NUNSLAUGHTER
Total oldschool Death-Thrash annihilation from Ohio! This album just pounds away relentlessly at your ears with minimal subtlety, and I have to admit, it's done damn well. This is strictly for fans of raw, early-mid '80's extreme bands like Sodom, Venom, Vulcano, and Hellhammer. In fact, if I had to compare it to any album, I'd say it's up there with Vulcano's new album, "Tales From The Black Book". Ironically, as raw as this album is, it's actually, at the same time, produced very well, in the sense that you can hear all the notes and instruments clearly, and all-in-all, it comes across very tight. The rawness comes in with the band's style, riffs, vocals, and aggression. The lyrics are pretty much silly blasphemies and horror-film-inspired gore-tales, with such titles like "Jesus Is Doomed", "The Guts Of Christ", "Sacrificial Zombies", and "Satanic Slut", but as far as I'm concerned, that's a good thing, as that's what oldschool extreme bands were about. This is the metal equivalent of Romero's "Dawn Of The Dead"- cult, classic, and sick.
Album highlights- "Angel Hunt" & "Raid The Convent"
Rating- 8 of 10
www.metalwarprod.com
Review by - Erik Chrupalyk
VULCANO
At a time when Metal is on a resurgence-Halford rejoins Judas Priest, Larry Lalonde starts talking about a possible Possessed reunion, Tom Warrior talking of a Celtic Frost reunion, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and Dio are doing an American tour together-it only makes sense that these Brazilian thrashers be included in the Metal up-rise, and make not only a return, but a dignified, full-on old-school assault!
The last recordings I've heard (before this, that is) by Vulcano were the three bonus tracks recorded in 1998 (with only remaining members the late Soto Junior on guitar, and Zhema on bass) that were attached to the 1985 "VULCANO LIVE!" album, and when compared to their earlier stuff, those three tracks were a lot different, and overall, less motivated-sounding, but "Tales From The Black Book" is a total embodiment of the latter tracks' better production and tighter performance, and the earlier material's momentum, excitement, liveliness, and passion. These guys have gotten older, but the fire has NOT been extinguished!
Most exciting of all for me, is the return of their old vocalist Angel, and the newly re-recorded versions of "Satan's Warriors" now called "Guerreros De Sata" (in their native tongue-Portuguese) and "Total Destruction" now called "Total Destruicao." The other elevan tracks on the album ring of the same bell: raw, uncompromising, fast, and purely insane!
I can't stress enough just how important this band, and this album are, but quite easily, these guys are the best band to have come out of not just Brazil, but South America as a whole! And let us not forget that Sepultura came from Brazil and Slayer's Tom Araya was a native of Chile. THANK YOU, Vulcano for wreaking havoc and proving that true Metal never dies!
Review by Erik Chrupalyk
To be released August 15th.
WARHAG
It’s really funny how this album came to me…it literally CAME to me. As I was checking my email one day, I came across an interesting message. This message was from Kurt Phillips, whom was a part of the old-school metal band WITCHKILLER!!! As it turns out, he noticed the posted review of the WITCHKILLER album (written by Chris) and wanted to know if UNSTOPPABLE FORCE was interested in his new band, WARHAG. Of course, after several listens, I HAD to review this material…it simply MUST be heard. Read on, and venture into a world of fantasy, adventure, and a nod to the past…
The opening track, “First Nations” is an instrumental, which sets the mood. Slowly building up the aura of emotion and attention, some twinkling keyboard accompanies very nicely played acoustic guitar, courtesy of Kurt Phillips, with soothing drums (Scott Gamble) to keep the beat. A slow and mellow electric guitar comes in, and repeats a very NWOBHM riff, which becomes louder and heavier. Soon, this guitar melody is harmonized, and the effect of a duel guitar attack is heard. This fades out into silence along with repeated keys and drums.
The following track, “Rage of Angels” is absolutely KILLER. I kid you not…I listened to this song about three or four times before moving on; it’s THAT good!!! Opening up with some fast drums, “Rage…” blasts into some very cool guitar leads, almost reminiscent of IRON MAIDEN. Bass guitar (Joy Toyota-Phillips) is perfectly amplified when appropriate, which first occurs at the silencing of the guitar lead. Electric-acoustic guitar chimes in, and then the vocals begin. Vocalist Kyle Sckorche sings at a mid-range, and can be compared in the following way: Fuse the range of Khan from KAMELOT, and the distinctions of Biff from SAXON and BLAZE BAYLEY. Although these comparisons seem evident to me, Kyle still maintains his own distinct sounding voice, which can be VERY difficult to do when playing this kind of music. The lyrics are really attention drawing, thanks to the way they are sung. The guitar and bass keep a very tight beat with the execution of the vocals, and the drums never miss a beat. Melody and heaviness are incorporated as the verse is continued to be sung. The chorus is VERY catchy, as Joy sings along, adding a very nice touch to the music!! A blistering guitar solo is executed, painting a visual image of anger and apocalypse. You can almost see the warriors on the land gazing in awe at the raging angels, as described in the lyrics of the chorus. The entire song maintains a NWOBHM feel to it, yet can stand alone as a song of its current time.
Track three, “Mean Mouth” opens with some very commanding bass, which remains dominate through the entire song, giving “Mean…” a very evil & gloomy feeling.
“Transmit your poison…”
With these kind of lyrics, it is clear why Joy’s bass has an important role in this song. Definitely a song I can dedicate to a few people I know…(LOL!!!)
“Into the Castle…With Crosses in Hand”
It seems that the people in the story are all being taken to the darkside, and only a few warriors can fight the evil, using their faith. Obviously, there are strong religious references being made here. This is my only complaint…I’m not too big on religious lyrics, but this still rocks (and I AM a fan of SACRED WARRIOR, SEVENTH AVE, and others)!!! I had to listen to this song over and over again…I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s the kind of song you want to sing along with. The guitar solo is wicked!!!!! Moans, screams, wha effects, holds….its all here!!!! Towars the end of the song, “Into the Castle” is sung a few times, and Joy really chimes in a little more, and she sounds great!
“Sinister Grip” is the next song, and once again, the bass is sounding great. Acoustic guitar is setting the mood, along with the beat of the drums. The beat picks up, and Kyle really shows his range.
“Fire in my Heat”
Right before the guitar solo, the pace quickens, as the vocals are executed melodically and powerfully. The guitar solo rips, with screams, fingering, and hold.
“Sinister Grip…I’m in a Sinister Grip”
…is repeated a few times along with some heavy guitar. This song is like a roller coaster ride…the emotions are raging, soft, heavy, and mellow.
Closing track, “Saxon’s Return” is a respective nod to the past days of WITCHKILLER. I am leaving this song for you to hear…I simply don’t want to ruin it…IT HAS TO BE HEARD!!!!!!!!!!! Got it??? THIS FUCKING ROCKS!!!!
I will say that you will need to be prepared to raise your fist in the air and bang your head like mad…I did.
This EP is a nice breath if fresh air. …Not a typical power metal album; not a dated-sounding album; not a “one good song, the rest sucks” album. This is essential metal…BUY OR DIE!!!
THERE IS NOWHERE FOR YOU TO GO…THE WARHAG HAS YOU. PREPARE FOR ITS SINISTER GRIP!!!!!!
RATING: 10/10
LINE UP
VOCALS -- Kyle Sckorche
LINKS
CONTACT
Review by - Anthony DeLuca
HIRAX
The band sent me this months ago, and I swore I reviewed it, but it turns out, I didn't! I possibly wrote the review on paper, and forgot to type it up, perhaps? Anyway, Hirax are a legendary Thrash Metal band from Southern California who have made a return in the past few years, and one hell of one I have to say! This album sounds like it was recorded in 1987! I'm glad they chose to throw in lots of dynamics, like different time signatures, clean riffs, etc. That always makes an album sound fresh from one listen to another. Captured on this disc are classic riffs and shouts, akin to earlier Slayer ("Murder One") and Nuclear Assault ("Walk With Death"), but still maintaining their own vibe. To be quite honest, "Reign In Blood" is weak compared to this. If you've lost faith in Thrash Metal, due to the latest trends in metal (neo-black metal w/ keyboards, dragon-slaying power metal, over artsy gayness like Opeth, etc.), then consider this your "Messiah". Whether it goes recognized by the masses as a classic Thrasher, it does not matter because the true will adore it. BUY OR DIE!!!!
www.HIRAX.org
Review by - Erik Chrupalyk
GREAT KAT
ALL BOW BEFORE THE GREAT KAT AND WORSHIP AT HER FEET! This supreme classical/thrash Goddess returns with some serious musical destruction! The album, inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, starts off with a version of Wagner's "The Ride Of The Valkyries" and is an orchestrated prelude to "War", a brutal attack on your ears, as she repeats, "KILL! KILL! KILL!" over and over again, behind a wall of speed metal riffing, and melodic, yet insane classical lead guitar runs. "Terror" is probably my favorite track on this, yet sadly it's only a minute and 22 seconds!
The album is divided by three parts, titled: "Act 1: War", "Act 2: Revenge", and "Act 3: Victory". Now moving into Act 2, tracks like "Punishment" and "Humiliation" reflect very much so on her crazed persona... Insane lead guitar and violin assault your body with full force!
Act 3 features the tracks entitled, "Hungarian Rhapsody #2", which is a very glorious-sounding piece of speed classical! Her best violin-work to date; and "Zapateado" which showcases another dose of orchestrated work, rather than speed metal. But oddly enough, it still sounds just as chaotic. It's like a happy frenzy, almost!
I'd advise you all to check this out, because nobody can really compare to The Great Kat. She makes guys like Yngwie Malmsteen look like just another guitarist! Seriously though, do any of you really thing Yngwie could hold up well in a truly classical/symphonic environment? No. But The Great Kat can, for sure. See for yourself. www.greatkat.com Contact: greatkat@greatkat.com
Review by - Erik Chrupalyk
VYNDYKATOR
Imagine yourself walking the streets at night. You’re cold, tired, and just want to get yourself home. Home…your safe, warm place from the gloom of the dark city. Something is different about tonight…there is a sense of utter quiet and evil. Something or someone is watching you. But who?
Out of the shadows, stepping into a dimmed streetlight appears the Ghoul Man. His hands clutching the cold air; eyes peering into your frightened soul; face mocking your cries of help, showing no expression or emotion. The underground has risen…and the Ghoul Man has come for YOU!!!
The imagery you have just seen is that of the debut release from New Jersey’s Metal Masters, VYNDYKATOR. Gracing their album cover is the Ghoul Man…the answer to the lost characterization of trademark. It seems that Iron Maiden’s Eddie has some competition. Yes, Ghoul Man is the new breed of heavy metal mascot: always there & out to get you! If you think the cover is great, wait until you hear the music. Here’s a synopsis of the entire album, just so you can get the idea that VYNDYKATOR are here to stay…and they mean business!
Opening track, “Eternal Rest” starts with some serious eerie guitar and doom-like bass. Just by the first few notes, I feel like I’m being sucked back into the 80’s…back into some horror movie where I’m about to die. The anxiety is built up so high, I feel like my heart is about to explode. Then, the spoken words chime in….
No Purpose
A Brutal Ending
Free of Torture
Free of Prison...........or Not....
Leading into the next track, “Blood Stained Gallows” I am taken for a long plunge into the metal madness. Bob Mitchel’s vocals are perfectly in sync with the music, making the time signatures perfect!! It’s the kind of beat that you can’t help but really BANG YOUR HEAD TO!!!! There’s some heavy duty head-banging to be done here.
Faces, lost for all times
Traces, which led to your crimes
Mercy, release me from destiny
Victim, of insanities reign
Chosen, by the evil messiah
Mercy, I throw myself at you
(Chorus)
Blood Stain
Stained Gallows
These lyrics really go for the throat!!! Mr. Mitchell’s vocals are UDO-ish, yet he still hits appropriate high notes at just the right moments. This makes me laugh with awe at how fucking cool this is…at yet it’s only the first song. After the chorus is repeated, there is a breakdown, and then the guitar solo comes in, blistering with licks and strong imagery of the song’s portrayal. An occasional guitar “scream” is added, which really adds to the whole horror theme. The end of the song adds a small time change, which is much needed for my fast-beating heart, but only then warps back into hyper speed.
One of my most favorite songs on this album follows: “Rot In The Chamber”. The opening notes are killer, and give a feel of charging and oblivion. The vocals come in almost immediately, and are executed with a sense of reign. Clearly, this is a song FULL of emotion, leading into the plot of this song.
Accused of Crimes
Scapegoat for a Mob
They need to accuse
To satisfy their souls
Now I wait for the Truth to be revealed
Until that day
My Life Concealed
Then the chorus comes into play, with such a beat and rhythm one cannot help himself to pound their fist into the air as it’s being sung. This was exactly what I did!!! There is a pause, and an Yngwie Malmstein-like guitar lick is executed. The tune becomes more rhythmical: “No Mercy!…My Life now Worthless…What Mercy?” As this is being sung, there are many guitar licks and melodies being played in sync with the execution of the vocals, along with a cleverly played bass line. Then the rhythm slows down a bit, but the drums speed up, almost like pounding, galloping war drums! Chugging guitars and thumping bass align the dimensions of the evil, rough vocals. Rot in the chamber!!!! A single guitar is played quickly. Then the bass, drums and other guitar repeat this melody several times. HEAVY SHIT!!! Pace quickens, and the vocals come in again, fierce and high. The chorus is played again. Time change occurs with a JUDAS PRIEST like melody you’d hear from “Jugulator”. It’s brutal! No wonder VYN has featured this track in several metal compilations.
Featured in another killer metal compilation, which also has a VYN story, is “Tapping The Vein”. The guitars are at times BLACK SABBATH-like, yet keep the VYN trademark. The tune is fast and furious: (quickly)ne ne ne ne ne ne ne ne ne ne ne ne DA DA!!! (repeat) This is executed with tight drums and bass, adding a VERY memorable beat which simply must be head-banged to!!! This halts, and a tribe-like drum and bass spell out doom, building the adrenaline. The guitars play again, one on rhythm and the other on a continued lick. Time changes again, as the last verse is sung:
Fabricate stirring tales of chivalry
Amputate golden wings
Fascination lures you to its Calvary
Termination closes possibility (which is sung REALLY HIGH)
Apparition chant (which is hauntingly SCREAMED)
This song basically rips your head off and plays bombard with it, because you can’t stop banging to the tune!!!
Onto the next song, “Mister Murder” you can’t help but feel there’s something very special about this song. By now, most albums begin to lack the energy they previously displayed, loosing the listener’s attention. These songs are called “fillers”. I bring this point of information to attention because this album has continuously kept me on my feet, playing the air guitar, banging my head, pounding my fist, and wanting MORE AND MORE!!!!!
The supremacy of VYNDYKATOR is clear…they are not another new power metal band with three or four good songs to their name. They have influences just like everyone else, but they don’t try to be their mentors. Special….this song BLASTS into a fierce guitar lick that made me want to grab my guitar and pretend I was playing that wonderful melody I was hearing. The kind of melody that you’d expect from IRON MAIDEN, yet not the kind that makes you think, “Are they IRON MAIDEN rip-offs”. The drums once again pound away, then the guitar note is held until it fades into quiet, while a bass solo is played. Then the song speeds up, in vein of the previous guitar melody, while the vocals command every note.
I have no time to chase
The end is here now
Now in Hell
Yes in hell
Time will tell
I'll not leave
You shall not be
Ever free
Beneath me
The time changes, and the guitar is played with a unique type of distortion, which adds flavor and interest in the song. The drum: “dink, dink”, then the guitar plays a whaling, scream. This is all followed by the rhythm played to the tune of the previous unique guitar sounds. It just sounds fucking awesome!!! One guitar is soloing and just going off, while the drums take lead of the bass and rhythm being played. This is something which HAS TO BE HEARD, yet even better, NEEDS TO BE SEEN LIVE!!! The opening riff is led into, followed by the vocals. Doom and melody are the name of the game here, and are played to perfection.
Now you will pay (sung brutally)
With your life
With your life (this is sung high, and the note is held…AWESOME!)
The drums command the end of the song, with slamming beats and screaming symbols. The last vocal line is held high, and the tune is ferocious: “(quickly and heavy)ba ba, ba ba, ba ba ba ba, ba – ba” This is played several times, then a blistering guitar solo screams its way out the speakers, while the tune is continuously played. A sudden stop occurs. Electric acoustic melodies are played, while the distortion grows, repeating the intro melody with added heaviness and some added guitar licks. It is a musical masterpiece!!!
The next song is an intrumental...something which has lost attention on metal albums. "Flight of the Wombat" is a furious metal attack, showcasing the talents of VYNDYKATOR's musicians. Melody, heaviness, speed, harmony...it's all here. Bass lines that kill, drum beats that lead you off your feet...time changes, chugging rhythms...it's ALL HERE! VYN prooves that old school metal is here to stay!!! Bang that head again!!!
The album closes out with a cover of "Deceiver" from JUDAS PRIEST. A nod to their mentors, VYN takes this song to a whole new level. Every aspect of the band shines thru. Like the lyrics say, "...We shall stay forever". I hope they do!!!
BUY THIS ALBUM OR DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RATING: 100/10
(yes...it's THAT DAMN GOOD!...AND NO, THAT ISN'T AN ERROR. I SAID 100 OUT OF 10, DAMN IT!!!!!)
Review by - ANTHONY
DECIEVERION
S/T
HELLFLAME PRODUCTIONS(C)2002
This demo was given to me by George, the man responsible for the wretched vocals, riffs, and basslines behind this mayhemic slab of darkened metal. The first 3 tracks on this demo were also featured on the first demo of 2002 which I already reviewed, so I won't go over them again. This demo however features 3 new songs, one being a Celtic Frost cover. "Siren Song Confessions" starts off with a clean, atmospheric riff but gets redundant after it plays for a good minute. It actually reminds me of the early Angel Witch (clean riffs) material at first, with the phaser or flanger on it, or whatever the effect is. Then comes in the distorted riff, pretty slow and melodic, just a couple chords being struck. This is the kind of stuff heavier bands need, to give it more dynamics! The pace picks up a lot, but doesn't leave the melodies behind... In comes the raspy, distorted vocals... and wow this part is actually pretty catchy! It's a good song, but it can be a bit dragged out a bit, to be honest. In my head, I'm creating harmonies that could go over this, that I think are lacking from this song. The style is still comparable to Dissection, but now that I've been listening to a lot more melodic Black/Death Metal, I can see more originality in this than I had previously thought. Drummer Cazz Grant adds tasteful beats and rolls to everything George does. I'd like to see them with more members, to add more influences into the mix, and so they could be a live experience as well. "Visions From The Flaming Skies" also starts out slow and melodic, with a clean-styled riff, almost Dave Mustaine-ish actually, but the distortion is on. I'm finding myself liking this material moreso than the demo I was sent months ago, in part due to my recent playlist of Swedish bands and to my guitar style leaning more towards the melodic yet heavy sound. There are some clean vocal harmonies on this one, that definetly add even more versatility to the band, along with atmosphere, but it seems George should try this vocal style a bit more, for better range and dynamics. Cazz starts doing a blast beat while George speeds up on a Maiden-influenced riff, then back to a chordal picked part. I guess you could call this semi-progressive melodic Black/Thrash Metal? Or as I jokingly refer to bands of this ilk as "Black/Power Metal" (no Black Panthers references please).
"Dethroned Emperor", a classic Celtic Frost song is covered last. It's been a while since I've heard the original, so it's a bit unfair to totally compare the versions, but the Tom Warrior-ish "HUH!!!!" is in there! With the obvious Frost vibe, but the more traditional Scandanavian BM production approach, I'd say this comes out sounding a bit like some Darkthrone material I've heard.
Definetly a good band, my only advice is to improve the good songs they've already got by adding harmonized licks overtop the heavier riffs, and more clean vocals.
For contact, E-mail George at Decieverion_PABM@hotmail.com
Decieverion(www.angelfire.com/band2/decieverion)
Decieverion s/t 12'' vinyl now out on Hellflame Productions!!!!!
$14.00
limited to 333 copies!!!
Infernal Hatred(www.infernalhorde.com/atopbihsf)
You Hate Us-We Hate You!!!!
New CD in progress "Asphyxiated By The Masses" for Regimental Records...
Tormented 'Zine
www.members.aol.com/ofpureblood/tormentedzine
Issue #5 coming soon!!!!
Review by - ERIK
Goat
© 2003 Metal War Productions
www.nunslaughter.com
nun666slaughter@hotmail.com
Tales From The Black Book
© 2003 Advance Copy
************************
www.MetaWarProd.com (US distro)
www.vulcano.hpg.com.br (web Site)
zzagreus666@hotmail.com(Band address)
renegadosrecords@hotmail.com (Label address)
SINISTER GRIP
© 2003 Independent Release
“…nothing but a mean mouth”
Track four, “Into the Castle”, is what I call the “Ass kicker – Part II” (part II because “Rage…” kicked my ass pretty bad too). Opening with some melodic and old-school sounding guitar, “Into…” waists no time in delivering the goods!! As the power chords are played, drums and bass compliment the heaviness of the guitar. This is played three or four times, then all the heaviness and power explode!!! Only after you think the song is going to launch into hyper speed, it slows down with some electric-acoustic guitar, with some electric licks added for effect, while the bass and drums keep a very tight beat.
The lyrics speak of an evil presence which is at large and growing. The chorus kicks in, and once again, Joy is heard singing along. This time around, I REALLY liked how this was done; it sounded awesome!!!! This has to be one of the catchiest choruses around…
“To banish this fiend from the Land”
“Divided the kingdom…the Power, the Glory”
“Forever and ever…Amen”
“And Thunder in my Brain”
“Am I going Mad”
“Slip into Insane”
“Will I Go to Hell” (…which is roughly screamed followed by some wha-guitar...cool!!)
“Or will I be Saved”
“Fire in my Heat”
“Thunder in my Brain”
GUITARS -- Kurt Phillips
BASS/BackVOCALS -- Joy Toyota-Phillips
DRUMS -- Scott Gamble
BARRAGE OF NOISE
Deep Six Records (C) 2001
P.O. Box 1474; Cypress, CA 90630
WAGNER'S WAR
TPR Music (C) 2002
HEAVEN SENT FROM HELL
UNISOUND RECORDS, (C)2002
This guy sound like he came straight from the depths of hell, and literally made the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up! An evil laugh follows these words, and makes me feel like I’ve come to a point of no return, filled with horror and evil. The slow, eerie guitar pauses, then the same melody is played over, only this time with added distortion and heaviness. The double bass drums add a killer effect, enriching the song with more anxiety and depth. Heavy and melodic tunes fill my ears, as I wait for the song to take off even more. I can’t stand this tension anymore…the melodies get heavier, the drums faster, the bass more evil; everything is now in complete turbo force…