Tag Archives: 8/10

Dio – Holy Diver (1983) – Review

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When – in 1982 – Ronnie James Dio defected from Black Sabbath and got his own band in a tearing hurry, we were all kind of scratching our heads. Not knowing where this was all going to end. Of course, also counting the fact that Vinnie Appice took off with him on this flight from the witches.

The vapors surrounding their somewhat abrupt departure were pregnant with disconsolate news. About infighting at Black Sabbath, all about power and who should be calling the shots. And am I not surprised: The alpha-males assembled were probably incapable to let go and work together. All severely opinionated to … [...] Click to raid more!

Draconian – Sovran (2015) – Review

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Scandinavia seems to be an endless source of all things metal. This time we get it from Sweden, where I thought only the happy blonde bombshells dwell – but not so. The 6th studio album Sovran from Draconian is – at its base – real Doom Metal. 

A powerful brand of Doom wanting to ice the bones in your body, and pound you crying into the dust with a deluge of sadness and tribulations. Interesting, how underrated this band is compared to the better-known players in the genre. Especially in comparison with the Peaceville Three – myth or not. Draconian are really up there with the best.… [...] Click to raid more!

Empty Trail – Hollow Hearted (2014) – Review

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Not sure what it is with the Lone Star State. The flag? Stetsons? The water? Or is it the Texan climate that seems to churn out musicians of a special kind?

Empty Trail reaches us from Austin, TX with their 2nd EP Hollow Hearted which was released back in 2014. 

Now, if I hear one-man band, EP, and first EP used at the same time, I’ll start to worry. Then come start-up and such, and expectations are usually limited – teeth-grindingly limited. Heard it all before already.

Some of them bands are good. But often they range from cannot sing, … [...] Click to raid more!

Blynd – Liber Sum (2015) – Review

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Picture this: The genteel nation of Cyprus. Loads of Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Mediterranean Salad, and some local wine on the side. Lazy drives around the countryside with visits to beaches and places unknown. Boat rides and snorkeling tours. Nice, gentle music, warm winds caressing your skin. Drinks at the bar with sunburned friends, hot chicks, and all. Well, there you go, Liber Sum (I am free in Latin), you will think.

Sound good? Vacation needed? Liber Sum?

And now this: Harsh, pitiless metal sounds assaulting my ears out of my headphones, no clean singing allowed. Genteel little nation in the midst of the ocean? Nope. Come again! 

Growly greetings from the metal … [...] Click to raid more!