Sentenced - The Funeral Album

Gothic Metal
Century Media

2005

1. May Today Become the Day
2. Ever-Frost
3. We Are But Falling Leaves
4. Her Last 5 Minutes
5. Where Waters Fall Frozen (Interlude)
6. Despair-Ridden Hearts
7. Vengeance Is Mine
8. A Long Way To Nowhere
9. Consider Us Dead
10. Lower The Flags
11. Drain Me
12. Karu (Interlude)
13. End Of The Road

Thus arives a moment I really kind of hoped would never happen. This is it for Sentenced... the final album. It's sad to see such a great band come to a close. Sentenced has been a favorite of mine for some time and I would put them head and shoulders above any other goth band to come before and after. They've always kept a certain heaviness to their take on goth which just creates an incredible mix of anger and depression. That's what I really love about them... the emotion they've always portrayed so well.

This album is basically their patented style from start to finish. No big changes grace this final outing as Sentenced say goodbye to their fans. Not quite as slick in the production as Cold White Light this album resembles the Frozen album most in sound I suppose. There's a bit of Crimson here though as well as some of the songs are more laid back then the previous release. The somewhat rawer sound seems to benefit this album as it just adds to the sort of somber feel. There's still plenty of heaviness, it's just not quite as upbeat as some of the tracks on Cold White Light. From start to finish this album delivers songs to match their best material and is a suiting farewell to this incredibly talented act. I don't want to say goodbye after hearing it, but as their music states time and time again... such farewells are inevitable. So goodbye Sentenced and thanks for the music. This may be the end of your road, but I will always enjoy what you've created.

Highlights: Despair-Ridden Hearts, Vengeance Is Mine, Lower The Flags, End Of The Road

Rating - 4.0/5

Savage Circus - Dreamland Manor

Power Metal
Dockyard 1
2005

1. Evil Eyes
2. Between The Devil And The Seas
3. Waltz Of The Demon
4. Tomorrowland
5. It - The Gathering
6. Beyond Reality
7. When Hell Awakes
8. Ghost Story
9. Born Again By The Night

Having departed from Blind Guardian, drummer Thomen Staunch apparently decided he wasn't through with the band's sound yet. Upon leaving he immediately surrounded himself with Hansi soundalike Emil Norberg of Persuader and also their guitarist. Rounding out the lineup we have producer extraordinare and Iron Savior mastermind Piet Sielck on bass, guitar, backing vocals, and producing.

Really the sound on this album is ay direct product of all the bands but it takes just the right parts to make something pretty incredible here. Now I've never been a fan of Blind Guardian but amazingly this new group manages to sort of make a BG album that I not only like, but think is really fuckin good. Imagine if you will the soaring vocal style of Hansi coupled with backing vocals of Piet Sielk merging into those addictive Iron Savior style choruses. Intrigued yet? Well add in some really heavy Iron Savior style chops, some Blind Guardian fantasy moments, and a crystal clear production job. This is really just the perfect fusion I wouldn't have imagined. Incredible songwriting and the band sounds tight as hell.

Blind Guardian, Iron Savior, and power fans in general should eat this up. Great debut from a new band to watch. The only thing I can see holding the band back is the obvious similarities to past bands, but I don't care. What they do, they do exceptionally well. Kinda weird, I should like a band so close to a power band I think is overrated as hell, but it happened here. Just has that Iron Savior quality to it that makes this thoroghly powerful and addictive.

Highlights: Evil Eyes, When Hell Awakes, Between The Devil And The Seas, Born Again By Night

Rating - 4.0/5

Sabaton - Primo Victoria

Power Metal
Underground Symphony

2005

1. Primo Victoria
2. Regin Of Terror
3. Panzer Battalion
4. Wolfpack
5. Counterstrike
6. Stalingrad
7. Into The Fire
8. Purple Heart
9. Metal Machine

A relative unknown in the power scene, this is Sabaton's sophmore release and fans of epic true metal may well want to take note. With a combination of all out Grave Digger riff attacks and Manowar-like anthems this will appeal to fans the above bands as well as acts such as Omen. Mostly revolving around themes of war this is simply put... warrior metal. Nothing incredibly new, but competent and catchy with memorable choruses this is a pretty solid release.

Highlights: Primo Victoria, Into The Fire

Rating - 3.0/5

Russell Allen - Atomic Soul

Stoner Metal
Inside Out

2005

1. Blackout
2. Unjustified
3. Voodoo Hand
4. Angel
5. The Distance
6. Seasons Of Insanity
7. Gaia
8. Loosin' You
9. Saucey Jack
10. We Will Fly
11. Atomic Soul

Being the fan of Symphony X that I am this album is something I've been anticipating for awhile. I love the man's voice and I was curious to see what he would do with an album of his own. I am happy to see that with this album he branches out and doesn't just try to recreate what's already been done in Symohony X. A smart move I would say. The music on this album does not even remotely resemble anything he's ever done with SX.

What we have here is just a straight up blast of retro 70s stoner rock. Tons of blues based grooves grace this album with a definete catchy heaviness and Russell's voice fits this style rather perfectly. His more aggressive vocals give this album a heavy kick and his softer deliveries give the album a good chill out and smoke a bone feel. Very enjoyable. Anyone into stoner metal should eat this up. Recommended especially to fans of bands like Sixty Watt Shaman and later-era Cathedral & Trouble. Looking forward to hearing more of Russell Allen's Atomic Soul.

Highlights: Blackout, Voodoo Hand, Seasons Of Insanity

Rating - 3.5/5

Running Wild - Rogues En Vogue

Traditional/Power
GUN Records

1. Draw the Line
2. Angel of Mercy
3. Skeleton Dance
4. Skull & Bones
5. Born Dead, Dying Worse
6. Black Gold
7. Soul Vampires
8. Rogues en Vogue
9. Winged & Feathered
10. Dead Man's Road
11. The War

The first thing one has to come to terms with when listening to new Running Wild is that they are not the speed metal band they once were. Those days seem to be as good as dead and if you haven't liked their mid-paced material since The Rivalry then you might as well save your money and time here. Personally, while I do prefer the speed era of RW, I've come to enjoy the newer stuff for what it is. It still has that piratical sound, the epic style, and the damn catchy nature of all Running Wild Material. This album is no different.

What immediately struck me about this album was the production/mix. Very vocal and drum heavy with a bit of reverb in the sound. Took me a bit to get used to, but now that I've become accustomed to it, the sound gives the album a sort of raw energy that benefits it. The songs here are typical of later Running Wild, as I said, with a mid-paced approach (with the one notable exception of Angel Of Mercy) and a larger than life quality that only comes from the pirate's sea songs. This album seems to be more consistently epic and powerful though and is probably the strongest thing they've done since The Rivalry. That would be the closest sound comparison to any of their former albums I believe. Definetly more consistent than The Brotherhood which has some Strong highlights, but some boring tracks as well.

In conclusion, I don't think Running Wild will ever make another Black Hand Inn, but if you're one of the fans still sticking with the now mid-paced Running Wild then you should enjoy this album.

Highlights: Angel Of Mercy, Draw The Line, Dead Man's Road

Rating - 3.0/5

Royal Hunt - Paper Blood

Power/Prog
Frontiers Records

2005

1. Break Your Chains
2. Not My Kind
3. Memory Lane
4. Never Give Up
5. Seven Days
6. SK 983
7. Kiss Of Faith
8. Paper Blood
9. Season’s Change
10. Twice Around The World

The latest in a long and steady career of albums, Paper Blood marks the 8th album by this very consistent band. Probably best known for their couple albums that introduced one DC Cooper, this album continues with John West whom they've had for the past few. West has also probably exceeded the band in notariety as he's been featured in many other groups such as Artension and Feinstein.

Really though Royal Hunt is pretty underrated. I never hear a thing about this band from anyone and for a band that's forged their own style and kept things steady since the early 90s, this is suprising. Using an interesing blend of atmospheric keyboards and heavy riffs this would certainly appeal to fans of finnish power and progressive metal. John West is mostly mid ranged and melodic but can let go at times. Kind of like a more 'metal' sounding Jorn Lande in a way, but he has a sound that's pretty unique. An interesting blend of progressive rock, choir-like backups, and heavy riffing, this album is nothing particularly new for the band, but they continue on in their own style. If you haven't checked them out yet and this sounds appealing to you then it's about time.

Highlights: Never Give Up, Break Your Chains, Paper Blood

Rating - 3.0/5

Rob Rock - Holy Hell

Power/Traditional Metal
AFM

2005

1. Slayer Of Souls
2. First Winds of the End of Time
3. Calling Angels
4. Holy Hell
5. Lion of Judah
6. I’m a Warrior
7. I’ll Be Waiting for You
8. When Darkness Reigns
9. The Revelation
10. Move On

Rob Rock has always been a sort of sure bet for me I must say. Everything this man has ever been attached to from Impellitteri to Warrior, I've liked. So with that said I always look forward to anything I know he's going to be involved with.

On this release, Rob Rock's third solo, it seems everything has been stepped up. The guitar sound is thick and heavy, the choruses are huge, and the production job courtesy of Roy Z is just incredible. In many ways this release reminds me of Bruce's solo material as the guitar has a bit of a bottom heavy sound and the vocals have a certain similarity to Chemical Wedding. Holy Hell just has a very powerful sound and all the songs are memorable. This is just something that any fan of classic metal should eat up.

Highlights: Calling Angels, I'm A Warrior, Lion Of Judah

Rating - 3.5/5

Rebellion - Sagas Of Iceland

Power/Heavy Metal
Massacre

2005

1. In Memorandum Lindisfarnae
2. Ynglinga Saga (to Odin We Call)
3. The Sons of the Dragon Slayer (Blood Eagle)
4. Ragnhild's Dream
5. Harald Harfager
6. Eric the Red
7. Freedom (the Saga of Gang Hrolf)
8. Treason
9. Sword in the Storm (the Saga of Earl Hakon)
10. Blood Rains (the Saga of King Olaf Trygvason)
11. Ruling the Waves
12. Canute the Great (the King of Danish Pride)
13. Harald Hadrade

Formed out of the split of Grave Digger after Excalibur, Rebellion has adopted much of the sound that band developed starting with the Tunes Of War release. Primarily the band of original GD guitarist, Uwe Lulis, it is no suprise that the signature Grave Digger guitar chops are here and Uwe has even gone so far as recruiting a vocalist very similar to Boltendahl in his rougher sound. Rebellion's vocalist, Michael Seifert, is clearly the more talented clean singer however.

This album isn't a huge change from the previous two Rebellion albums, but it probably has more in common with the debut then Born A Rebel. Born A Rebel had more of a straight forward nature in both lyrics and music and this one finds Rebellion once again taking on epic music in both lyrical themes and sound. There are a couple spoken interludes which break the flow of the music and come off as a slight annoyance, but they're nowhere near as frequent as on the debut and that's definetely a good thing. There's probably a bit more clean vocals on this album then previous releases, but there's still plenty of rough deliveries and any fan of the band should be well satisfied.

Basically any fan of Grave Digger's epic material should like this as it's essentially an extension of that band's sound. Really anyone into heavy germantic metal and warrior sort of lyrics should find this heavy slice of viking worship pleasing.

Highlights: Canute The Great, Eric The Red, Raghild's Dream

Rating - 3.5/5

Primal Fear - Seven Seals

Power Metal
Nuclear Blast

2005

1. Demons & Angels
2. Rollercoaster
3. Seven Seals
4. Evil Spell
5. The Immortal Ones
6. Diabolus
7. All For One
8. Carniwar
9. Question Of Honour
10. In Memory

After the lackluster attempt at experimentation that was Devil's Ground and all the talk of this being a stylistic leap for Primal Fear, I've gotta say I was very worried for the future of PF. Speculation as to what this album would sound like was rampant and ranged as far as the band going in a nu-metal direction. Well... this certainly isn't nu-metal... but it's likely to suprise Primal Fear fans. Hell I am one and it suprised me.

I think going into this album you have to keep a slightly open mind. If you go into this one expecting nothing but ripping speed and screaming highs then you're probably not going to like this album. For Primal Fear this is pretty mid-paced with more mid-range in the vocals. Instead of going for blazing speed this album focuses much more on melodic hooks and suprisingly emotive singing. Some very subtle orchestration works itself in the backround as well and serves to add emphasis to points in the songs. I'm reminded of Sinner's more melodic material a bit listening to this and Mat Sinner revisits the song A Question Of Honor with PF here. The cover of sorts comes off very well and is pretty representative of the sound on this disc. This is totally not what I normally look for in a Primal Fear album but it all works out extremely well. Suprising is definetely the word I'd use if I only use one for this review.

One thing is for sure listening to this... they have succeeded in their aim to expand their sound and make an album which doesn't sound like the others. This is just a much better, less awkward attempt at mixing things up than Devil's Ground was. The only real nitpick I have with this album is that it would have been nice if they still included some speedy rippers on here. There are some heavy tracks to be found but really no real Black Sun or Lightyears From Home sort of stuff. In the future it'd be nice if that sort of song is not entirely forgotten but it's hard to complain when all the songwriting here is so solid. The only track I don't like is Carniwar which is the seemingly obligatory lame inclusion. Primal Fear is back... albeit in a slightly different form. I can see this one becoming one of my favorite PF albums.

Highlights: All For One, Demons & Angels, Rollercoaster, The Immortal Ones

Rating - 4.0/5

Phantom X - Rise Of The Phantom

Traditional/Power Metal
Mausoleum Records

2005

1. Storms of Hell
2. Lost
3. Rise of the Phantom
4. Plenty Evil
5. Enchanted
6. Nekron 9000
7. Pain Machine
8. Edge of the Earth
9. Metal Warrior
10. Discovery
11. The Mask
12. Blood on the Moon
13. Steel Winged Fury

Phantom X is a band I've been watching for awhile now. Formed partly of members of Omen & Aska the band immediately had my attention and the demos I heard sounded promising. Well there debut is out and the results are solid.

One thing I find kind of amusing about this album is that Kevin Goocher sounds more like the classic Omen singer here than he does on Omen's own material. On this release he takes on kind of a gruff delivery very reminiscent of Kimball, especially on the more upbeat tracks. Those songs also resemble Omen musically as they have the traditional sort of delivery with some underlying Maidenisms, including some galloping. Not all of the tracks follow this formula though. There is a fair bit of variation as some of the songs remind me more of Armored Saint in their stripped down swagger and there is even a couple slower mood pieces which musically bring thoughts of Dio to my mind, but not vocally. Besides the gruff delivery, Goocher also gos into a higher clean power voice at times which is a nice bit of variation. Also worth mentioning in the vocal arena is that Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus and Jason McMaster of Watchtower make cameos which add well to those songs. Overall, Phantom X's debut comes off as a good slice of traditional american metal and I look forward to hearing more from them.

Highlights: Storms Of Hell, Pain Machine, Metal Warrior

Rating - 3.5/5

Paradise Lost - Paradise Lost

Gothic Metal
GUN Records

2005

1. Close Your Eyes
2. Grey
3. Red Shift
4. Sun Fading
5. Don't Belong
6. Laws of Cause
7. For All You Leave Behind
8. Accept the Pain
9. Shine
10. Spirit
11. Forever After
12. Over the Madness

Ok it was said by the band that this would be their heaviest release in a long time and that lit up some expectations from former fans. Now the answer to the question... Will this bring back the disillusioned fans of old? Will it ignite the interest of their former doom/death fans? Nope. It won't.

While this is probably the most heavy sounding thing they've done since Draconian Times it isn't a drastic change. Basically, this album continues in the direction that Symbol Of Life started. Still gothy and full of atmosphere, but with a bit more focus on heavier sounding guitars. There's really no upbeat riffage like from Draconian Times and certainly none of the doom/death sound. The vocals continue on in the goth sound without any of the former harsher vocals.

But the real question is... is this a good albun? The answer is absolutely yes. If you dig goth metal than this is a somber, yet heavy treat. Any fans of more recent Paradise Lost should definetely enjoy what they find on this album. Plenty of well written, catchy yet heavy goth material to please. I'm glad they've incorporated their goth sound with a bit more heaviness as it is, to me, the best of both worlds. Keep it coming.

Highlights: Forever After, Grey, Red Shift

Rating - 3.5/5

Pagan's Mind - Enigmatic : Calling

Progressive Metal
LMP

2005

1. The Celestine Prophecy
2. Enigmatic Mission
3. Supremacy,Our Kind
4. Entrance To Infinity
5. Coming Home (instrumental)
6. Celestial Calling
7. Taken
8. Resurrection Back In Time
9. Appearance (instrumental)
10. Search For Life
11. New World Order

After 3 years of wait, the follow up to the critically accalimed progressive opus named Celestial Entrance is here. Often when an album is forced to follow such an album it is inevitably a disappointment, but I'm happy to say that it's not the case here. Fan's of the band and progressive in general should not be disappointed with what they find.


Enigmatic Calling continues to forge on in their own sound while still remaining creative and building on what they've already done. The soaring vocals are as strong as ever and layed over constantly changing yet heavy and well structured songs. While many progressive bands are content to emulate what other prog bands like Queensryche and Dream Theater have done, Pagan's Mind sets themselves apart as a true force in the genre. The songs are technical, but not just for the sake of it, and retain a certain catchy heavyness. Most of all they don't get too bogged down in experimenting and keep things metal and somewhat accessible. If more progressive was up to this level I would like the genre a whole lot more. This is just a good show of innovation without overdoing it.

Highlights: Entrance To Infinity, Supremacy Our Kind, Celestial Calling, New World Order

Rating - 4.0/5

OverKill - ReliXIV

Thrash Metal
Spitfire

2005

1. Within Your Eyes
2. Love
3. Loaded Rack
4. Bats In the Belfry
5. A Pound Of Flesh
6. Keeper
7. Wheelz
8. The Mark
9. Play The Ace
10. Old School

Always consistent in the thrash scene and one band that has not forgotten their roots, OverKill has long been a favorite of mine. With the awesome Killbox 13 I was expecting nothing less of this release, but I'm sad to say I got less anyways.

While not a Bad release, ReliXIV isn't a very impressive one either. In a way this album almost seems like it splintered the OverKill sound. On the first 4 tracks what you get is a shout back to the 90s/WFO sort of sound, but with very unmemorable songwriting. All 4 songs have about the same cookie cutter thrash formula and blend together in my mind. Not terrible, but not a strong start either. From there you get one ripper and then for the rest of the album it is mostly groove tracks.

One thing I've always liked about OverKill is their ability to Combine their thrashiness with memorable grooves and this album just doesn't really have it. Probably my least favorite release from OverKill. Fans may still want to check it out, but if you're missing some older OverKill releases... get those first.

Highlights: Keeper, A Pound Of Flesh

Rating - 2.5/5

Nuclear Assault - Third World Genocide

Thrash Metal
Screaming Ferret

2005

1. Third World Genocide
2. Price of Freedom
3. Human Wreckage
4. Living Hell
5. Whine and Cheese
6. Defiled Innocence
7. Exoskeletal
8. Discharged Reason
9. Fractured Minds
10. The Hockey Song (Interlude)
11. Eroded Liberty
12. Long Haired A$hole
13. Glenn's Song

With the return of Lilker to the mix, I was really hopeful going into this release. Something Wicked, while not a bad album, was a serious step down in the thrashing intensity most had come to know and love from Nuclear Assault. Now that the thrash fanatic Lilker has returned one would think that influence would come into play.

Well it is and it isn't. There certainly are a few wild thrashers on here and a number of fairly energetic tunes to be found, but the album comes off as a mixed bag. Also present are some truely SLOW songs which not even Something Wicked approached. Discharged, the title track, and Glen's Song are very plodding and a totally unexpected addition to a Nuclear Assault album. Can't say I'm very fond of those songs at all. In addition to that there are two off beat tracks in the form of Whine And Cheese Long Haired A$hole. The former being a punk inspired tune which is pretty simplistic and unnecessary and the later being a country sounding song which I can't imagine anyone would actually want to listen to more than once. So right there you have 5 songs that are slow or unneeded, but the rest of the album is really pretty good. It took me awhile to come to the conclusion of whether I even liked this album or not because of the largely varying song quality. In the end I have to say that the other 7 songs make this a pretty decent listen, but not all I'd hoped for.


Highlights: Fractured Minds, Eroded Liberty, Human Wreckage

Rating - 3.0/5

Nocturnal Rites - Grand Illusion

Power Metal
Century Media

2005

1. Fools Never Die
2. Never Trust
3. Still Alive
4. Something Undefined
5. Our Wasted Days
6. Cuts Like A Knife
7. End of Our Rope
8. Never Ending
9. One by One
10. Deliverance

Another year, Another Nocturnal Rites album. NR certainly has been consistent in the output, never taking very long between releases at all. The last couple have seen the band settle into a somewhat more polished, mid-paced power sound and this one really isn't any different.

Picking up right where New World Messiah left off, Grand Illusion's songs could probably have been from the same album. I do feel the songs on this one are a bit more varied and memorable in writing department, but the sound is unmistakably of the same mold. There's really not much for me to write in this review other than that if you liked the past couple I can't see you not liking this one. The band may be settling into a little bit of a rut here, but as yet it hasn't bothered me as the songwriting has been pretty solid. If you're not familiar with the band and like melodic power with a bit of balls and a hell of a powerful wailing singer then I'm sure you'd probably like this. As a longtime fan I can't help but find myself wishing for a bit more of the ripping, upbeat power present on the Afterlife album... but this will do for now.

Highlights: Fools Never Die, Never Trust, Still Alive, End Of Our Rope

Rating - 3.0/5

Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor

Whatever the hell Nevermore is
Century Media

2005

1. Born
2. The Final Product
3. Acid Words
4. Bittersweet Feast
5. Sentient 6
6. Medicated Nation
7. The Holocaust of Thought
8. Sell My Heart For Stones
9. Psalm of Lydia
10. A Future Uncertain
11. This Godless Endeavor

After the minor misstep and subsequent remix that was Enemies Of Reality, there was a fair amount of expectation resting with Sneap once again working with the band AS the album is made. Dead Heart, In A Dead World really launched the band to a greater degree of popularity and the thought of a continuation created an immense amount of hype. Well is Nevermore back in form here?

The answer is absolutely yes. This truely is the album that should have come out after Dead Heart. Not to bag on Enemies Of Reality too much, since I did enjoy it, but this album just suceeds on levels that EoR did not. The clearly Dead Heart production sound is beneficial as it allows you to truely appreciate all that's going on in the songs and the style has also headed a bit back towards Dead Heart. A little less thrashy and more of the infectious groove chugging, though there is still plenty of heaviness. Just a bit more focused than the sometimes erratic style present on EoR. The album is definetely not as ballad heavy as Dead Heart though. Really the closest this album comes to a ballad at all is in the tracks Sentient 6 and Sell My Heart For Stones, but those have a fair degree of heaviness in parts and come across more as mood shifters.

One other song off note for being something utterly different for the band is Born. That one features bursts of harsh vocals that come across as almost death. Kind of a strange sound that took me some getting used to, but it comes off ok and it's the only track of the sort.

To sum it up... this album is pretty well all killer and no filler. I don't see how any fan of Nevermore's style couldn't love the shit out of this. Dark, heavy and every track stands on it's own... this is just sure to please. I can see this one ending up as one of my favorite Nevermore released. At least top 3 from them.

Highlights: Acid Words, Sentient 6, This Godless Endeavor, A Future Uncertain

Rating - 4.5/5

Morgana Lefay - Grand Materia

Power Metal
Black Mark

2005

1. Grand Materia
2. My Funeral Is Calling
3. Only Endless Time Remains
4. Hollow
5. Edge of Mind
6. On the Other Side
7. I Roam
8. Emotional Sanctuary
9. Angels Deceit
10. The Operation of the Sun
11. Blind
12. My Task Is Done

Well it's been a good 5 years since Lefay released an album and now the old name of Morgana Lefay has returned. Apparently the legal issues between band members and the name has been resolved and what do you know? With the return of the old name... the old sound seems to have returned. When the band shifted to the Lefay name things got a bit more up tempo and slightly altered.

This album however is pure MORGANA Lefay. Slow and ultra heavy crunch dominates here with a touch of that moody/dark atmosphere in the mix. I have to say I think this album is one bound to make fans, very very happy. Listening to it I get kind of an impression of Maleficium with the ultra-evil feel to the music. This is just classic, patented Morgana Lefay 100% as the hooks are great, the music is bottom heavy destruction, and the vocals are screaming Oliva in his prime. Really I've always thought of Morgana Lefay as a sort of replacement for Savatage ever since they pussed out. For fans of Morgana Lefay, early Savatage, and HEAVY power/traditional metal this is a must buy.

Highlights: Everything stands out in one way or another, but here are my favorites. Hollow, Edge Of Mind, Angel's Deceit, I Roam

Rating - 4.0/5

Midnight - Sakada

Folk/Alt/Weird Rock?
Black Lotus
2005

1. Incubus
2. Berber Trails
3. Cat Song
4. Little Mary Sunshine
5. Miss Katie
6. War
7. Lost Boy
8. Pain
9. Sakada

Midnight... one of the greatest singers to ever grace metal and a true cult legend. His return has been long awaited and many fans of old have been practically foaming at the mouth to hear his unique voice once again back in the realm of metal. He pretty well vanished off the face of the earth after Crimson Glory split, only returning with an EP in 2000 which was in such limited distribution that practically no one ever heard it. The EP was in fact limited to a pressing of only 100 copies. Those who went through utter hell to attain it were disappointed to find a light and bizarre folk rock album.

On this album though, Midnight promised his fans he would include some harder tracks that would appeal to fans of Crimson Glory. This promise it would seem has gone unfufilled. There are Occasional heavy moments, but they are sporadic and not really metal exactly. I don't even know how to explain how incredibly awful this album is. I've sat here thinking about it and trying to come up with the words but somehow they all seem to just not cover it. I'm not even sure exactly what to classify this album as. All I can really say is... is he serious?

This sounds like a parody of itself. I mean with off key, overblown vocals that sound postively goofy and brilliant lyrics like 'she has a pussy cat that peed when you pet him, but she loved him anyway' this is just a musical abortion. The lyrics and vocals here make me wish for St. Anger to be playing instead. I shit you not. The music is almost like something someone would invent while coming off a bad trip with Simon & Garfunkel playing in the backround. Please in the name of all that is good and right with the world if you ever listen to me about one album... do not buy this. This might be the worst album I've ever heard in my life.

Highlights: Are ya kidding?

Rating - 0/5

Masterplan - Aeronautics

Melodic Power
AFM

2005

1. Crimson Rider
2. Back For My Life
3. Wounds
4. I'm Not Afraid
5. Headbanger's Ballroom
6. After This War
7. Into The Arena
8. Dark From The Dying
9. Falling Sparrow
10. Black In The Burn

With an impressive debut and one of the best vocalists in metal today on board, I think it's safe to say expectations regarding this album were high. The debut received large amounts of critical praise and I see nothing less on the way for this one. Their sophmore release offers no big changes in sound, but why mess with a winning formula so soon? What we end up with here is a very solid collection of melodic, catchy power metal drenched in atmosphere in the same sort of vein. I do think however that the songwriting has improved and shows the band growing further together as a unit. This release says with some certainty that Masterplan is a band that's here to stay. There just isn't a weak track to be found on this release and the musicianship is top notch. I'd be suprised if this didn't end up somewhere high in the best albums of the year... and it's only January.

Highlights: Back For My Life, I'm Not Afraid, Headbanger's Ballroom, Dark For The Dying

Rating 4.0/5

Manilla Road - Gates Of Fire

Traditional Metal
Battle Cry Records

2005

1. Riddle Of Steel
2. Behind The Veil
3. When Giants Fall
4. The Fall Of Iliam
5. Imperious Rise
6. Rome
7. Stand Of The Spartans
8. Betrayal
9. Epitaph To The King

Arguably, it's been awhile since Manilla Road has really been relevant. Manilla Road never really garnered all that much mainstream success anyways, but once upon a time in the 80s they did cement themselves with some definite cult favorites. Even that degree of popuality has waned though and you're more likely to hear about how great they were then how great they are. Still, Manilla Road has always forged on, never compromised themselves, and are the poster children for traditional metal unwilling or afraid to advance themselves in any way. There certainly is a small, but fiercely loyal audience for this sort of stuff.

Listening to this one though, I have to be blunt and say I was pretty fucking bored. Like a lot of traditional coming out now days I got the impression of having heard this done better before, but there's more to it than that. These songs are trying way too hard to be true and epic to me. Many of the songs on this album clock in between 7 and nearly 15 minutes and seem like they're in no hurry to get absolutely nowhere. Repetition is the rule of this album and most of this seems like it's just being long for the sake of it. The album itself is 72 minutes in length and I think any sane producer of a larger label would've looked at this, laughed, and trimmed the fat. Somewhere in this is an ok if unspectacular album, but even that's lost in the boredom getting through all the filler. I like this band's early stuff, but this is a mere shadow of it. I'd have to say that this album is completely uninspired and dragged out to the point of being practically unlistenable. Some of the shorter tracks aren't bad and some of the guitar solos are actually pretty impressive, but I can't see myself revisting it as a whole very often if ever.

Highlights: Riddle Of Steel, When Giants Fall

Rating - 2.0/5