Category Archives: Bands X Y Z

Xandria – Theater of Dimensions (2017) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Xandria - Theater of Dimensions - Album Cover

They did it. They finally did it. Xandria managed to keep one of their female fronts a bit longer than for a felt stretch of one album only. So, here they again feature the classically trained Dutch singer Dianne Van Giersbergen on their second album in a row. And rightly so. Talented girl that she is, she can easily match a range from Tarja Turunen, over Floor Jansen, and back to Simone Simons. And that means something.

As the band’s progression goes, already their last contribution Sacrificium was a step up the star-studded ladder of operatic glory. This makes you … [...] Click to raid more!

Video: Zornheym portray The Opposed!

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RockmusicRaider Newsflash - Zornheym - The Opposed

It is not easy to secure the publication of a video around the RMR office. But there are exceptions to the rule, as always. And one of those exceptions is the (kind of) new Swedish Symphonic Death Metal band Zornheym.

They created a somewhat gory and haunting video expression called The Opposed, telling a story of a possessed and violent inmate of a mental institution. This nicely follows their overall concept or storyline centering around the horrors of just such an establishment and its sorry occupants. 

Apart from a stellar mix of symphonic meets meaty metal, the video itself is of outstanding quality. I would specifically like … [...] Click to raid more!

Newsflash: Balaam impersonated. By Xaon!

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RockmusicRaider Newsflash - Xaon - Face of Balaam - Album Cover

The wicked prophet is loose with his donkey again, facing the sword-wielding angel! Or something of that nature. And in Switzerland to boot.

If an EP serves – as the lore goes – to show the skills of a band in their early days, then the Swiss band Xaon hit dead center with their upcoming, self-released album Face of Balaam. Expecting some watery metal concoction, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this tsunami rolling over me. And by Loki, these guys serve an intense and aggressive brand of their favorite metal.

And talking about early days.

Xaon formed in … [...] Click to raid more!

Zierler – ESC (2015) – Review

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RockmusicRaider Review - Zierler - ESC - Album Cover

Do you think that you found your progressive nirvana with Guilt Machine, Leprous, Ayreon, or Opeth? 

Well, nope.

Zierler‘s ESC builds back better. Right? Or worse, depending on how you look at it. Or more complex? Too complex? All of the above? Or nothing at all of value.

Well, this is the confusing message this record projects at the first listen until you wrap your mind around it. And it will improve with age. You just need to give it some time to mature – like old wine. And as you progress, you will discover new bits and pieces.… [...] Click to raid more!