, very progressive and using a complex musical structure. In the process of musical maturation, and since some of the band members are already veterans in the scene, WITHOUT FACE might surprise many metalheads worldwide. Definitely, «Deep Inside» is advised to any true Metal fan, specially those with no attitude musical problems of any kind. I really enjoyed this short but very distinctive album, so... (9,5/10)

M.A. (added February 2002)

As said before: "Welcome To The World Ov Worms"! First let me introduce you to the 4 words that best define this release - brutal mass destruction metal, a style intensely performed by bands such as BEHEMOTH, VADER and other brutal meisters... One of the most expected releases of 2001, surely the album will not disappoint the major part of the people, since it has the perfect combination: its a superband, featuring known members of EMPEROR (Zamoth aka Samoth, in charge of the guitars and bass and Trym, drumming as hell), MYRKSKOG (Destructhor, also axing bass and the lead guitar) and LIMBONIC ART (the grunter Daemon, who became a member of ZYKLON, right after the recording sessions). The lyricist was Bard Eithun, former member of EMPEROR, currently dealing with a penalty for homicide. With a combination as explosive as this one, the result is a heavy powered Death Metal album; yet, don't expect this to be free brutality, as delivered by some low-profile bands. The album structure is very well defined (as the songs) and circling around religious fanatism - they question not only Xtian but all forms of organized religion (note the curious banner in the inlay of the CD, where the band states their support to the end of the war between different religions). Indeed an excellent album in the Death area, very fast, aggressive and excellent in its essence, mixing pieces of the bands that originated ZYKLON: MYRKSKOG, for the speed and the 'in-your-face' sound; EMPEROR, for the melodies and the more smooth side of this «World Ov Worms». Elsewhere is said that ZYKLON-B, the real mother for this band (and former project of Samoth) has much more to do with it but I had not (yet) contact to the their sound so a reasonable linkage cannot be made. So, if you're fan of mass destruction, interested in high profiled albums, lover of Metal, curious about quality releases and need something to fullfil that gap in your life, get your copy of this future world. Overall, they really got me... (10/10)

M.A. (added May 2001)

And this promo CD striked my CD player with such devastation that several days were necessary to get back into shape... Yep, these French quintet: Alex (guitars), Andrew (drums), Mat (bass), Sargon (vocals) and Xavier (guitars) suprised me with their raging musical deliverance for their «Violentia Imperatrix Mundi» album, to be released and available for world mass domination. 7th NEMESIS began activities during December 2000 after the bury of SARGANAS, a black-death project and during the late 2001 began the composition of 9 principles that will elaborate «Violentia Imperatrix Mundi», from which these three devastation blasts were taken. Initiating with «7th Banner» (a hymn to the band?), passing through «Omega Dei» and finishing with «Phoenix Resurrectio» these guys presented about 10 minutes of well elaborated music into the Death Metal (often reminding me VADER). The band managed, in these songs, to not fall into the usual monotonic cliches of Death Metal and created something worth listening during a long period of time. Definitely, my highlight goes to «7th Banner» which I found very 'vaderish' and almost technically perfect - this songs continues to make me headbang like a freak! The other two songs are also a demonstration of the high quality of the band, musically and technically. If these three songs blown my breathe away, imagine the entire album!.... Definitely recommended!... (9/10)

M.A. (added October 2002)