The summer has come to Denmark, and it seems that the current releases have been in somewhat of a slump lately. I wasn't even able to find a worthy album of the month this time and I still haven't found one for next month. Is it because I'm so nice that I send all the good promos to the other staff members? Ok, it's just a bad excuse for trying to get a little summer vacation haha. Well, I finally got the shopping links online so now I will start looking at some other ways to add new features to the site. Since time just seems to fly by way too fast my pile of purchased CD's, which I still need to listen to properly has actually grown to three piles! My cd'shopping gene is out of control and with all the cheap cd's at the Earthshaker and Wacken Open Air festivals coming up I'm sure it will have a field day. Ok, my current playlist:


Redemption - The Fullness of Time
The long awaited return of Redemption does not disappoint. With Ray Alder (Fates Warning) doing all the vocals the album has a very different atmosphere compared to the debut. I absolutely loved the atmosphere Rick Mythiasin brought to the debut so I need a little time to adjust to this one. The production is better and I feel something strong waiting to be discovered in this music. A prog metal band to naming a song Scarred certainly sets a high standard and amazingly it sounds like the song and yes, the whole album lives up to the promise. A real treat for fans of Progressive Metal and though it is still early it sounds like a contender for an album of the year award to me.

Raintime - Tales from Sadness
I only discovered this one a few days ago among the piles of promos and it quickly caught my ear. Power Metal with a twist. Really heavy guitars, brutal vocals and well used keyboard are able to create something quite catching. It will be interesting to see how this one develops in the coming weeks.

Manowar - Everything
Warming up for the Earthshaker festival and Manowar fan convention is already well underway. With a back catalogue like Manowar's you cannot go wrong. From the primal force of Battle Hymns to the latest metallic feast on Warriors of The World Manowar has always been the the quintessence of Heavy Metal in its purest form.

Exodus - Impact is Imminent
Converting all my cd's to MP3 has made me re-discover some old classics. This one I hadn't heard in years. Intense, tight, aggressive and right in your face thrash metal. The first Exodus album I got and still a favorite.

Blind Date - Blind Date
Got this one at the Perris stand at Sweden Rock and it turned out to be a great dose of candy coated 80'ies style hair metal (Ok, melodic rock then). Good melodies, huge choruses filled with harmonies, great guitar work and a bit too much keyboard. What more can you ask for in music like this? Less keyboard? :) Seriously, this one is really great and perfect for a trip to the beach.

Candlemass - Epicus Domicus Metallicus
Not exactly music for a bright summer day, but after purchasing all the re-releases at Sweden Rock I have begun my journey into Candlemass and it sounds like an unforgetable one.

Demon - Better The Devil You Know
This is the first I hear of this long running band and it has been a nice surprise. Good mix of old school Hard Rock and Metal. Reminds me a lot of Dio at times. Dave Hills voice has a nice deep tone to it and the songs stick in your head quickly.

Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter
Been listening a lot to this one lately, with mixed feelings. Impressive debut and a good album, but it lacks originality. Look out for the full review soon.

Dream Theater - Octavarium
A good album, but still nowhere near the glory of my four favorites, Awake, Scenes from a memory, Six Degrees... and Images and Words. It is as if the inspiration is lacking in some songs. I walk beside you is extremely catchy and the title track is monumental. Need more listens so this is not my final verdict.

Written by Steen
Friday, July 15, 2005