18 julio 2018

1675 - Slough Feg Warrior´s Dawn 2000

"Down Among the Deadmen" is an astounding masterpiece in every regard, a true example of a timeless heavy metal classic. As many have found, Slough Feg's style of heavy metal isn't anything like the bands they take after despite their similarities to many groups like Iron Maiden, Manilla Road...; but some strangely original and bombastic rioting which reeks of a totally comfortable group doing what it wants to do. Most of their albums are at least worth a listen, but "Down Among the Deadmen" is in a galaxy of its own. It is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of Slough Feg's songwriting, artistic ability, and likeability. "Warriors Dawn" runs through a multitude of gallops and excellent solos, using riffs and sections that carry their own weight, pound for pound.

1674 - Overkill Where it Hurts 1994

Overkill's second release for Atlantic Records, W.F.O. probably represents the formal beginnings of a '90s commercial swoon for the thrash metal band. The group had formed on the East Coast during the early-'80s thrash heyday, and somehow managed to make a name for itself within a genre dominated by mostly West Coast artists like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. It seemed like there was very little room for artists from New York's metal underground in the very tight quarters of aggressive metal's small but staunchly loyal market. With the exception of Anthrax, there weren't too many bands capable of making a real mark on the national metal scene, but Overkill was never discouraged, and on a couple of occasions (most notably after the 1991 release of the band's finest effort, Horrorscope) it seemed that things might work out for the group. The most instantly recognizable change is in the volume of DD Verni's bass and the tone of the guitars, you can check it on this "Where it hurts".

10 abril 2018

1673 - The Cramps Human Fly 1979

Few bands actually spawn entire genres of music but The Cramps did that and their sound spawned what is now referred to as psychobilly. They mixed punk rock, surf, rockabilly, and garage rock to create a sound unlike anything. The band’s performance were a thing of legend with enigmatic frontman, Lux Interior, writhing around the stage while his wife, Poison Ivy, hypnotized the audience with her guitar work. They were quite a spectacle both visually and audibly. at the time. Released in 1979, The Cramps' debut EP "Gravest Hits" demonstrates the band's unique flair for fusing camp, Link Wray-inspired riffs, B-movies, and bizarre performances. It contains five tracks. The first release by the Cramps shows the group laying out many of the aspects of their curious style in rudimentary fashion. Raw, slashing guitar playing derived mostly from rockabilly and somewhat from psychedelic and 1960s garage pop (the group would have no bass player until the mid-'80s) and primitive drumming provide the platform for Lux Interior's eccentric singing, which is best described as a hyper-crazed, reverb-drenched, exhibitionist rockabilly style complete with groaning, shouting, growling, and hiccuping effects. The only song written by the band here is "Human Fly," a skulking mid-tempo fuzz-guitar number with monster movie lyrics.

13 enero 2018

1672 - Avalanch Corazón Negro 2001

The sound of "El ángel caído" is mid to fast paced power metal, with some thrashy and galloping riffs. Most of the songs feature some good solos and instrumental parts. The drumming is simple but effective. And the vocals are clean, not melodic for the most part though. In the original edition of the album, we can read the names of the sextet that at that time formed the band: Víctor García (vocals), Alberto Rionda (guitar), Roberto García (guitar), Francisco Fidalgo (bass), Iván Blanco (keyboards) and Alberto Ardines (drums). In December 2016 Alberto Rionda announced his intention to retake the band Avalanch to celebrate the anniversary of the album El Ángel Caído, recording it again, although with a completely new line-up. At the moment the band is known as 'Avalanch All Star Band' and is conformed by Israel Ramos to the voice, Rionda and Jorge Salán on the guitars, Manuel Ramil on the keyboards, Magnus Rosen on the bass and Mike Terrana on drums. The first thing that comes to mind is the production of the work, it sounds impressive, it is clear and brilliant; You can easily listen to each differentiated instrument in the mix. It is a more orchestral and guitarist album, some guitar solos have been changed and others are completely new, clearly distinguishing each one. Other riffs have also been played differently, but always respecting the original form of each song. "Corazón negro" is a powerful, catchy song, devoted to their native Asturias.

20 diciembre 2017

1671 - Arch Enemy The Race 2017

War Eternal took on new changes in the band’s sound and chemistry, proving to be an energetic good time. Alissa White-Gluz introduced a new edge of lyricism to the band, while the group continued to show their ability in creating powerful and vibrant instrumentation. It is with this in mind that Will To Power (Century Media) acts as the next step for Arch Enemy, as they amp up their sound and musicianship to new highs. Will To Power includes another new addition in the line-up, with that being ex-Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis. While the entire record is an instrumental treat, the most powerful aspects are the guitar work of Loomis and Michael Amott. In practically every song, each musician presents outstanding melodies that blend with brutal rhythms, creating a mix of pure brutality and a sensational catchiness. Drummer Daniel Erlandsson and bassist Sharlee D’Angelo also contribute an immense drive and adrenaline to the material. It is in Will To Power where we find White-Gluz taking a much stronger lead in the band. After a catchy introduction in “Set Flame To The Night”, the band shifts themselves into high gear with “The Race”, bringing back an energy that is similar to old-school Arch Enemy. The drumming clashes forward with a relentless flow as the guitar rhythm rides on waves of searing riffs and delicious melody. From the moment the music kicks off, White-Gluz lashes out with sharp gutturals that pack grit.