Accept - Balls To The Wall (2002 Remastered Edition)A classic which sounds occasionally dated but holds up remarkably well. Udo's powerful croak runs wild in an unrestrained and rampant way that is both enjoyable but also sporadically flaky. There's a joyful innocence to the album, the lighthearted and sometimes quite hilarious lyrics included, but it also lacks some depth. When it works it's brilliant though. A song like Turn me on has an intense and powerful build up, perfectly released in its chorus. The guitar riffs are mean enough to overshadow any shortcomings and nearly every song is strong enough to still make an impression today.
One word review: Ooomph!
Style: Heavy Metal
Favorite songs: Balls To The Wall, Turn Me On, Fight it Back, Losing more than you've ever had.
Rating: 7,5/10
Virgin Steele - The Black Light BacchanaliaWow! The feeling I had, surviving the first listen to this album, was one of happy exhaustion. There's so much music, so many opposites, so much emotion put into these 76 minutes of music. David's voice makes the music seem to float upon a mysterious cloud high above. Each new Virgin Steele album is an exciting adventure, an astute musical feast, always challenging your perceptiveness. After getting to know it for a week it is clear that The Black Light.... is something special, different from what came before but among the best the band has ever done and currently edging its way towards Invictus! A glorious dark piece of art.
Dienazzty - Sleaze Metal - (4-Track EP)With a mission to bring some metal into sleaze this is Dienazzty's first mission statement (Aus Ulm). Humorous lyrics, energized music, familiar riffs and a charming in-your-face attitude, this is well executed, lacking in the technical aspect but with an emphasis on fun. Mission successful? I'm not convinced there's enough metal in here to Warrant the term Sleaze Metal yet but there is definitely potential here.
Kamelot - Poetry for the PoisonedI never gave Ghost Opera a fair chance but this album has quickly made an impression. Superb atmospheres and enticing melodies suck me in. Kamelot have developed into an exciting direction here. The Great Pandemonium, If Tomorrow Came, Hunter's Season, Poetry For The Poisoned, Once upon a Time and The Zodiac are all killer songs. A mature and quite extraordinary album.
Star One - Victims of the Modern AgeAbsolutely spiffing!
Read my full review.
Allen Lande - The ShowdownI botched the digital promo download process so I am missing song 5 but the rest show promise of another excellent album, not quite up there with the almighty "The Battle" more in tune with "The Revenge". So if you liked those you're entitled to some excitement and a bit of drool. It's just a great feeling to hear these two guys back in action together.
Pathfinder - Beyond The Time, Beyond The SpaceNo doubt this band has incredible potential. This debut of the year so far exposes a lot of genius elements but also a few flaws. Most notably a slight lack of emotion and a too clinical approach at times. The next album should prove very interesting.
Saviour Machine - Legend Part II
Read Full Review.
CD purchases of the monthBlind Guardian - At the edge of time
Hibria - The Skull Collectors
Kamelot - Poetry For The Poisoned
Fates Warning - Perfect Symmetry - Special Edition
Virgin Steele - The Black Light Bacchanalia
