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Borealis - Fall From Grace
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
That would be the result of a tough matter of priorities, since I have limited time for the site at the moment. As for Iconoclast, I am waiting to purchase the two disc special edition of the album. The single disc release, which was pre-released as a promo, is not the definitive version of the album and lack three of the songs to make the concept complete. So if I get a review done it will be of the special edition. The Lotus Effect is still in queue for the first listen.
Power Quest - Blood Alliance
Friday, June 3, 2011
Any band that has "a flight, airy take on power metal", I have to check out!!!
Queen - A Night At The Opera
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Great review of a fantastic album. I got hold of the 30th anniversary edition recently and will be rediscovering it soon.
Mike Tramp - Stand Your Ground
Friday, April 22, 2011
@LDB: Check out Capricorn as well. Highly recommended!
Manowar - Live At Birmingham O2 Academy, March 27th 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sounds like a fantastic time! Wish I could have been there.
Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A one-of-a-kind song. Absolutely fantastic. "Losing Time" is the pinnacle and my favorite part. Incredible tension and a soaring release after being put though the emotional wringer, in equal parts due to James' glorious singing and Mike's brilliant drumming as you also mention, oh, and the keyboard.
Enuff Z'nuff - Dissonance
Monday, March 28, 2011
Nice! You've got a fantastic journey ahead. I'd recommend to go back and start at the beginning! This album keeps growing, even after two years. Joni Lynn and Altered states are my current favorites.
Psychotic Waltz - Everything
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
You can look forward to my concert report. Hopefully this tour will not be a one-time thing.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Monday, February 28, 2011
You're right. I need to check that out. Thanks!
Various Artists - My favorite workout music lately!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
For a marathon I recommend Manowar's "Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts". Hum that one a few times with "Return of the Warlord" in between and you're almost through.
Abydos - The Little Boy´s Heavy Mental Shadow Opera About The Inhabitants Of His Diary
Monday, January 10, 2011
Believe it or not. When I opened my mailbox today I found none other than the debut album of the L.A. band Thunderdikk! Concertwise I think Thunderdikk would be a great opener for "The Naughty Kuntz".
Now Playing: Thunderdikk: My name is Dikk
Abydos - The Little Boy´s Heavy Mental Shadow Opera About The Inhabitants Of His Diary
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Haha! Yes a fine German name that is. Ok, here is a funny story for you: Setting: The Bang Your Head Festival. The year was 2000. I had won this competition to a meet and greet with Kamelot at the festival along with Tommy and a few other friends. The contact I had to meet was a rep. from Sanctuary Records. I only knew that his name was "Naughty", probably a nickname, and he just happened to share last name with a certain Andy. So I'm at the meeting site which was a T-shirt booth in the middle of the festival grounds and it's fifteen minutes late. The promised free beer and meet & greet with Kamelot seems to be fading away and I'm getting desperate.... I notice the guy in the T-shirt shop looking intently at me so I go over, thinking it might be a Sanctuary shop, and ask him "Hi. Are you Naughty?" His reply: "What?". I try again: "Do you know Naughty Kuntz? I'm supposed to meet him here." (I of course pronounce the last name with a fine German accent) By the look on the guys face its obvious he doesn't. So he starts asking the other guys who work in the shop, to great effect I might add. Fortunately, before this got any more embarrassing a guy comes walking over saying "Hey, I'm Naughty"... All ended well with beer and shaking hands with Kamelot. True story.
Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Are you saying that Seventh Wonder is the Rhapsody of progressive metal?
Various Artists - Playlist - October/November 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanks in advance! It's on my purchase list.
Kamelot - Poetry for the Poisoned
Friday, October 29, 2010
Yeah, I'll definitely give it another chance.
Bloodstock Open Air 2010 - Day 3 - Doro, Bloodbath, Twisted Sister
Friday, October 15, 2010
Great report! Sounds like an excellent time except for the mud. Wish I can make it some day.
Pathfinder - Beyond the Space Beyond the Time
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I heard one song from this band and ordered the album right away. This review does not make the waiting time any easier. Sounds like an amazing album.
Kiske Somerville - Kiske Somerville
Friday, August 27, 2010
Yeah, the album is released on September 24.
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sounds like you feel the same way about Sisters as I do. Fantastic song!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June/July 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
I will do my best!
Sweden Rock Festival 2010 - Day 3 - Grave Digger, High On Fire, Gary Moore
Monday, July 5, 2010
Allow me to sing this song, if I may in two ways; Firstly in my normal voice and then in a kind of silly high pitched whine... "Ma....."
No seriously, excellent report! I look forward to next year already.
Sweden Rock Festival 2010 - Steen's Festival Report
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Hey, thanks guys! It sure was a great time.
Tobias, the pinball match actually got a mention in the first draft of my report but I have since suppressed it... Damn!..... Rematch next year!
Haha the Evil Eyes contest... I get a strange flashback now you mention it but that bit is really gone.
I will be in Copenhagen for the Sabaton/Alestorm concert in September so hope to see you there!
Sabaton - Coat Of Arms
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Yes I am! I had planned to have it online by now. But was sick for a week and a half and right after I went to France on work assignment for a week. Got home today and I'm leaving for the Sweden Rock festival on Tuesday morning so... it will be a while before I finish it. It's one of those albums that needs many listens and time to sink in. It's very different from what they've done previously. Intriguing and surprising at the same time. Especially if you like the more mellow, Beatles-inspired side of the band. I think you can tell it's going to get a good review eventually :)
Sabaton - Coat Of Arms
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I have already chosen one Album of the month for May but I've made an exception and now share the honor since Coat of Arms aims for the same position and Easily scales the summit to hit a bullseye. Currahee!!! (Terribly sorry, got carried away a bit there)
Rhapsody (of Fire) - The Frozen Tears of Angels
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Haha! That's what I call a steep learning curve! :) I will try to keep you away from any kind of computers at Sweden Rock then.
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thanks for the Asia info. I will be hunting high and low for their cd's at the forthcoming Sweden Rock festival. A great opportunity to find some bargains.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - The Frozen Tears of Angels
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I totally loved the music on Symphony Part 2 even if it was a less aggressive version of the band. The band and orchestra intertvined perfectly and I still feel it works extremely well. But Triumph and Agony took it too far and was a big disappointment to me. Frozen Tears is definitely a step to the right, a u-turn back towards the old style, and hooray for that.
Stuart: What are you on about? Which two albums after Symphony pt 2? I only know of Triumph or Agony being released after after Symphony pt 2. Tell me more about the secret Rhapsody album! Please!!! :)
Gamma Ray - Gamma Ray and special guests: Freedom Call - Live at Kulturbolaget, Malmö, Sweden - February 25th, 2010.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sounds like a great time!!
Pretty Maids - Pandemonium
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Your review fits nicely with a 6/10. It gives the impression of a good album.
Pretty Maids - Pandemonium
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thanks. In my opinion Planet Panic was a low point with only a few really outstanding songs. Wake Up To The Real World was a big step up and now Pandemonium is another step up from that so that's how I see their returning to form.
I too was surprised that we didn't have a Wake Up... review but looking in the article queue I see you are on your way to correcting that :)
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 1 (Steen) - Paragon, D:A:D, Helloween & Judas Priest live
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ahh this was a great festival. The Sentinel is a personal favorite as well and hearing it live was just brilliant. Lost Horizon, now that was another highlight!
I also "vaguely" remember a fateful meeting with some Scotsmen.
Various Artists - Playlist - February/March 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Nice DT day!
And now for something completely different... The Manowar Marathon!
Metalforce - Metalforce
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Yeah, what's up with MCM and name changes? Doesn't make much sense.
I wasn't impressed by this release either.
Misfits - Famous Monsters
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A unique and really excellent album. It needs more time before I can give it a final rating. Saturday Night is a personal favorite as well. The zombie party favorite Hunting Humans is a close second. An extremely funny little song. I love that chorus.
Various Artists - 21 Albums Of The 2000s
Friday, February 19, 2010
Interesting reading. There are several albums I will be checking out. Here are my 21 completely different picks of the past decade, selected over the course of one nostalgic hour in a spur of the moment inspiration while writing an Overkill review simultaneously (to appear soon). Full reviews of most of these albums exist on the site.
Avantasia - The Metal Opera Parts 1 and 2
The definitive Power Metal concept albums? They do deliver a compelling argument.
Ayreon - The Human Equation
An ambitious and completely successful album. A truckload of outstanding singers backed by amazing music deliver an emotional journey that's worth taking again and again.
Cage - Hell Destroyer
I discovered Cage with this album. Without doubt one of my best discoveries of the decade. Brilliant concept album. Executed with might and total conviction.
John Arch - A Twist Of Fate
John Arch made a surprise comeback with a brilliant EP. 7 years later I am still hoping for a follow up.
Damian Wilson - Disciple
There is something timeless about many of these songs. In a year where my first child was born it gained yet another layer.
Enuff Z'nuff - Welcome To Blue Island
My Enuff Z'nuff favorite of the decade is a cornucopia of great songs. There is something for every mood here.
King Diamond - The Puppetmaster
The King returned with his best album since a certain grandma returned home.
Lost Horizon - A Flame To The Ground Beneath
Wow! Lost Horizon were a dream come true. The music was so spirited and completely brilliant that I'm still in awe every time I listen to it.
Manowar - Gods of War
Manowar completely lost it with the narration but regained my admiration since the music is of such high quality that this album remains a personal favorite along with all the other Manowar albums. Each of them is unique in its own way. The fact that I witnessed the last part of the album played live in 2007 from the first row in the photo pit gives it a special place in my mind and underlines the magical passages that still exist in songs like Odin, Hymn... and Sons of Odin.
Masterplan - Masterplan
I prefer the debut, if only for the great memory of discovering the theme of the album at the Blind Guardian Festival back in 2003. No seriously, songs like Kind Hearted Light, Heroes and Crystal Night are just outstanding.
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
One of those great surprises that came out of nowhere and won me over right away.
Neal Morse - Lifeline
Neal Morse sings about his life in songs that are immediately captivating and memorable in the long run. The album just keeps growing.
Nuclear Valdez - In a Minute All Could Change
The band returned from a long hiatus with this exceptional melodic rock album. The songs are drenched in melancholy but the music is upbeat and infectious beyond belief.
Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
One of those rare 10/10 albums. Completely divine and soul stirring the music and the moods captured cannot be compared to anything else I have discovered. A masterpiece.
Orphaned Land - Mabool
Another surprise discovery that blew me away. Challenging but worth taking the time to get into.
Pride of Lions - The Destiny Stone
There is something very special about all the Pride of Lions releases. A warm passion that embraces you if you let it and once that has happened it doesn't let go. The Destiny Stone is my favorite if I have to pick one. The Courage to Love Somebody, What Kind of Fool and The Gift of Song are but three amazing favorites from this grand album.
Redemption - Snowfall on Judgment Day
An album that hit me deep right away and I consider it the best album to be released in several years.
Sabaton - Primo Victoria
One of the defining Power Metal albums of the past decade. Primo Victoria has been a favorite in any situation ever since I first heard it.
Saviour Machine - Legend Part III:I
Released in 2001 this first part of the final part of the legend trilogy has left me wanting more for the past nine years. I still pray that Eric Clayton finish this magnum opus one fine day.
Stan Bush - In This Life
Stan Bush was another great discovery. After hearing this album I hesitated about 2 minutes before ordering his entire back catalogue through LA Records. Imagine my surprise when a bunch of copied CDR's arrived a few weeks later. Even though I have the music I am still hunting down the originals anywhere I can find them.
Symphony X - The Odyssey
The title track remains a magical journey since the first time I heard it. I remember the day the band played the song live at the Sweden Rock Festival where they nailed the final magical passage to perfection. What a great day that was.
Various Artists - 21 Albums Of The 2000s
Friday, February 19, 2010
About Redemption, good question. For me, about half the songs stood out right from the first listen and usually a prog metal release takes more time than that to sink in. Since then it has kept growing. If you're not captured by the melodic nature of songs like Walls, Black and White World or What Would You Say or the emotion in the lyrics then I guess it's just not for you.
Redemption - Interview with Nicolas van Dyk
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Hehe I just couldn't help it when I noticed what appeared to be a shed! And no, he didn't get the reference.
Very happy about the interview. I think he gave some illuminating answers.
Various Artists - Nina's Albums Of The Year - 2009
Friday, January 22, 2010
Hey Nina, Great article. I agree on Wolf. Discovery of the Year! I have to check out Cauldron soon too (Gryden!).
I remember Joey's words from the Magic Circle Festival too and it's a shame that they fail to live up to them without at least giving a coherent explanation. Amazingly I have yet to get hold of the Manowar EP. Shame on me!
Playlist - December/January 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Hehe I'm sure it would turn out to be a memorable duet.
Great to see a newborn Savatage fan!
Mentally yours,
Steen
Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2009
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Hey LDB,
Thanks! Let me know your other top picks so I can see if I missed anything.
Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2009
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Hey Stuart,
Hehe yeah it was! It was a fierce competition for the first place, that is for sure.
Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2009
Saturday, January 9, 2010
@Craig: Interesting. Definitely some things I will check out. I'm looking forward to the new Overkill. Horrorscope is still my favorite of theirs.
Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2009
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Hooray indeed! Now my interest is peaked.
Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2009
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Yeah, excellent album! Let me know your top 10!
Hibria - The Skull Collectors
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gotta say, the first thing I thought of when I heard Tiger Punch was Primal Fear's Angel in Black. Can't wait to hear the full album.
Hibria - The Skull Collectors
Monday, December 21, 2009
Just watched the official Tiger Punch video (Good title by the way) and there is no doubt I have to get this right away. Sounds like the best thing since Lost Horizon.
Hibria - The Skull Collectors
Monday, December 21, 2009
Nope, they have somehow missed my radar till I read this review. I ordered both their albums + Manowar's Hell on Earth Part V DVD earlier today so I'm looking forward to that nice little metallic package arriving.
Metalium - Grounded - Chapter Eight
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Haha! Priceless. I have to hear that Demoniac song.
Redemption - Snowfall On Judgment Day
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Definitely check it out and let me know what you think. My album of the year, without a doubt.
W.E.T. - W.E.T.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Brilliant album. Without doubt the melodic rock highlight of the year. If the new Stan Bush album doesn't come out this year I doubt anything will match it.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Monday, November 2, 2009
I already have it :) and I agree, it's a fantastic album. It just keeps growing.
Dream Theater - Dream Theater with Opeth, KB Hallen, Copenhagen - September 27th, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Great concert! Take the Time was a definite highlight, I only wish they didn't cut out the brilliant bridge section.
Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
Monday, October 5, 2009
Yeah, I'm looking forward to hearing that one. I have yet to get hold of it. We never received a promo of it so I can't promise a review.
Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hey! Good to hear you've discovered this one. It's one of those albums that evolve with time. Something special indeed.
Syth - The Reckoning
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sounds excellent. You made me buy it.
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Thanks!
Uhh, I didn't know there was a DVD. I'm definitely going for that as well.
Lost Horizon - A flame to the ground beneath
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thanks! I hope for the same. In this line-up they are just magical.
Sweden Rock Festival 2009 - Nina's Festival report - Day 3 and 4
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
If Dolph brings those deadly flying CD's from Dark Angel then there is no doubt who would win. Hehe
Thor: I come in peace.
Dolph: And you go in pieces!
Or something like that.
Iron Maiden - Fear of the dark
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Notrap: If you think it's an average album then a rating around 5/10 is more in tune with the site's rating system - 5/10 = Average according to our rating system. More info here.
Iron Maiden - Brave New World
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Just to get some focus on our rating system... It's actually tougher than many like.
A good record = 6/10 - A completely outstanding record = 8/10
More info here.
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Those three CrashDīet songs are my favorites as well!
I also need to check out the new Manowar now that it's released on CD.
Sweden Rock Festival 2009 - Day 2 (Stuart) - Rage, Candlemass, Twisted Sister
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Haha! The Oriental Mat was in fact my favorite food joint. If they would actually introduce a mat to go along with the food, now that would open up a whole new world of possibilities.
My biggest regret of the festival after reading this is missing Thor. I would like to have seen that!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Hehe. That's how much power that song has.
Sweden Rock Festival 2009 - Steen's Festival Diary
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thanks! It sure was a great time.
Elegy - Reissues: Primal Instinct ; Manifestation Of Fear; Principles Of Pain (Reissue)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Elegy's first three albums are my personal favorites. I never really got into them after Hovinga left. At some point I'll give them another chance.
Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Nostalgia trip... This was the first review I wrote.
It remains one of my top three favorite albums.
It's one of the very rare ones where "masterpiece" and "10/10" just doesn't seem to cut it. The album can't be explained, it has to be experienced.
Primal Fear - 16.6 (Before the Devil Knows You're Dead)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Yeah, Seven Seals was excellent and my favorite since Nuclear Fire. I still can't get enough of "All for one". New Religion was good but not in the same league.
Riot - Thundersteel
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Got the album yesterday and it sounds absolutely brilliant. What a great feeling to make such a discovery.
Edguy - My obsession with Edguy
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I was positively surprised by Tinnitus Sanctus. Alright, I admit my hopes weren't that high to begin with. It may be Edguy-light compared to their beginning but I found it enjoyable. Ministry of Saints, Pride of Creation, Nine Lives , Wake up Dreaming Black and Dragonfly in particular come to mind as memorable tracks.
Vain Glory Opera and Theater of Salvation remain my favorites. They do lack that inspirational energy on later releases.
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Great. That's exactly the idea behind the retro reviews. To discover some long lost gems.
Shadow Gallery certainly have something special.
Riot - Thundersteel
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sounds like I have missed something special. Ordered it today and can't wait to hear it.
Various Artists - Tommy's Highlights Of The Year 2008
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Nice! I see a lot of stuff I have to check out. If those hopes come true 2009 should be a fantastic year as well. Virgin steele... Ahh.
Vicious Rumors - Welcome to the ball
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Ahh, you've got a great discovery ahead. Also check out their debut, Soldiers of the night while you're at it.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Interesting! Just checked out "End of the line" from their website. Definitely something I will check out.
Magic Circle Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thanks! Yeah it was an unforgetable experience. The last trilogy of Manowar concerts I have seen (This festival, the 2007 tour and Earthshaker/Fan convention 2005) have left no doubt that they are my favorite live band around. Not only because of the band's performance but because of the atmosphere in the crowd as well. Fantastic experiences. You definitely have to catch them one day.
Various Artists - Steen's Highlights of 2008
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hah! I know that feeling.
Black Sabbath - The Black Box - The Complete Original Black Sabbath 1970-1978
Friday, January 16, 2009
I haven't heard this boxset but I agree on the (re)mastering problems in general. I have purchased so many remastered versions of albums where the sound has been punched up and looses impact when compared to the original that I'm now always going for the original release where possible. Many new albums have the exact same problems. It is a very sad devolution in sound we are experiencing.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Legendary Tales
Monday, January 12, 2009
In my ears Rhapsody have evolved alot since their debut. They have stayed true to their roots but constantly polished their edges. Only their latest release (Triumph or Agony) has disappointed me and I have a feeling that the switch to Magic Circle Music wasn't the best decision they ever made. I can name a number of baffling occurences since that switch. Since the band is now in a suspended state I for one hope that they will soon have their legal issues solved and return to reclaim their rightful throne as the Kings of Symphonic Power Metal.
Various Artists - Stuart's Highlights of the Year 2008
Monday, January 12, 2009
Interesting read, especially enjoyed the live recaps.
I see I have to check out the new Blaze along with Cloven Hoof in the future.
Can't believe I managed to not hear the new Judas Priest all year. It's one of those records I almost ordered at least five times but then never got around to it.
Manowar at MCM was also by far the best concerts I witnessed in 2008.
Annihilator - Set The World On Fire - Re-release
Friday, January 9, 2009
Great to see others digging this one. I'm looking forward to the re-release in a couple of weeks.
Various Artists - The State Of Power Metal Music
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Good points Tommy, the genre really needs to revitalize itself. I have high hopes that the forthcoming Cage album is what is needed.
Five of my favorite must-have Power Metal albums right off the top of my mind:
Blind guardian - Imaginations from the other side
Lost Horizon - A Flame to the ground beneath
Virgin Steele - Invictus
Cage - Hell Destroyer
Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands
Various Artists - The State Of Power Metal Music
Saturday, January 3, 2009
By the way, Sabaton is one of the most promising newer power metal bands I have discovered lately. They've made some solid albums. Primo Victoria is a favorite. Their latest "The Art of War" is a bit keyboard heavy but still a great album.
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I wouldn't be without Judas Priest's version of Johnny Be Goode. It is goode clean over-the-top fun.
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Friday, December 12, 2008
I have to check this out a.s.a.p. Read the review and had to put on Reborn right away. Great project.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Odyssey is an old favorite of mine. That was how I discovered Yngwie. Lots of great songs on that one . Just happened to stumble upon this dated but funny video for Heaven tonight after I watched the Domino commercial. Great stuff.
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Hey Stuart,
What I've heard so far (Project Shangri-la) has been good but not fantastic. Still there is something about her voice that says I should give her some more chances so I decided to check out her beginning and bought those two re-releases, which I haven't had time to listen to yet, next month hopefully.
I started warming up to her after her "Covers collection" album which included a very nice cover of Enuff Z'nuff's Innocence.
Hah! The classic Lana Lane concert at Sweden Rock '05. I guess that one will always come back to haunt me... Though I photo-documented the concert extremely well you are absolutely right when you say that I don't recall the intricate details, heh good thing there were some Scotsmen there trying to take care of me. Great whisky-tasting though...
Did you see the bands announced for 2009? Promising!
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Hey Dark Lord,
Thanks for the suggestions!
We did actually have the rating column as part of the Album review table of contents at the early days of the site but it was removed for several reasons. Most of all because we urge people to read our reviews before looking at the rating. I added the "Search by rating" as an alternative.
I'll definitely take the forum and polls suggestion into consideration for the future. Could be interesting to have a place where members could start different discussions.
Never heard of Eloy but I've added them to my list of bands to check out. Can they be compared to any other bands?
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Add Dream Theater, Marillion and Forbidden to that list as well. I'm hoping for more surprises but there's a handful of bands I really want to see here.
Virgin Steele would be amazing. You have to check out their Invictus album if you haven't already. One of my absolute favorite albums of all time. And then move on to everything else they have done :) Incredible band.
Ray Wilson & Stiltskin - She
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Elfatima, your comment doesn't make much sense.
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Friday, November 14, 2008
The best Metallica album in a long while but it comes off as too cold, lacking the spirit found in their early works. Some riffs and passages sound way too inspired by what they have done before and I miss some really memorable moments. Broken, Beat & Scarred is a clear favorite.
Sadly the album suffers terribly by being mastered way too loud and it ruins much of my listening pleasure. There is no feeling of dynamics in the sound which clips and distorts beyond belief, especially in the fastest and supposedly most powerful sections which as a result end up feeling flat.
OK album but I tire of it way too quickly.
Sabaton - Live with Grail Knights at Ivory Blacks, Glasgow - November 4th 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sounds like a great night, pantomime horse and everything. Sabaton is always an energized experience. Great band. It'll be interesting to see how many mini tanks the Rise of Evil spawns...
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Dark Lord: Thanks! Yeah I'm keeping myself pretty busy here. But with all good things so I guess it's a positive problem :)
Sitewise it's always a battle between programming new features and expanding the content. I'm working on both at the moment so I'm bound to have something online again soon. There are soooo many albums I want to write about, have to take them one by one.
Alanna: You're absolutely right. I don't know how I got Gary Hughes mixed in there, probably because I only read the first lines of the promo material and then listened to it and thought "Wow, he's back!". Now I'm just looking forward to hearing it properly, ie. not the voice-over version. Initial impression is great!
Wacken Open Air 2008 - Tommy´s Festival Report
Monday, September 22, 2008
Haha! There are some great memories from this festival. I'm sorry that we didn't get a photo pit pass so I could get close enough to take some proper photos. All my audience pictures have been censored as they are just too damn silly to make public. Avantasia was a major disappointment and didn't live up to their concert at Sweden Rock at all. Nightwish's inclusion of "While your lips are still read" was a highlight for me. A fantastic setting for that song.
Tommy, be sure that I'll be back to crash your tent next year (and when it can't stand up anymore, then I'll get you a new one). Hopefully the maniac bees that had invaded Wacken this year will have migrated.
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I pre-ordered this at CD-Wow a while ago and I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I'll be sure to post my opinion here.
Dream Theater - Awake
Thursday, August 28, 2008
It's a close race, but this is my favorite Dream Theater album. Something very special indeed.
Magic Circle Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Haha! But seriously, the camp group picture is the only one I didn't take! I can't remember who actually took it.
Magic Circle Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Hey Alanna!
Thanks!
I got a photo pass which allowed me to take pictures of the first three songs of each show. I did that and then didn't take any more. Personally I hate it when photographers stand in the audience and take pictures, thereby destroying other peoples view. Especially when they have a photopass and should get their pictures during that time in the photo pit. I have experienced many festivals where the photographers run from the photo pit and into the audience and get as good a spot as possible, only to stand there and take hundreds of photos while being oblivious to the music and anything else. It's really annoying and as much as I could have gotten some great shots of the Pleasure slave chicks and trust me, I had the urge to do so, I didn't pull out my camera, for those reasons.
But here are a couple of YouTube links to people who recorded the song, so now you can see for yourself!
Whole Song
Ending, from the other side
All we were told about WS and Def cancellations was "Contractual problems". Actually I found out later that Brazen Abbott had not cancelled. They had switched places with Beloved Enemy and played the next day which I didn't find out before noon that day. Unfortunately I failed to catch them, but they did play.
Didn't know about Brutal Legend! Ha! Just watched the trailer. Could be a lot of fun. Unfortunately it's not going to be released for PC. Doh!
Brian: I could have added alot more Manowar pictures, but I really didn't want them to take over the entire report.
Sweden Rock Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Haha thanks! Those were the days...
I guess I peaked on the wild-o-meter back in 2005. Hhmm next year I will have to come up with something new. Hopefully you will be there.
For now watch out for the Magic circle report which I have just started working on. Amazing experience.
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thanks for the recommendations. Found Centaur's God Complex in the bargain bin at Magic Circle and bought it blindly. Have yet to listen to it.
No, I haven't heard his solo albums but "Thru the looking glass" sounds strangely like something I should check out.
Never heard of Prime Time but I have to check that out now. I always wondered what happened to Hovinga.
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
You can expect a complete guided tour, including a well rounded jukebox experience when you make it over here!
Yeah it doesn't get much better than Eternity X. Ahh and the first three Elegy albums were quite unique as well. I have heard lots of good things about Superior's Ultima Ratio so it's on my to-buy list. Never heard of Letter X and Centaur. Any album recommendations?
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thanks! Yes, it is another one of those obscure 90's progressive bands that almost impossible to find now. If I stumble upon it somewhere I'll be sure to let you know. You're in for a unique experience for sure.
Asia - Phoenix
Friday, July 4, 2008
Ooops my mistake! Thanks for noticing.
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Yes, I have a feeling that Magic Circle will be the highlight of the year. I hope that one day you'll be able to make it over here for a real Euro Metal festival. But anyway, the first 6 Manowar albums live.... Uhhh! I'll be sure to write a detailed report for those miss it.
Ahh Magnitude 9... Still haven't gotten to that one. Somehow it became another month where the number of CD's I purchased outnumbered those I managed to listen to. There will be some catching up to do in the coming months. Also looking forward to the Winger's.
"Forgotten prog bands of the 90s" That sounds like a good idea for an article!
HailZ!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Hahaa, my favorite line of the entire album.
I'm more than ready for the concert at Sweden Rock.
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Yeah, good one. Counterstrike is another favorite of mine and Metal Machine is very well done too. No bad songs on this one really. Now I'm looking forward to the new album soon to be released!
Kiske - Past In Different Ways
Thursday, May 15, 2008
An acoustic version of Twilight of the Gods... Now that would indeed be interesting!
Loverboy - Just Getting Started
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fantastic album. Got hold of it a couple of weeks ago and now it has settled comfortably in. Instant favorites are "Fade To Black", "Back For More", "The One That Got Away" and "Stranded" but every single song has something. Rating at the moment varies between 8 and 8.5/10.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Yeah, the CGI... big mistake! Also I have a feeling that they screwed up the PAL conversion since the movie stutters heavily more times than I bothered to count. I could have lived with the animation if it had been CGI free and the rest of the movie had worked. The saddest thing is that they never capture the essence of the book. It would probably have been better to split the first book into two movies or a marathon 3 hour thingie. The movie misses the sense of urgency or danger or even time passing as in the book. It just goes by way too fast and misses the small stuff that made the book a personal favorite.
"Tas and the wicker dragon" is also a favorite part of mine which could have been extremely fun to see. Other moments I think they messed up include Flint at the lake, Bupu and the dead lizard, Berem, Caramon and Tika's relationship and several other missed opportunities.
A few positive things that come to my mind right now is the score and Raistlin and Flint's voice acting. Oh and the fact that Lord of the Rings started out in the somewhat the same way, so perhaps in 15 years time we will have a full live action trilogy done properly. The books deserve something very special.
Conception - Flow
Friday, April 11, 2008
Conception is one of those bands (and there are still a few) that have managed to flow under my radar until now. It's great to still be able to make discoveries like this one hopefully is.
Conception - Flow
Friday, April 11, 2008
Exactly! I am awaiting its arrival most unpatiently.
Conception - Flow
Thursday, April 10, 2008
This sounds highly interesting. In fact, I just ordered it.
Saviour Machine - Legend - Part I
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thanks! Yes, it did indeed take a long time to make this review feel right.
I got the 2 disc Signature Edition of the album today with extended arrangements and remixes. Good timing! It is really hard to hear these songs done differently. Somehow the original versions feel right. Still, an interesting release for sure.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, March 28, 2008
Hey Andrew!
Hahaaa, Just watched the video. Very enjoyable! "Moooo", "Moo!" and "Don't ever film me wearing this hat, it's a big NONO!" brings back some fond memories. It is a bit vague though :) Vague space in my brain? No no...
It's a real shame that you aren't coming this year. Damn! Now, who will help me if I pass out?? I will have to put my faith in Stretchy-pet. (Nice one by the way)
Anyway, I will do my best to keep a detailed diary so you can see what you missed and I'm sure Stuart will also regale you with many tales so hopefully you will be back next year.
I send you a mighty Moo! from the Danish highlands! (or something like that... NI!)
Sweden Rock Festival 2007 - Steen´s Festival Report
Friday, March 28, 2008
I'm bringing a new hat this year!
Various Artists - The Narrator's Curse
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thanks for the comments!
Yes, Blind Guardian did it right on Nightfall... in the way that they split the narration from the music. I also think that Cage made the right decision on Hell Destroyer to split up the narration and it works for me. Both these narratives give their albums a certain atmosphere but neither feel perfect to me as I don't find them 100% spellbinding. Nightfall... falters a bit with "Face the truth" and "Final Chapter". There are small issues, but both stand high above the crowd.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Hey DL!
I'm keeping myself pretty busy here, especially on a particular review...
Good, I thought you'd like the Everflow experience. I haven't gotten hold of "Scream Silence" yet, but I will check it out in the near future. It is on the list.
Regarding favorite singers, I have actually been wanting to write something about that topic for a while now, so I'm not going to list them here, but keep your eyes open for a full article on my favorite singers soon.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hey Dennis!
Great to hear from you! Sounds like a solid festival plan. Sweden Rock, Magic Circle and Wacken are on my schedule, so we will have to arrange a meeting plan when we get closer to June. We will most likely arrive in Sweden on wednesday. Keep me updated on your plans.
Mentally yours,
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, January 25, 2008
Great! You've definitely got something special to look forward to with "Into the Everflow".
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I guess I still have a few suprises up my sleeve :)
I haven't followed them since way back when where I dangled hazily around singing "Don't look back in anger" every other weekend, so I thought this was a nice chance to revisit them. Some great songs there.
Ayreon - 01011001
Sunday, January 20, 2008
I'm referring to Jorn Lande's "Listen to The Warning" in Unnatural Selection.
Various Artists - Steen´s Highlights Of The Year 2007
Monday, January 7, 2008
Hey Alanna! I hope, one day, to hear that song live in concert. Whew...
Yes, you definitely should give Cage a chance and Damian's solo album is superb as well. Don't know if you have heard his Disciple album. That one remains my favorite.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Hi!
Thanks for the recommendation. I've made a note to check out those two albums in the future. I am not familiar with the band but the fact that you like Saviour Machine is enough for me to check them out.
Saviour Machine - I
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Thanks! I am planning to review all the Legend albums, but it is quite an undertaking. One fine day Part I will be online.
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tommy, they already topped Century Child with Oceanborn so I don't know what you are talking about, heheh!
At the moment I rate Dark Passion Play around 6.5, give or take half a grade but I will give it another month to really settle in and that may change things.
Nevermore - Dead Heart In A Dead World
Sunday, October 28, 2007
8/10 for me.
Superb album, but "The Politics of Ecstasy" remains my favorite Nevermore release.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Excellent! Yes, I have seen the news. I am catching them for certain at the Wacken Open Air festival in 2008 but hopefully they will also make it to Denmark. The setlist should be a dream.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, October 19, 2007
Yeah of course I remember you. Check your profile.
King Diamond - Give Me Your Soul.... Please
Monday, October 1, 2007
Thanks!
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Hey Darren!
Very interesting to say the least. If you can elaborate we would love to hear that story.
All the best,
Steen
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, September 14, 2007
Hey Nicky,
Yeah, best to stick to English... But thanks man! It was great to hear from you. I hope you discover some gems here.
All the best,
Steen
Various Artists - Playlist - August/September 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
For some reason I was convinced that it was on the same level as Odyssey. But no.
Wacken Open Air 2007 - Steen´s Festival Report
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Cool! Wacken Open Air (or Sweden Rock Festival for that matter) is surely worth a bit of travel.
Nuclear Valdez - I am I
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Thanks! Always good to hear from others who have discovered this sparkling gem. "I a minute all could change" comes highly recommended as well. A unique band for sure.
Evidence One - The Sky is the Limit
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Err... no! The review is based on a promo cd sent to us from Target Distribution who got it from the record company. We do not review downloaded material.
This is the tracklisting as it was on the promo.
None - Steen´s Favorite Bands, Albums, Movies and more
Monday, August 6, 2007
Hey Henk,
Send me an email at steen@revelationz.net and we'll take it from there.
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Patrick: You should definitely do that :) Both bands are unique in a weird special way, that is the main reason for my matchmaking.
Carsten: That article in Metalized way back when was in fact the reason I discovered the album in the first place.
Innocent Rosie - Innocent Rosie (Demo)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Nice bit of unintelligible vomit right there...
Nelson - Because They Can
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thanks for the recommendation. I listened to a few samples and the album is now on my "To buy" list. Sounds very promising indeed!
Nelson - Because They Can
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Hey ThraX! You are so very right. Good to hear others appreciating this little gem. For those who feel the same I will recommend you check out "Enuff Z'nuff - Seven", another fantastic album in a somewhat similar vein.
Sweden Rock Festival 2007 - Steen´s Festival Report
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Hey Dennis!
Great to hear from you. I will see you in Wacken.
Mentally yours,
Steen
Sweden Rock Festival 2007 - Steen´s Festival Report
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Andrew: My god, your memory is as bad as mine haha. The tree spotting game was the funniest thing that happened on saturday.
I wasn't actually talking about Thomas (Grandma), though I forgot to mention him (her) as well (Damn alzheimers) No, there was one more Scottish dude with us and I can't remember his name.
Kamelot - Reissues: Eternity / Dominion / Siege Perilous / Fourth Legacy / Expedition / Karma / Epica
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Dominion is an old favorite of mine. A specific atmosphere rules this album and songs like Song of Roland, We're Not Separate, Heaven, Rise again, One Day I'll Win and Birth of a Hero all have something special.
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Hey Carsten,
Definitely give it a few more chances. I'm sure it will be worth it.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Monday, June 18, 2007
No, it's NI!
Ah, those were good times.
Mooo!
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
In my opinion this way of making promos hurt the artists. I find it impossible to make a proper review of promos as these and I had to say something. To underline my point here is the first minute of the KD promo. If that voice doesn't ruin everything I don't know what does.
@Alanna: Excellent news, another Kane Roberts album to look out for.
Pain of Salvation - Scarsick
Sunday, May 20, 2007
*bows graciously*
Pride of Lions - The Roaring of Dreams
Sunday, May 20, 2007
I agree. The deep passion contained in this album has completely won me over. "Astonish You" has been my favorite for quite a while now.
Pain of Salvation - Scarsick
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Thanks for the comments so far. It's always interesting to hear some different views.
@Mmmmm: I do mention Scarsick, the song, in the line that says "The title track and Spitfall open the album in a cold, aggressive way."
@Alexandre: Like I wrote in the review "It's not so much what the lyrics say, it's the way it is said." So the reason for the rating is in no way because I agree or disagree with the concept.
I'll sum it up with a couple of quotes from the review: "The lyrics are way more direct than usual and they often end up feeling too forced" and "my main problem with the album, is the need to repeat passages and riffs over and over. This trend is true for almost every song."
Overall an above average album (5,5 is not a bad album here), but not one I see myself spending a lot of time with in the future.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Sounds very interesting. I will be looking for it in the various cd shops at the upcoming festivals. Let the hunt begin.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Good to see that you've discovered Saviour Machine. II is one to die for. A stunning album.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Hey LDB,
Quite a respectable list there as well. Yes, I went somewhat above and beyond my music budget for this month. That almost never happens!
Hhmmm Blue Murder, the best release of 1989? Better than Gutter Ballet by Savatage? I guess I have to find it then.
You can look forward to the Threshold. It is up there with Redemption at the moment.
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Cool, you're welcome.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sweet! No, I did not know that. I will be expecting a performance of this song at the Sweden Rock festival! :)
Manowar - Live with Rhapsody of Fire and HolyHell in Germany, March 2007 - The Tour Report
Monday, April 2, 2007
@Benno: Good to hear you enjoyed the report. Hail Brother!
@Dennis: You missed an incredible show. I'm getting ready for Sweden Rock soon, too bad you're not coming. We will arrange something for Wacken. Then I shall sing a few Manowar hymns from the show, just to let you know what you missed!
Manowar - Live with Rhapsody of Fire and HolyHell in Germany, March 2007 - The Tour Report
Monday, April 2, 2007
Hey Fernando!
Thanks! Hope you enjoyed the DVD.
Holy Mother - Interview with Tommy Hellbent
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thanks for the info. I was unable to find any official website, so the referring line has been deleted from the interview.
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Oh yeah, I totally forgot Lake of Tears. Also completely forgot the new releases from Iced Earth and King Diamond! I'm expecting all three to be absolutely awesome. Lake of Tears is always something special.
By the way, I just got back from seeing Manowar live in Munich and Frankfurt. Absolutely the best shows I have seen them play. Their shows lasted for more than 2Ŋ hours and they played Mountains!! Oh yeah. Now, two days of warming up before the Hamburg show. A tour report will be coming soon...
Manowar - The Day The Earth Shook - The Absolute Power
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Just did.
Masterplan - MK II
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Heh, ok got it.
Neal Morse - Sola Scriptura
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Not yet, but I am still working on it.
Masterplan - MK II
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Relax. It was meant as an ironic comparison. In the first draft of my review i had acually added an "(ok ,i'm exaggerating)" in the middle of the offending line but I thought it was obvious and removed it before it got online. I love Zak's voice as well, which you will see if you read my comment to Tommy's Edge of thorns review.
Enuff Z'nuff - UK Tour 2005 with Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd and Drugdealer Cheerleader
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
That would be Eric Donner...
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2007
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Hey Mads,
It definitely needs time. I'm working on the full review, so all shall be revealed soon.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Yeah, it looks to be another great Sweden Rock! Meat Loaf is my most awaited artist so far. But Pretty Maids, Annihilator, Thunder, Blind Guardian and the Human Manowar jukebox... Ohh I can't wait.
Jon Oliva´s Pain - Maniacal Renderings
Monday, January 22, 2007
Ouch, that didn't help. Still "just" a good album.
NP: Evergrey - Blinded
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
Monday, January 8, 2007
Hey Mads!
They are already pretty big as far as I know. Ordered my ticket yesterday for the show in KB Hallen in April. That should be great. Will you be there? Have you heard any of their other albums? Got "Three cheers..." recently and it's growing slowly. Got addicted to Helena...
Jon Oliva´s Pain - Maniacal Renderings
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Hey Trans-Siberian Outcast,
I sort of had a feeling this was coming :)
I certainly wanted the album to blow me away more than anything and that's why I kept giving it that one more listen to see if it wouldn't win me over. It just never did and settled around being "just" very good but still somewhat inconsistent. I even tried to rate each song individually and then took the average of those grades, which magically ended up as 6,5 so that settled it in the end. 6,5 is not a bad grade. In my opinion the album is in no way perfect or genius as a 9/10 grade would indicate. But it's good to hear other people see the light when it only glimmers for me.
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Hey Laura!
Great to hear you enjoyed the report and pictures. I fought hard to get them :)
All the best,
Steen (Patiently awaiting the next batch of summer festivals)
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part Two - 50-1)
Friday, December 22, 2006
Me too :)
Have you heard the version on the remastered version of Promised Land with the full band? Interesting, but it comes nowhere near the emotion in the piano version. A special song indeed.
Various Artists - Playlist - December 2006/January 2007
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I have only listened to the new C2C once and it sounded very promising. Hopefully I will have time to really discover it during the christmas vacation. Now I gotta go and hear Old City Bar one more time...
Manowar - The Sons of Odin
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
I just got the real version with the extra DVD and it is definitely worth the purchase. The fan convention preview feature is very entertaining and it's cool to see so many familiar faces. Can't wait to see the full thing. The Heart of Steel rehearsal footage is indeed an awesome special treat. Now I'm just looking forward to hearing the songs on a real 5.1 system. Cool slideshows too. Man, I laughed when I saw the picture I took of the Swedish Sons of Odin posing with the Manowar Battle Bag. Great memories.
Heavenly - Virus
Friday, November 10, 2006
I pretty much agree with Alanna's review.
Originality has never been one of the reasons why I dig Heavenly so much. Their music just manages to get me in a good mood. This album is no different. Unfortunately it falls short of the great Dust to Dust. The album is still very infectous and definitely worthwhile. "The Power and Fury" may lack in surprises but it is still one of my favorites along with "Spill blood on Fire", "The dark memories", "When the rain begins to fall" (Interesting to hear it's a cover), "The Prince of the world" and the title track.
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Thanks man! Some great memories are buried in this report. I'm looking forward to next year :)
Pretty Maids - Live at the Skanderborg Festival 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thanks Peter!
Yeah, I'm looking forward to a nice 2-hour+ set at the Train concert as well :)
Manowar - The Sons of Odin
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
It sure sounds like Joey to me. I'm certain I'm right :)
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I became hooked on Dan Brown's style after reading The Da Vinci Code and have now read all his books. Finished Digital Fortress just last week. Angels & Demons is in fact my favorite as well! I never finished a book that quickly. Completely awesome.
I can recommend Digital Fortress and especially Deception Point as well. Not quite on the same level and they are a bit far out, but exciting reads nonetheless.
Ordered the CIIC album yesterday by the way.
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Reading Angels & Demons I was constantly thinking how cool a movie it could be turned into. Hopefully it will be done right. Haven't seen The Da Vinci Code yet, but the latest news is that SONY will make Angels & Demons as a sequel to The Da Vinci Code and they're aiming for a late 2008/early 2009 release...
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Friday, October 13, 2006
Alanna, to answer your first question: Me!! :)
This one sounds very interesting. I will check it out soon. How much am I looking forward to the next Dan Brown book? A LOT!
Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Friday, October 6, 2006
@Wraith: I hear you. Morten probably had his reasons at the time. Since he's not part of the staff anymore I would venture the guess that the album just felt like an 8.5/10. I could also give the reason: "Because our rating system is that tough." 8/10 is an outstanding grade here and nothing is necessarily wrong with albums that get that grade. Ghost reveries' rating lies between outstanding and totally genius. That is the impression I get from the review so I believe the rating is fair in that respect. 10/10 is not a rating we give often and it should be reserved for those unsurpassable, one-of-a-kind albums that the reviewer feels are completely magical and out of this world divine. Please check our rating descriptions for further information.
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
@Pat: No, I haven't heard any Hibria (or Racer X for that matter), but I will keep them in mind.
@maiden fan: I haven't listened to the new Maiden yet. I wanted to wait until I could get hold of the actual album and I only got that in the mail yesterday (the DVD edition by the way). It is still wrapped and I won't have time to listen to it properly before sometime next week, so you can expect my first impression of it on next month's playlist.
@Alanna: Yeah the new Rhapsody really let me down. I'm a sucker for the up-tempo - huge chorus stuff. The story also makes it really hard for me to take the album serious when the music isn't more inspiring. I will still give it a few more chances though. It may still grow. I also didn't like Brave New World in particular (as can be seen in Tommy's review), but found Dance of Death much much better. Looking forward to getting to know the new album. Only thing is, "Time is NOT on my side" :)
Pretty Maids - Live at the Skanderborg Festival 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Yes, I am slightly busy from time to time :) Nah... :) Moo!
Pretty Maids were playing one of the smallest stages there and only had little more than an hour to play, so that's the reason for the short set.
I will surely sing Bohemian Rhapsody again somewhere in time. You don't want to be there :) On second thought, I could use a choir...
Wacken Open Air 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Monday, September 11, 2006
Never mind the German concert reports. Not my strongest language :) NI!
Wacken Open Air 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Hehe Thanks! Yeah, It was a great time.
@Stuart: Send Andy my best wishes! If I could I would pop by the hospital to sing a little song to cheer him up :) Although I guess laughing too much won't be good for that ulcer... Get better man!
@Mads: Moo!
@Dennis: The Wacken party was definitely not to be missed. We must do it again! I'm hoping that I will be able to catch Vicious Rumors as well, but I'm not sure I will make it yet. Cheers dude! And remember to say hi from me to your most honorable citizen, Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfernschplenden- schlitter- crasscrenbon- fried- digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle- burstein- von- knacker- thrasher- apple- banger- horowitz- ticolensic- grander- knotty- spelltinkle- grandlich- grumblemeyer- spelterwasser- kurstlich- himbleeisen- bahnwagen- gutenabend- bitte- ein- nürnburger- bratwustle- gerspurten- mitz- wemache- luber- hundsfut- gumberaber- shönendanker- kalbsfleisch- mittler- aucher von Hautkopft (aus Ulm)
Korn - See You On The Other Side
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Neither did I :)
Sabaton - Band Information
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Haha! We were right there, in the middle of the camping ground, partying as always. I'm guessing you were wearing earplugs all the time hehe. Next year just send us a message and we'll meet. Just remember to have plenty of fuel for the human Manowar Jukebox :)
Metal Church - A Light In The Dark
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Thanks, I plan to go back and start right from the beginning.
Metal Church - A Light In The Dark
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Heh, I sent you a mail about the same thing right before I saw this message. I'm certain that me, you and Jim will have a most entertaining time in front of the stage as well as for the warmup at the camp. I will bring the stereo, you bring the classics. NI!
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Hey Maiden fan,
My first impression is that it has some potential. It is way too early to say something specific. Only listened to it twice. I will wait until I have the full album in the right audio quality before getting really into it.
Elegy - Lost
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Yeah, it can take a while before the album really opens up. There is just something about the atmosphere that gets me.
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Thanks for the info. I have updated the Gamma Ray setlist.
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2006
Monday, July 3, 2006
Excellent! Thanks for the link! I had not seen that. It was just what I was looking for.
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Hey Dennis! Good to hear from you. Send me a mail so we can hook up at Wacken. I believe you owe me a beer! :) Then we shall party again!
Sweden Rock Festival 2006 - Steen´s Festival Report
Friday, June 23, 2006
Thanks!
Yeah, I think I'm getting old... Sleeping on the last night of a festival tsk tsk... It's a big bad... But you know, I knew I couldn't possibly top last year, so I might as well try to get some sleep :)
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Thanks man! Good to hear you enjoy the site.
King Diamond - Live with Loch Vostok and Secret Sphere at Train, Aarhus - April 17, 2006
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
The Aarhus concert was a great one. My favorite moments were Sleepless Nights, Welcome Home and Invisible Guests. Fantastic songs that were performed with skill and a ton of energy. Unfortunately they only played my two least favorite songs from The Puppetmaster and there were far too many Abigail 1 & 2 songs for my taste. While the setlist was disappointing to me the energized show made up for it.
Queensr˙che - Operation: Mindcrime - Remastered and Expanded
Sunday, June 4, 2006
We never received a promo for review so that is probably the main reason. I bought the album about a month ago but haven't listened enough to it to fully review it yet. It did get a mention in my playlist this month so check that if you want my first impression.
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part Two - 50-1)
Monday, May 8, 2006
Vague Space... Hhmmm I seem to recall a band by that name.... No, now it's gone :)
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Friday, April 28, 2006
No, I'm not a huge Death Metal fan. The growling vocals have always turned me off. Death - Human is a really great album though, one of the first I bought. It's just that I like the music 100 times more than the vocals.
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Friday, April 21, 2006
Haha! It would be interesting that's for sure. Don't think I've ever done that one Eric Adams style... Hhmmm... "Now somewhere in the black mountain hiiiiiiiiiiiiills...." Yes, I think that would work! :)
About Enuff Z'nuff, my own personal favorite is Strength. You can probably find that cheap somewhere. It is definitely worth spending some time with, trust me.
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Hey maiden fan,
My list is not based on logic, it is based on how much each song means to me. (and believe me, I know several people who don't think my taste is very logic). It's impossible to compare songs like "One" and "Julia" those to each other fairly. That is not the way I decided on the placement. The way I did it was to take each song and judge how much it gave me. A number would pop into my head and the song would magically find its place on the list. Nostalgia and other things besides the actual music also had something to say here, so I guess this is the most subjective article you can imagine. If I was to make a list celebrating The most important metal songs ever or something similar then you would see a somewhat different list.
The order of the songs reflects my state of mind on the day I decided on the placement and whether a song is number 40 or number 60 doesn't mean I see a big difference in their quality. All the songs on this list are classics to me and I have a list of 300 more songs I would have liked to include as well.
Well, you should be prepared for a few more surprises :) What I can tell you is that "Hallowed..." is "a bit" higher than 50 hehe.
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Oh my god, that is bizzare. Rocky Racoon has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I have "sung" that one too many times to count. Ha! I remember someone posting a video of me on the internet singing that exact tune at a party. It was far out.
You've gotta hear Enuff Z'nuff's impromptu acoustic live version of this song one day.
Manowar - Hell On Earth Part IV
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Easter Egg directions:
Put in DVD 2. Go to the "Behind the Scenes" part. Press Left one time and then Down one time. You should now see the M in Manowar lighting up. Press Select/Enter on your remote there and you will be at the hidden menu.
Thine - In therapy
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Hey Elton,
You should buy the full album at Amazon by following this link. Unfortunately the full album does not contain the lyrics. I managed to grab the lyrics when they were at the official site and I'm sending them to you now.
Various Artists - Alanna´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
I've been thinking about my Top 100 for about a year now, on and off. Really started working seriously on it a couple of months ago. First I boiled it down to two lists with about 400 songs and from there came the final top 100. Not at all easy, but very satisfying to look at the finished list.
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Monday, April 3, 2006
Hey maiden fan,
Long time no hear! Yes, the Maiden album will be awaited with much anticipation by me too. The Beatles and Slayer do share the same CD rack in my apartment, so there you go. This list is meant to represent my personal favorite songs and I decided not to let genre boundaries influence on it. Looking forward to seeing your favorite songs of Metal, I'm guessing Enuff Z'nuff won't be on there, heh.
Various Artists - Tommy's Highlights Of The Year 2005
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tommy, what took you so long? I don't understand, hehe. I can only think of one album you didn't to mention. That is Skylark - Fairytales, which was absolutely terrible, but funny. Ok, good for you then.
Various Artists - Alanna´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I never found the time to get really into How the Gods Kill, but I just gave Sistinas a couple of listens and wow, it has a fantastic atmosphere. Very promising.
Also, I see you have the Gary Hughes album I have been looking for for years now. One day, it will be mine...
Various Artists - Steen´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100 (Part One - 100-51)
Monday, March 27, 2006
Thanks!
Within Temptation - The Silent Force
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
@meh:
To sum up my review:
I find this album just above average and a big step back from Mother Earth. That is just my opinion and it hasn't changed since I did the review. I still think it is somewhat uninspired and a major disappointment.
Quote: "I think the person who did this review is clearly a typically underground metal fan who doesn't like to share his music with the rest of the world."
Heh... that is in fact the reason I started this website...
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Hey Stuart,
I'm keeping busy here, but I'm ready for Sweden Rock! Then we shall see if we can possibly top last year haha. I'm looking forward to the music, the parties, possibly another whisky taste and most important of all... The chicken wings! :)
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Highlander:
Yes, Helloween were there. Their concert is described on Day 1 of my report. This page only describes Day 3.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell II - Back Into Hell
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Hey MeatTycoon,
Saw your comment before it was somehow deleted.
I mentioned Bad For Good in my Playlist for January/February 2006. Check the article for my initial impression. I think it is a fantastic album album and I'm still listening to it regularly. I have a feeling that over time it will grow even more.
Manowar - Hell On Earth Part IV
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thanks Neil! All I can say is "I can't wait". Especially now that the tour has been postponed. My thoughts go out to Karl Logan for a speedy recovery.
Hail & Kill!
Various Artists - Playlist - February/March 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Man, you must be feeling a little bit sheepish now hehe... Baaaah... I was actually really excited for about one day.
Various Artists - Concept Albums Are No Mindcrime
Monday, February 20, 2006
Hey TSO!
Thanks for the reminder that I need to get hold of that Nikolo Kotzev album! :)
I remember borrowing it from a friend a long time ago and thinking there was something there, but then it disappeared from my memory until I read your comment.
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Monday, February 20, 2006
Thanks brother! Yeah, it was a once in a lifetime experience. Now I'm looking forward to re-live it on DVD!
Various Artists - Concept Albums Are No Mindcrime
Saturday, February 18, 2006
I know, I left out several high class albums on my list. Those I mentioned besides the top five came quickly from the top of my mind and I forgot quite a few.
Among those were:
Ayreon - The Universal Migrator I & II (Personal Favorite: The Dream Sequencer)
Opeth - Still Life (The Moor is my favorite Opeth song)
Several Virgin Steele albums (The Marriage of Heaven & Hell and Atreus trilogies)
Jag Panzer - Thane to the Throne
Savatage - Dead Winter Dead & The Wake of Magellan
Jabberwocky by Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman
BE and The Perfect Element by Pain of Salvation
Zodiac by Eternity X
Searching for Truth & The Inner Circle by Evergrey
Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle
Spock's Beard - Snow
Some albums where I love the music, but don't actually remember the story, which means either the story doesn't work or some elements keep the story from really captivating me or there is no actual story but an overall theme connects the songs and is used to set a specific mood.
All Rhapsody albums (Still trying to re-write The Lord of the Rings and failing completely, which is just sad since the music is amazing)
Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle Earth
Bob Catley - Middle Earth (The theme mostly sets the atmosphere)
The Avantasia albums
Ten - Babylon
Gary Hughes - Once & Future King I & II
Orphaned Land - Mabool
Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
Aina - Days of rising doom
Rage - Soundchaser
Iced Earth - The Glorious Burden (War theme)
Star One - Space Metal (Space Theme)
Damian Wilson - Disciple (Family/Parent theme)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra albums (Christmas theme)
Iced Earth - Horror Show (Horror theme)
Doomsword - Resound the horn (Viking theme)
A few concept albums that I eagerly await this year:
Queensr˙che - Operation: Mindcrime II
Pain Of Salvation - The Perfect Element Part II
Saviour Machine - Legend Part III:II
Vanden Plas - Christ.0
Various Artists - Concept Albums Are No Mindcrime
Friday, February 17, 2006
Good question! My five favorite concept albums, where story and music come together to form something unique would be:
Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera
Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
Queensr˙che - Operation: Mindcrime
Eternity X - The Edge
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Other concept albums that are high on my list:
Payne's Gray - Kadath Decoded
Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman - The Hound of The Baskervilles
Saviour Machine - The Legend Trilogy (Still not finished)
Ayreon - The Human Equation
Dream Theater - Scenes From A Memory
Most King Diamond albums (Especially Them, Conspiracy, The Puppet Master, The Eye, Voodoo, The Graveyard & House of God)
Grave Digger - Knights of the Cross
Various Artists - Steen´s Favorite Albums of 2005
Monday, January 30, 2006
@Little Drummer Boy: Baah baah baaaaahh... Sorry, couldn't help it :)
@Ben: Yo duuuuude!! I don't think I will make it to ProgPower this year either. Would love to see especially Pyramaze and Wastefall, but at the moment the trip is too expensive. Vanishing Point! Another addition to the list of releases that I missed out on...
Stay heavy!
Various Artists - Steen´s Favorite Albums of 2005
Saturday, January 28, 2006
@Pat: No, even though I bought the album several months ago I haven't given it the time it needs yet.
@Little Drummer Boy:
I didn't review Allen Lande, that was Alanna. While I think it's a great album I wouldn't rate it quite so high.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Yes, I know I have great taste, especially in chicken...
I'll be sure to check out Rainbow Rising in the future.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Thanks, cool to see somebody got that. It was in fact your review that made me aware that this album existed in the first place.
Ten - The Essential Collection 1995-2005
Friday, January 13, 2006
I unfortunately have to agree with Alanna on this one. Being a huge Ten fan I also had great expectations but found most of these re-recordings really disappointing.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell II - Back Into Hell
Saturday, January 7, 2006
Found and ordered Bad For Good today, so I should have it within a week or so.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell II - Back Into Hell
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Thanks for the info! I was actually not aware of most of that. I will see if I can find those Steinman records and post my opinion here.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Anything in particular you would recommend?
Enuff Z'nuff - Strength
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Hey Shawn,
Can you give some examples for me to check out? I have most of Cheap Trick's albums but haven't found their influence to be as obvious as The Beatles. Maybe because I discovered The Beatles before Enuff Z'nuff and Cheap Trick after Enuff Z'nuff, I don't know. But it would be interesting if you can elaborate on the Cheap Trick influence.
Brides of Destruction - Runaway Brides
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Michael also goes by the nickname Psychopunch, so I guess that fits pretty well :)
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
@Pat: Yeah but I'm a bit odd too :) (NI!!)
@Kim Bendix: Oh yeah that most excellent band Headless Rider, from whom I have never heard a full song!! I wonder why they are not on my playlist haha
@maiden fan: No there wasn't a big discussion about the Maiden/Ozzfest issue. What do I think about it? Far out... It's hard to say because I don't know all the facts, but from what I have read what happened was extremely unprofessional and made me loose my last bit of respect for the Osbournes.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Det må vi hellere snakkes ved om på et senere tidspunkt. Det skal ikke offentliggøres her haha...
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Yo Grandma!! :)
Jeg skal ikke med til TigertailZ og da slet ikke i Hamburg... Der går lige et par måneder mere inden jeg tør vise mig i den by igen haha. Sparer op til min Manowar turne i April og Stream of Passion i Januar. Go' koncert i aften! Hils Lemmy og sig BØØØØØHH!!
Skylark - Fairytales
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Haha I didn't know that!! But why am I not surprised.
By the way, I forgot to mention that I think the keyboard player should be nicknamed "The Rossatron"...
Kamelot - The Black Halo
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Hey Alex13,
If the Black Halo was on level with all the rest just "good" releases then it would have gotten a 6/10. In my view an 8/10 is given to completely outstanding albums that are at the top of their genre and I would still give it that rating today. I know that our rating system is different than most others so you can't directly compare the grades to other sites. Fantastic album, and it does feature in my top 5 albums of the year so far.
Various Artists - Playlist - October/November 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
Hey Yuki!
Yeah their singer is pretty hot! But the fact that she poses in a bikini on the band's website says it all I think... That is just too damn funny. Look out for the full review soon.
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Thanks wob! Yeah, I would have loved some songs from Into Glory Ride too since it is also my favorite.
Hail Ralph! I'm pretty much 100% sure they didn't play "The Gods Made Heavy Metal".
Wacken Open Air 2005 - Tommy´s Festival Report
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Editors note: I must apologise for the lack of good concert pictures this year. The Wacken organisers didn't grant us a photopass and I was unable to get close to the stage (because I was at the Jim Beam bar :)). All I have is a collection of three blurred Nightwish pictures... I take full responsibility. It can only get better next year.
Now that I'm making excuses I will also announce that I won't be writing a festival report this year. I think I got a little burned out on writing festival reports after Sweden Rock and Earthshaker and this years Wacken Open Air ended up as a four day drinking binge for me... While my drunken antics could have made for a funny report I just don't think there would be enough musical content to warrant it.
To Tommy: "You will never mix another drink for me. I will never trust you again!!" Haha what fun we had. It was only fair that I broke your chair since you broke mine on the first day and I had to tape it back together. It was too bad you missed Mads, Peter and me singing Manowar songs for three hours straight. I can't believe you were able to sleep throught that! Impressive. I would also like to thank the rest of the camp for not throwing me into the river...
If I was to write a festival report today it would go something like this: Never found the Chicken Wings vendor. I hung out at the Jim Beam bar a lot. Edguy were the best band by far!
Manowar - Sign Of The Hammer
Thursday, September 8, 2005
I actually have a bootleg show from 1986 where they play Mountains. It is pretty amazing! They mention the song in one of the commentaries on Hell On Earth Part IV so they haven't forgotten it. Hopefully they will revive it on the next tour.
Various Artists - Playlist - August/September 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
Hey Alanna,
You should hear Tommy sing Strawgirl. That would give you a whole new level of appreciation of that song as well as David Defeis haha.
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Thursday, August 18, 2005
@Stuart and Barry: You know I would have liked to have been there with you on that dance floor. If that had been the case I am sure that the false ones would not only have looked on in disgust, they would have fled the place when they heard me sing for the first time haha.
@Barbara: I hail you, crazy Savawoman! Hopefully I can soon invade Munich so we can do it all again. If not sooner then in April when Manowar arrives.
@Benno(war): Next time we meet we shall do it again, but then Achilles will just be a warm-up :) After that we will move on to the other epics! You know what I mean. Hail & Kill!
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Monday, August 15, 2005
Hail Neil!
Thanks for clarifying the Christopher Lee issue. I will be awaiting the next DVD with much anticipation.
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Yes she is.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Hey John! (Pinky :))
That is a deal. We shall lay waste to your camp next year at Sweden Rock!
You must send me your email address so I can get in contact with you.
Earthshaker Festival 2005 - Earthshaker & Manowar Fan Convention - The Festival Report
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Hey thanks for all the comments! It took a while to write so it's cool to get some feedback. I am hoping to catch a few of the shows in Germany in April, maybe even all of them if I can get off work. Anybody who wants to meet up should write me.
@Alan: I don't wear the cheap foam ear plugs but some pretty good $40 ones and they usually do a good job of turning down both highs, mids and lows. Of course I would prefer to hear a concert without them but I had a strong fear that my ears would pop open and start bleeding if I took them out. Compared to the Manowar concert I saw in Copenhagen on the Warriors of the World tour where the sound was loud and clear and possible to experience without ear plugs then this was nowhere near it. If anybody else experienced the sound differently than me then be sure to let me know here.
Billy Idol - Devil´s Playground
Sunday, August 7, 2005
Back to normal... I'm working on re-programming the comments area so shit like this doesn't happen again.
Enuff Z'nuff - Animals with human intelligence
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Hey maiden fan,
No need to excuse, it's just your opinion. I would recommend that you put the album away for a couple of months and then give it 10 more spins. See if something has changed. When I got my first Enuff Z'nuff album Strength I didn't like it the first many times I heard it and it was only much later when I gave it a second chance that it suddenly clicked. Anyway, I appreciate the comment even if you don't dig it.... It was worth a shot.
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
Damn, you got me... I'm listening to Cheap Trick's Busted! right now haha
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Just added a couple more albums to my "To buy" list...
Those R Kelly lyrics made me laugh. Ha!
Sweden Rock Festival 2005 - Steen´s Sweden Rock 2005 Diary
Friday, July 15, 2005
Haha thanks Stuart. Yeah I really think that my "toned down" version of Achilles brings out the essence of the song, even though I gotta work on the last part. Hopefully you will all be back next year.
Sweden Rock Festival 2005 - Steen´s Sweden Rock 2005 Diary
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
@Alanna: Haha thanks! You will have to make it over here one day and I will give you the full tour of Sweden Rock as well as a varied selection from the jukebox :)
Enuff Z'nuff - Animals with human intelligence
Friday, July 1, 2005
I made a news posting about that some days ago. Would have been fun to see that...
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Michael) - Danger Danger, Heart & Europe
Thursday, June 23, 2005
"Let's get some chickenwings!"
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Michael) - Danger Danger, Heart & Europe
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Haha, I thought you were looking something else, but I just couldn't help it. I crave those wings.
I'm sure Michael would have gotten it right though.
Enuff Z'nuff - UK Tour 2005 with Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd and Drugdealer Cheerleader
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Yes, I do like Monty Python quite a bit :) I have almost finished writing my Sweden Rock report, which is turning out quite surreal. I still need to sort through all the pictures and get them ready for the site. I hope to have it online at the beginning of next week, so keep an eye out.
Enuff Z'nuff - UK Tour 2005 with Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd and Drugdealer Cheerleader
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Oh, what sad times are these when passing Scotsmen can "rrrrraaarrrrrrr" at will to young ladies.
You're not doing it properly. It's rrrrraaarrrrrrr... Haha
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Hey Ehite!
Cool! I should probably start punking Michael to review some MSG... That is unfortunately another band on my very long "have not heard yet list".
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Haha, that number 1 gave me a good laugh. I have a very weird image in my mind right now.
Peace out!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Hey Maiden fan,
Good to hear that you finally got some concerts to India! Great albums all around on that playlist. Piece of Mind is my favorite Maiden album.
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
I'll answer this one... As it says in the title this is a "Heavy Metal & Hard Rock resource", so obviously our main focus is on those genres, and sub-genres. Bon Jovi and Def Leppard fit in just fine, but what about Meat Loaf??? (Hehe, sorry Tommy, I couldn't help it)
The bottom line is that those who are on the staff don't really have any boundaries regarding what kind of bands they can write about. There has been no reason to set such guidelines. Say I want to write a review of an album that is beyond the scope of our main genres, then I will still do that if I believe it has value to any readers.
Metallica - Master Of Puppets
Friday, May 6, 2005
I agree! Ride the Lightning is my favorite Metallica album as well. Completely brilliant from start to end.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
Hail to you! (Graaandmaaaaaa!!)
Enhver person der får hold i nakken af for meget headbanging må betegnes som cool. Vi går snart amok igen hehe
Bravery caaaalls my name....
Enuff Z'nuff - ?
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Hail to the Miffo!
You know I would happily "bounce" to a lot of things, but Joni Woni even goes below what I would call my pogo-threshold. It is just a bad song man, really bad.
Danzig - III: How the Gods Kill
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
This sounds very interesting. I will check Danzig out soon.
Freedom Call - The Circle Of Life
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Listened to the first three tracks before I sent it off to Nina for review and was severely disappointed. Sounds like I have to give it another chance... Will let you know how it turns out.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, March 25, 2005
Yo maiden fan,
Based on pure principle I would hate to start deleting comments which I found unsuitable. I have often had an urge to do it but haven't done it so far, only in a few extreme spam cases have comments been deleted. But you are right, many of the comments have no substance and are only very annoying. In the end I guess it reflects that there are a lot of unintelligent people in the world.
One thing that really irritates me is when people steal each others names. I have therefore begun making kind of a community system where people can get a unique username, which no one can steal, along with many other benefits. This will also make it possible to claim your older comments. Still haven't decided if anonymous comments should be allowed or not, but know that I'm working on it and it is still some time into the future before this is activated.
If you have found some extreme cases of comments you think hurt the site then you are very welcome to email me the ID numbers of the articles and I will look into it. (See the ID numbers in the address line of the browser)
Orphaned Land - Mabool: The story of the Three Sons of Seven
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Ok, I have updated the review on that point.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Hey maiden fan,
Thanks for the words! Nah, I won't delete the earlier discussion. I think some important points came across so it's cool with me.
I know a lot of great bands are somewhat absent from the site. But the thing is that we started this site only 2Ŋ years ago and we can't have everything online already. We are also getting bombarded with new and interesting releases all the time so it is often hard to find time to write about all those good old cd's in our collections. Personally I still have a loooong way to go before all the albums I want to write about will be online. I just have to take one thing at a time and make sure it's done properly. You can be sure that Slayer and Megadeth will eventually get more coverage.
We do actually have two Megadeth reviews online in case you missed one of them. Rust in Peace and Peace sells...
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Hi David!
Thanks for your comments on the site! About the Mennen review, I do believe it is Alanna's honest opinion and not some kind of personal vendetta. I haven't heard the album and can't say if I agree with the review or not. The way I see it, I have to completely trust the people who are on the staff and let them express their views and if they feel a certain way that may not be popular with everybody then I will surely not start some kind of censorship.
Each person on the staff has their own writing style and yeah, Alanna's comments can sound pretty harsh sometimes, but they are often done with a sense of humor that may not click with everybody. She has upset people in the past and will probably continue to do so in the future.
But keep reading David, and I'm sure you'll find something here you'll like.
All the best,
Steen
Nightwish - Live At Vega, Copenhagen - February 9th, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
Great concert! Just wish it had been half an hour longer. I will always remember the moment at the afterparty when I bumped into Tuomas. I shook his hand and all I could think of saying was "Thank you for the music" which is the obvious Abba quote. He got this kind of amused look on his face and moved on quickly. You probably had to be there...
Various Artists - Tommy's Highlights Of The Year 2004
Friday, February 25, 2005
What a monster list! I see a ton of albums I haven't even had time to listen to. But I think one reason why you don't enjoy the new Rhapsody so much is that you really need to upgrade your stereo system! :)
Hhmmm, I see the future of a possible new Enuff Z'nuff fan here... Cool!
Pain of Salvation - BE
Friday, February 4, 2005
You're welcome man, it's my pleasure.
Psychotic Waltz - Into the Everflow
Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Metalman,
Being different is not enough to gain a high grade. Making genius music is, and that is what I think think this album is filled with.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Hey Maiden fan,
Have you read our rating descriptions? 5,5 is a just above average grade. That is how I feel about this particular album and not Maiden in general. I am a big Maiden fan, believe it or not, but Brave New World is one of my least favorite Maiden albums, I think many of the songs are uninspired and boring compared to their other albums. It has several good moments too, but overall this album was a huge disappointment for me and I can only be honest and rate it according to MY opinion of it. If I did anything else then I wouldn't have any integrity. A rating of 9 for this album on our scale is out of this world to me but I guess it doesn't speak to me in the same way it speaks to you (or Tommy for that matter). 9 is as close to the perfect album as you get and to me this comes nowhere near it.
Well, you only offended me a little by implying that I'm an idiot who don't know a thing about Metal just because I don't have your opinion. But I can't take that too serious. I knew my opinion on Brave New World would get some people mad.
In the end I agree, "Maiden rulez". But all their albums don't have the same high quality.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Hey Maiden fan,
First, it's good to hear you dig the site so much!
My comments in Tommy's review were very short and concentrated on a few negative points of why I think the album is just above average rather than up to their usual standard. I would like to write a full blown review where I do an in depth comment on why I feel that way about the album and you would probably understand me better, but I just don't have time right now. What I wanted to to was to put my opinion out there because I disagreed strongly with the rating. I could have gone more in depth, but there you go...
I have heard BNW at least 15 times by now. When it came out in 2000 I was seriously disappointed and held off listening to it for a long time. Started again last year and really wanted to love it but it still didn't do much for me compared to their other works. I'm not saying that my opinion won't change in the future but at the moment I just don't think it will. This is also one of the reasons I held off commenting on the review for so long (The first version has been online since 2002). Because I wanted to be sure of my opinion.
When you call Enuff Z'nuff's Strength mediocre I want to direct your last three comments right back at ya! How many times have you heard it? If you believe that I praise that album just for the fact that I'm also a fan of the band, then you are dead wrong. I will be just as critical when they do an album of lesser quality. I'm not perfect, but I hold my integrity very high.
To quote myself from back when Ulrick commented on my Enuff Z'nuff review: "When I write a review I make it personal and state my own personal opinion. If that takes away from your definition of objectivity, then that's your feeling, but we each have different writing styles. If reviews were 100% objective then they wouldn't be very fun to read... And that (fun) is a big part of what this site is about."
To put it shortly: The reviews I write are reflections of my opinion and feelings towards an album. All I can tell you is that I do take all the view points into consideration on my way to reaching that opinion. It's up to you if you believe me or not.
Most Maiden fans I have met love Brave New World, but I am one of the fans who don't. Can we agree to disagree?
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Dude, in your "No" reasoning you're telling me to dance!! You won't ever see me writing a review to fit into what the majority of people think. That is not how I'm built, and that is not what this website is built around. Since my opinion is on the same page as Tommy's 9/10 review and only takes up like one-fifth of the space I hardly think that my comments will be the only ones that guide people. There is room for both views and that is what I think makes things interesting once in a while.
I don't agree with your view on how a review should be done, so let's just leave it there.
I have a wide taste in music and I am not bound by genres. To me it does not matter if the music is pop, glam, commercial or whatever. What matters to me is that the music is long lasting, has feeling and gives something back to the listener. It just so happens that especially Heavy Metal is where I have found that in spades.
Just because an album is good does not mean that it will get recognition. If that day comes then my job is done. You can't judge an album on what other people think of it or how well it sells. Each person has to make up his or her own mind. Different people have different taste and there is not much to do about that. Other than try and influence them of course :)
Keep reading, and bang on!
Savatage - Streets - A Rock Opera
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Hey Youssef!
Thank you for the great feedback! It's cool to hear you feel exactly the same. There can never be too many Savatage fans so go out there and convert some people.
Steen
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, January 8, 2005
Hi Prem!
I would like nothing more than to be able to call up Bruce Dickinson and tell him that Iron Maiden should get their ass to India and play a benefit concert. Man, if I had some money I would fly them down there myself... But unfortunately I don't have any direct contact to any band members like that. You could make a petition of some kind and get it to the band's management through their record company.
Pretty Maids - Live with Nice Try at Hollywood Hard Rock - Fredericia, December 17. 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Yeah, I agree it's a damn good ballad. I just have this kind og love/hate relationship with it and find it to be a boring live song. Probably because I have seen PM live so many times and know that it is bound to come at some point. I feel the same way with Mike Tramp's "When the children cry". Good on album, but not very exciting live...
Pretty Maids - Live with Nice Try at Hollywood Hard Rock - Fredericia, December 17. 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
I've never seen Bonfire, but have a pretty bad recollection of Jaded Heart when I saw them in Germany several years ago. I'm sure I am biased because the reason why I went there in the first place, Enuff Z'nuff, who had flewn in from Chicago were to play next, but Jaded heart just kept on playing encores. As I remember it we got 10 encores and they played 45 minutes past their scheduled time and Enuff Z'nuff had to cut their set way short and played a pretty mediocre show. Being a huge Enuff Z'nuff fan I of course blamed everything on Jaded Heart so I have a weird relationship with that band now. I'd heard one of their albums prior to going and liked it, but since then I have kind of shunned them, even though it was the organisers fault. I know Michael is a pretty big Bonfire fan though, maybe he has seen them live.
And on the topic of assgasms...
Just so you know, if they did play Hell on High Heels and you went rolling on the floor having one of your assgasms next to me I'm pretty sure that Steen "the pogoing machine" would just jump all over you instead of picking you up. So beware, don't have an assgasm next to me man! Haha
Damageplan - Dimebag Darrell remembered
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
As Nina, I believe that blaming art for people's actions is not the right way to look at it. It is like an easy scapegoat for those who don't want to see the problems that lie beyond. I don't want to get into psychology too much, but there are deeper reasons why people act like they do. It is just so sad that it comes this far sometimes.
R.I.P. Dimebag Darrel
Nuclear Valdez - I am I
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Thank you very much for the words! It was interesting to hear how you split the songwriting. I will keep my fingers crossed that one fine day, another Nuclear Valdez album will see the light of day. In the meantime, if you have any news about that or any other projects you guys are working on, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll keep people updated.
Moonlight Agony - Echoes of a Nightmare
Saturday, December 4, 2004
Saw Moonlight Agony live in Sommersted two days ago. Even though it was only me and two drunk Germans in the front banging, the band seemed grateful of the reception. The show convinced me to buy their album and listening to it now I am impressed. The first thought that popped into my head when I put in the cd and "Into darkness" started was "Dragonland"! Listen to their song "Ride for glory" and maybe you'll hear what I mean. Anyway this is an excellent debut. Not perfect, but the band shows great potential. Love the melodies and atmosphere but I do think the drums take up too much of the sound and would have liked a bit more punch in the guitar sound. The ending song, Vanished is a killer. At this point I would rate it 7/10, but there is a definite potential for growth in these songs.
Savatage - Interview with Jon Oliva
Monday, November 29, 2004
Thanks guys! It was one of those things I have been dreaming about forever so it was a really cool experience which I know I wont forget anytime soon. Now, if anybody has a version of that original Streets recording be sure to let me know :) Jon said that there is a copy of it floating around...
Jon Oliva´s Pain - ´Tage Mahal
Monday, November 15, 2004
Thanks TSO! I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for that tour. Have you heard the new Chris Caffery album? I'm getting really hooked on that one too. Well, Gotta get back to a....ehm... typing my Jon Oliva interview in.
Edenbridge - Shine
Monday, November 15, 2004
Aphelion is actually my favorite Edenbridge album yet, so I gotta hear this new one soon. Sounds like just might like it.
Queensr˙che - Rage for order
Monday, November 8, 2004
Thanks Donk! I wish I could have seen them in '89!!! Have only seen them once and that was last year at the Sweden Rock festival. Wish they would bring the "An Evening with Queesryche"-tour to Europe. I can't get the thought of seeing Operation Mindcrime performed in its entirity out of my head.
Jon Oliva´s Pain - ´Tage Mahal
Friday, November 5, 2004
Thanks Mads! I have a feeling you will like it...
Skylark - Wings
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Pretty much my thoughts exactly. A very very disappointing release.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Thursday, October 28, 2004
I'm past my 50'th listen now and I still feel the same as when I wrote the review (after 30 listens). Since then the album has grown even more. I know I didn't let the bad things influence the grade as much as they could have but in this case the music is so brilliant that it is able to make me look past the things that annoy me, namely the boring LOTR-rip-off story, the stupid and unnecessary narration by Toby and the lyrics. To me, every time Christopher Lee appears on the album he gives the music an epic edge, of course he could have been utilized even better than he has by making him the sole speaker. For the record, I do not believe that Rhapsody need a narrator. They should always have let the music speak for itself and let the listener conjure up his or her own vision.
The strong parts are all over the album, they just don't hit you right in the face the first time as on earlier albums. Another thing is that this album needs to be heard LOUD to get the most from it. The music has to be felt.
It doesn't sound to me like Fabio is straining on Shadows of death. He sings in a different way to underline the darker turn the story is taking. That is my theory anyway. Same goes for Erian's mystical rhymes.
It did take more than 20 listens for the album to really open up, but it was worth the time. This is now my favorite Rhapsody album along with Symphony of Enchanted lands.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Tommy, I shall sing the chorus line of The last angel's call constantly this weekend. Be warned :)
ProgPower USA V (2004) - Steen´s Festival report Part 3/3 - Adagio, Wuthering Heights, Pain of Salvation, Brainstorm & Edguy
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Hey Mads! Thanks!!! Yeah I'm very embarrased about the Tad morose sleepy thing. They really gave all they had, but that chair was just so comfy :)
ProgPower USA V (2004) - Steen´s Festival report Part 3/3 - Adagio, Wuthering Heights, Pain of Salvation, Brainstorm & Edguy
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Hey Ben!
Haha I couldn't bear to make the picture of you and Jonah public. It would destroy you man! Haha. I hope you make it to Wacken, that would be a blast. You should fly in a few days earlier if you are able to make it to Aarhus. And now I can drink again so you can expect some severely silly moments. I hope to make PP an annual event, I wouldn't rule it out yet.
And yes Mads, the setlist for Pain of Salvation was the coolest. You should have heard and seen the way it was delivered... Unbelieveable.
Lake of Tears - Black Brick Road
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
I agree, this is a really fantastic and very satisfying album. The atmosphere that pervades the whole thing is something only Lake of Tears are able to conjure up.
Songs like "Rainy day away" and "The organ" reach inside and tug strongly on your sadness chain. "A trip with the moon" is just one example of Daniel's expressive and incredibly emotional vocals. The album has a freshness and a sense of mystique that keeps me coming back to it constantly. It is one of those albums that makes you feel something.
Pyramaze - Pyramaze Release Party, Månen, Haderslev - September 9th, 2004
Monday, October 18, 2004
I pretty much agree with Tommy. Short but great show in which the band proved that their music works very well live and they have what it takes to entertain a crowd. Lance King was the perfect frontman and Jonah, the energized keyboard player got the crowd going as well. I just wish the band would scrap the layered vocals which sounded fake in a live situation with only Lance singing, especially during Forsaken kingdom. It took a little away from my complete enjoyment of the show. Still, here is a band with huge potential.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Hey Alanna
I haven't noticed the lyrics dealing with any floating heads... yet... You never know with Rhapsody haha. Anyway, I hope you'll like it as much as I do. Give it a little time and it should open right up.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, October 8, 2004
Hey Prem!
Thanks for your feedback! It means a lot to get such great response. Very cool to have readers all the way from India. I will be sure to send any bands I talk to your way from now on :) I know we have several well known bands missing from the site, but one day, I promise, we will have all the known bands of this world on here. Ok, that was a far out promise, but I'm listening to the new Rhapsody at the moment so that may explain it... Seriously though we are slowly, but surely adding more bands and Slayer will be added too.
It was great to hear from you. Rock on!
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Yeah, like I wrote, it didn't strike me as fantastic the first time I heard it, but man did it grow! The "bad things to do with Christopher Lee"-list has the shirt on the first place, closely followed by the flash intro that was briefly on the official website a few months ago. Man, that was fun and sad in equal amounts.
Haven't heard Reckoning night enough to judge it yet, but the first listen didn't make me go Wow!
Wacken Open Air 2004 - Steen´s Wacken report
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Hey Ben! The eagle has landed. I'm chilling out at the pool with a cool sprite :) Come on down here man, now!
Nihilist:
Grave Digger sound just as good live as on album. Even rawer and more powerful, if you can believe that. Check them out if they play where you live.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, September 10, 2004
Yeah, I have heard of them and you are actually not the first one to tell me I should check them out. Any good place to start?
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Steem?? Hhmmm what is a Steem? Must be a word only midgets use... :) Haha
Glen Burtnik - Welcome to Hollywood
Friday, August 20, 2004
Hi stmonkeys!
Thanks for your comment. I have not heard the Glen Burtnik album, so this is a reply to the first part of your question. As the guy running the site I of course couldn't leave that unanswered. I could write a whole essay in response to your question, but I will try to keep it short and leave all the deeper explanations out of the way.
Though I do see where you are coming from I really don't like it when someone questions my integrity or the credibility of the site without the proper understanding of how it works. It is easy for you to say what you would do if you were in my situation. Get there and I will challenge you to do a better job.
I would never send an album of a specific style to a reviewer who hates that style. Like you say that would be futile and also completely the opposite of what this site is about. The intent of every album I send out for review is that the reviewer will like it. Naturally that doesn't always happen, but the INTENT is always there. Of course we also have to tell people when we think something stinks.
In general the way we write here is personal and not as objective as other places. I don't see any reason to bite Alanna's head off. She just doesn't like the album and thinks it's a load of crap. It is all a matter of taste...
Just to clear up any confusion, one staff member does not speak on behalf of the other staff members or the whole site, but I will always stand 100% by any content on the site by any members on the staff. In the end we are all doing this in our spare time and all put a lot of effort into it. If you think that one review is enough for the whole site to lose all credibility, then leave now and never come back. Or you could stick around and just might discover something wonderful. To quote a late Norwegian band: "It's up to you!"
Glen Burtnik - Welcome to Hollywood
Friday, August 20, 2004
Hey stmonkeys!
It is always frustrating to have an album you like getting critique that you don't agree with, so that's why I understand where you're coming from. I honestly believe that everyone on the staff goes into every new album with an open mind. If that was not the case they would not be on the staff. I feel strongly about always having an open mind, in all situations.
I really don't think it is about anyone being right. As I wrote it is a clash of different taste, not necessarily a lousy taste or a good taste, but a different taste. If I am able to get hold of the album I will definitely give it fair chance and let you know what I think here. I hope you'll check out the rest of the site and hopefully find something to your liking.
Cheers!
Virgin Steele - Invictus
Friday, August 20, 2004
Hi Christopher
You can order it from www.emp.de for 14 Euros. That's something close to $17.
Ligeia - Gloria
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Hehe, let me try to explain the cheese bit a bit... Of course I don't think metal is cheesy, just a part of this album. When I describe something as cheesy, be it music, a movie or any other art, it can have different meanings, I guess it is an easy word to use for something that makes my toes curl. Something that just doesn't feel right. Like Rhapsody's narrator on the first albums, the new Skylark album or an overblown sentimental part of a movie (pick just about any Robin Williams movie for an example, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King excepted). In the case of Ligeia the cheese factor is raised by the, to me, incredibly funny and unimaginative lyrics about witches, including the metaphors, and the way they are sung. It is a case of something that falls flat and becomes unintentionally funny.
Thanks for the comment. It's always cool to hear a different take on something, though I am starting to get a little worried about you :)
Ligeia - Gloria
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Yeah, I do understand what you mean but don't agree 100%. As is often the case different people put different meaning into the words. I will definitely think about the use of that word in the future.
I'm getting hungry here. How about a bit of cheese? :)
Ligeia - Gloria
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Nah, you wouldn't be able to do that. It is just a matter of always working on expanding my writing abilities. If I didn't agree with you at least a bit on the use of "cheesy" I wouldn't think more of it.
Threshold - Subsurface
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Hey, glad to be of service.
Savatage - Streets - A Rock Opera
Monday, August 2, 2004
Thanks alot Tom! You can be sure that I will keep 'em coming.
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Hey Barry! Yeah I saw you on the guestbook, but unfortunately the email address didn't work. Anyway I'm glad you dig the site and thanks for the link on your site too. Checked it out and just have one question, when are you going to put some music on there?
It was really tough getting good pictures of Lost Horizon as the front rows were going crazy all the time and that was definitely more fun than trying to stand still and take photos :) So I'm happy for the ones I got. I have twice as many but as they were taken in mid-air they are a complete blur haha. Must say I went a little nuts with the pictures of Tarja and those are just half of them... Hope to see you in the front at a Lost Horizon concert soon.
Keep in touch man!
Ayreon - The Human Equation
Monday, July 26, 2004
If you have a credit card I would recommend you to buy it on the internet from The Laser's Edgeor another online vendor. If you don't have a credit card then send me an email and I'll help you get it.
Ayreon - The Human Equation
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Thanks for all the comments! This is definitely a contender for the Album of the year. Orphaned Land's Mabool still has the first place though. But it's a close race and I guess only time will tell...
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Friday, July 2, 2004
Hey Andrew!
Cool to hear from you. I thought you were watching the Nightwish show from the side, but it sounds like you missed the whole show! Any links are welcome, what's the link to your band site?
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Hey Morten! Thanks for your support. We will take that suggestion into consideration and discuss it on our next staff meeting. I like it and think it would be a good improvement, but it means more work hehe
Keep it heavy!
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Hey Stuart! I saw neither Stefan or Oscar. I think I was too high to notice anything a long time after Lost Horizon :) I hope you get some good music to the Scottish highlands soon. Hhmm Tarja... yum yum!
Edge of Forever - Feeding the Fire
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Hey, that comment above sounds very praising. Can somebody translate? :)
Kataklysm - Serenity In Fire
Thursday, June 24, 2004
@Fat Friar
In all honesty, I think your comment takes the first place in the "Stupid and useless comments chart".
Steen
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Ahh man! You gotta come to the Pyramaze release party, or you will have to listen to me telling you all the good stuff from that event too haha!
None - Steen´s Favorite Bands, Albums, Movies and more
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Hey Jose!
I'm happy you dig the review! Streets will surely never grow old and will forever be a completely unique experience that shows what music is really capable of.
Hail to you!
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 2 (Steen) - Persuader, Opeth, Lake of Tears & Brainstorm live
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Thanks! Yes, you really should have been there...
Steen
PS: Should I bring an extra tent for W:O:A this year? :)
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Steen) - Sun Caged, Lost Horizon, Narnia & Nightwish live
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Haha, You can't touch me! But I will look forward to seeing you try :)
I will of course be sure to tell you all the cool details when we meet hehe. Hopefully for the Pyramaze release party!
Steen
Judas Priest - Jugulator
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Yeah, to give Jugulator the same grade as Painkiller is out of this world to me too, but I was the one who gave Painkiller 9.5, not Tommy. If you look closer you will see that Tommy actually gave Painkiller a 9 and Jugulator a 9.5! I feel violated, and not in the good way!
He can have some far-out favorites sometimes, but I still respect his opinion very much and he's the main reason I have given Jugulator so many chances. I find it interesting when someone sees something completely different than me in a piece of music.
Nightwish - Once
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
I agree completely. This album is one of Nightwish' best so far, but Oceanborn is still my favorite. Dark chest of wonders is so incredibly catchy, it has been stuck in my head for a week now and listening to it ten times a day only makes it better. Nightwish have taken another step in a very cool direction. They were amazing at Sweden Rock Festival by the way :)
None - Staff Main Page
Friday, May 28, 2004
Unless Tajs has a secret Chinese identity then I'm sure that it is not him. They apparantly just ripped of our interview... I will now send the holy knights of NI! to haunt them forever. Stupid bastards!
Wuthering Heights - Far From the Madding Crowd
Monday, May 24, 2004
Haha, I'll take that into consideration.... Thanks for the comment! That's what we're here for :)
Pain of Salvation - Band information
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Yes there will a review eventually. The promo has apparantly gotten lost in the mail to Australia along with some other cool stuff. Damn that postal service. I have the album of course, but haven't had time to listen to it enough to review it yet.
Mads, why aren't you coming with me to 2000 Decibel to hear PoS??? It will be awesome! hehe
Ayreon - Day Eleven: Love (Single)
Monday, May 17, 2004
Haha!
Ahh what a great pleaure to hear from one of the great composers of our time. Names like Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Litzt, Wagner and Bach will live forever, sure, but only because of their great inspiration, Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfernschplenden- schlitter- crasscrenbon- fried- digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle- burstein- von- knacker- thrasher- apple- banger- horowitz- ticolensic- grander- knotty- spelltinkle- grandlich- grumblemeyer- spelterwasser- kurstlich- himbleeisen- bahnwagen- gutenabend- bitte- ein- nürnburger- bratwustle- gerspurten- mitz- wemache- luber- hundsfut- gumberaber- shönendanker- kalbsfleisch- mittler- aucher von Hautkopft aus Ulm.
Who does not remember his unfathomable "Ode to spam" or the classic "Lend us a couple of bob till Thursday"... or was that the poet McTeagle?
Sincerely yours,
Arthur "Two-sheds" Jackson (Mrs.)
PS: Did you write the symphony in the shed?
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Hey swedish!
Thanks alot! Yeah I thought the show was excellent. I felt exactly the same way about Chalice of agony!! A major and powerful highlight. We did not apply for any press passes this time around because we just wanted to relax and enjoy the shows, so yeah, we were in the front half of the queue for almost an hour before the doors opened. A good opportunity to drink the last of our beers.
Anyway, I spent all the time before Tad Morose went on stage wandering around aimlessly searching for the bar. I went outside and asked the orange-juice hooties where they had hidden the bar and was told it was a smoke- and alchohol free event! Oh man! Then I spent most of Tad Morose's show both moping and laughing at the same time about how weird it was looking at more than 1.000 metalheads walking around drinking little cups of orange juice and not a single beer or smoke. Does this happen often in Sweden? Ah well, it was a funny experience for us but I soon began to concentrate on the music instead.
Tad Morose were good, Nocturnal Rites kicked ass and Edguy blew the roof of the building. Unfortunately Tad Morose had some big sound problems. I was positively surprised by Nocturnal Rites but would have liked to hear more of their older songs.
But back to Edguy. Yeah, Amazing show. I started right in the middle three rows from the stage, but soon decided to move to the right. The heat was really intense in there. I was jumping up and down through most of the show while trying to sing along. Piper never dies was really cool live. I naturally jumped several feet in the air during Vain Glory Opera and Land of the miracle was a nice breather before I went nuts during Lavatory Love machine and of course King of fools where I became the ultimate jumping machine again.
At the end of the show when Tobi asked which song we wanted to hear I was of course screaming for Theater of Salvation, but apparantly all he heard was Out of control... Ahh well it is another of my favorites, so it didn't matter too much.
Overall it was a really great show. I left happy and dehydrated...
Now I'm really looking forward to seeing them again at ProgPower in Atlanta where they will have to play that most ultimate song of theirs, Theater of salvation. Please Edguy?
OSI - Interview with Kevin Moore
Sunday, May 9, 2004
I would just like to point out that "Nobody is taking anything up the ass!"
Don't know how this got so silly...
Did I get the last word? Ahh, thank you!
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Why oh why do you spew forth such foul gibberish on my staff page? While I don't agree with you concerning Mark Zonder, little Jamie or Ray Alder I do agree on John Arch, one of the best singers ever. Also the Unpleasant Shade of Crap you refer to smells really nice to me... Ah well, no hard feelings, but it may be time to clean out the wax in your ears with some Arch Enemy at maximum volume hehe.
Saviour Machine - II
Thursday, April 29, 2004
The band is Christian, there is no doubt about that. But they don't try to force their beliefs on to the listener and I like that. What makes the album great to me is the music. Take it from me and give this album a chance without any prejudice or preconcieved opinion. It is certainly not for everybody, but you may be lucky enough to see what I see in it.
Eclipse - Second to None
Monday, April 26, 2004
The opener, Always standing has got to be one of the catchiest songs of the year for me. I love the harmonies in the chorus and I just cannot get it out of my head. Simple and effective. Nothing between us is another favorite and overall this is just a really great album.
Vicious Rumors - Welcome to the ball
Monday, April 26, 2004
Hey Antonio!
I stand corrected. I was quick and grabbed the years from the discography section of the official site, but I just checked my CDs and you are inddeed right... Damn, I hate it when that happens :)
Thanks for your comments!
Saviour Machine - II
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Thank you!
Majesty - Reign In Glory
Monday, April 12, 2004
Majesty were formed in 1997, so I'm certain it's not them. If it were, I would be really mad :)
Nightwish - End of innocence
Saturday, April 3, 2004
Yeah I found it. That was what I meant by "if you find the way through the maze a special treat awaits you."
A very cool easter egg for sure.
Steen
Saviour Machine - I
Monday, March 22, 2004
Thanks a lot for the kind words. It's funny, but a couple of days ago I actually got Saviour Machine - II down from the CD shelf and decided it was time to review it soon, so expect your wish granted in one of the coming months.
Exodus - Tempo of the Damned
Monday, March 15, 2004
Another typo bites the dust... Thanks for letting us know.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Hehe, thank you, I guess, for the B-day wishes! It was on March 11'th by the way.
At the moment I cannot confirm my age. It varies between 3 and 103 years depending on how much alcohol I have consumed. Tommy can confirm this...
Steen a.k.a. HH (Happy Helmet)
Aina (The Metal Opera) - Days of rising doom
Saturday, March 6, 2004
Thanks Mads! I'm sure you'll like it even more when you've heard it a few more times. Now, Aina - The movie... That would be very interesting indeed. I'm thinking about who would play who... Definitely Catherine Zeta Jones as Oria and Liv Tyler as Oriana! rrrrrr
Yeah Marc Klinnert also did the artwork for 'Power of the dragonflame'.
It doesn't really matter which is better, Aina or Avantasia. They are both excellent and different from each other.
By the way, has anyone found the hidden track on CD1? When I finally found it it wouldn't play on my cd player... Damn.
Orphaned Land - Mabool: The story of the Three Sons of Seven
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
You can listen to Ocean Land in RealAudio format here
Orphaned Land - Mabool: The story of the Three Sons of Seven
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Ok, thanks for letting me know. I guess I should never trust the promo material completely... I'll check any interviews I can find soon.
Queensr˙che - Empire
Thursday, February 5, 2004
Excellent review Hashman! I agree completely. A fantastic album.
Neil Turbin - Threatcon Delta
Sunday, February 1, 2004
Ok, this heinous error has been corrected. No more ghosts of Neal Morse hauting this page :)
Dream Theater - An Evening With Dream Theater, K B Hallen, Copenhagen - January 20th, 2004
Saturday, January 31, 2004
In short, a phenomenal concert experience. I totally agree with Tommy (though Star One in Hamburg is still the best concert I have experienced). I'm amazed that you remember all those details, man. I think you owed me a few too many smirnoff Ice that night, hehee.
My personal highlights include the surprising inclusion of Another Day, all the songs from Scenes..., jumping through Solitary shell and singing along with Tajs to the ultra heavy The mirror and Caught in a web. That said, every single moment of this concert was special and I thank Dream Theater for putting on such a fantastic 3Ŋ hour show.
The afterparty at Tex was pretty damn cool too.
Various - Steen´s Top 20 albums of 2003 and other highlights
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Hey Bob! The Odyssey was actually released in 2002 and was featured on my highlights from that year. You can read that article here. But yeah, if it had been released in 2003 it would have been in the top 5.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Yeah, It was a fantastic concert, up there with the best ones I have ever experienced. I was really surprised when they played songs like Another day and Trail of Tears. Star One in Hamburg is still the best concert I have ever been to though, hehee.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Interview with Yngwie
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
The spam messages have been wiped away for now...
Various - Steen´s Top 20 albums of 2003 and other highlights
Monday, January 19, 2004
Yeah I know, another one of those that didn't quite make it in time. I just compiled a list of albums which might have made it a top 30 if I had heard them enough to make a proper judgement. Still haven't decided on which grade these albums will get yet.
Andromeda - II=I
Royal Hunt - Eyewitness
Opeth - Damnation
Balance of Power - Heathen machine
Neal Morse - Testimony
Brainstorm - Soul Temptation
Project: Failing Flesh - A Beautiful Sickness
Kamelot - Epica
Stratovarius - Elements Pt. I & II
Battlelore - Sword's song
Fairyland - Of Wars In Osyrhia
And some of those 2003 albums which I have either ordered or plan on buying soon because of good reviews:
Frameshift - Unweaving the rainbow
Adagio - Underworld
Wolverine - Cold light of monday
Dark Moor - Dark Moor
While Heaven wept - Of Empires Forlorn
Sonata Arctica - Winterhearts Guild
Chrome Shift - Ripples in time
Various - Steen´s Top 20 albums of 2003 and other highlights
Friday, January 16, 2004
Hey nihilist!
I thought the first Lost Horizon was excellent, but the second one is better in every area. If you like "Highlander", then I'm sure that you'll also like the rest of the album. My advice: Run out and buy it!
I actually have both "Soul Temptaion" and "Sceptre of deception" lying around, but they are two of those which I never found time to get into properly. I need more time!
"Soul Temptation" is really good but so far I don't think the new Falconer lives up to their past works. The new singer hasn't convinced me yet. Maybe the album needs more time.
Nightwish - End of innocence
Friday, January 9, 2004
Did you edit it too? It must have been a big puzzle to put together.
Here is to a job very well done... Cheers!
Nightwish - End of innocence
Friday, January 9, 2004
Cool. That's an impressive feat. There must have been several hundred hours of raw footage. Skål! (The Danish version)
Dream Theater - Band information
Tuesday, January 6, 2004
Correct!
The offending bit has been wiped of the site forever...
Judas Priest - Painkiller
Monday, January 5, 2004
Thanks man!
Insidiöus Törment - Release Party: "Live at die Budi Kate", Aarhus, Eforen - November 28th 2003
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Ahh, that must be Marisol, the biggest Spanish Törment fan and great wielder of swords. She came all the way from Spain just for this release party!
King Diamond - The Puppet Master
Thursday, November 6, 2003
Wow, that sounds fantastic! Can't wait till next year when the show makes it to Europe... (I hope)
Were those the only two songs played from The Puppet Master?
King Diamond - The Puppet Master
Tuesday, November 4, 2003
Yesterday I finally got the ltd. Edition I ordered from Metal Merchant including the bonus DVD with King himself in full makeup, telling the story of The Puppet Master.
Nice packaging and my favorite moment from No more me is even pictured in the very cool booklet :) Excellent! So I make some popcorn and sit down to watch the DVD. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I gotta say, this is one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time... At first I found it hilarious watching King telling the Puppet Master story for several reasons; There is the strong Danish accent, the wild gestures, the fact that King does not talk directly to the camera most of the time and the candles burning in an already lit room where thin blue curtains do their best to block out the sun outside. Unfortunately after the first five minutes of hysterical bursts of laughter I started getting bored. Mostly because nothing that is said is not already in the lyrics for the album. The short DVD review: This does just not work at all! What would have been really cool would have been a look at the recording of the album, a different way of telling the story with something not told in the lyrics, comments from other band members or just something out of the ordinary in the true King Diamond fashion. I wish the story at least had been told by a man-sized puppet instead of this!
Ok, enough about the DVD, just no reason to freak out if you miss the ltd. DVD edition...
Since I wrote the review I have been listening to the album almost daily and I still find it King's best release since The Eye. It really is magnificent and has some of the best songs ever to grace a King Diamond album (Darkness & Emerencia). The story is still gruesome and even more vivid and alive after reading the lyrics. As long as I forget about the DVD that is... Has anybody else seen this?
Evergrey - Recreation Day
Monday, November 3, 2003
Hi Daniel!
I can understand that you are confused if you compare the grades on our site with the grades on other sites, because our rating system is much 'harsher' than the ratings you find on other sites. Have you actually read the descriptions of the ratings?
A rating of 8 on our site is an outstanding grade. Our description of the grade 8 is:
"Outstanding. A very high standard album where almost everything is excellent. These ones come highly recommended, and just miss a couple of things from being genius."
So, 8 is by no means a low grade. In fact it is very hard for an album to get a grade above 8 from me. What we wanted to do with our rating system was to make a bigger difference between all the albums, by using all the grades from 0-10. When I read reviews on some other sites it was as if everything below 7 or 8 was bad. That is definitely not the case here.
In our rating system 9 is pretty much a perfect grade where everything about the album is amazing. To get above that the album needs something really really special.
On our site every grade above 5 is actually a good album.
Hope I made it a little clearer. Recreation Day is an outstanding album, and to me it deserves an 8 based on our rating system. On some other sites it would have deserved at least a 9, I know, but not based on our rating system.
If you haven't done it already, then take a look at our rating system in the Articles section and I hope that you'll see what I mean.
steen@revelationz.net
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Saturday, November 1, 2003
Haha, It's not gonna happen... I know, you're just waiting to take some more intimate pictures of me... But his time I will lock the door to the toilet... Haha
This time I will drink you under the table with my specially brewed green drink and vodka with W. Be afraid, be very afraid...
Savatage - Gutter Ballet
Thursday, October 30, 2003
You're right, I completely neglected to mention the "silent" member Paul O'Neil. He has been a huge influence in the band and without him Savatage would not be what they are today.
King Diamond - The Puppet Master
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Hey Chad! Cool! I would love to be there. Let me know how the show goes. Hopefully he will make it to Europe soon.
King Diamond - The Puppet Master
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Ahh, the joy of being part of this website. :)
Lost Horizon - A flame to the ground beneath
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Thanks!
I was really saddened When I heard he left the band. He was the main songwriter after all. I just hope that the rest of the band will continue to create magic like this, living by their own words and never giving up. I believe they can go even further than this.
King Diamond - The Puppet Master
Friday, October 10, 2003
Hehe, you only have 10 days of agony left... :)
Savatage - Gutter Ballet
Monday, October 6, 2003
Haha, I think you are the drunk one my brother... :)
Did you even read more than two lines of the fourth paragraph? That one both mentions the classic title track and the two instrumentals in case you missed those too as well. :)
Too much Woku for you I think! :) Or maybe it is something else on your mind. Shouldn't have something to do with a specific girl, eh?
See ya!
Crimson Glory - Crimson Glory
Thursday, October 2, 2003
I will definitely review Transcendence at some point in the future. Keep watching the Classic of the month section :) It is my favorite Crimson Glory album.
Threshold - Critical mass
Thursday, October 2, 2003
Thanks! A friend actually recommended that one as well, so that will be the next Threshold disc I check out. Unfortunately I haven't had time to listen to much else than Hypothetical since the review, but that one is excellent too.
Wacken Open Air 2003 - Anders´ Wacken report
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Haha! Very funny report. I would have loved to hear your rendition of Under Jolly Roger... Maybe another time :)
Saga - Marathon
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Ehm... Elegy are from Holland!
Donnie Vie - Just Enough (Digital version)
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Thanks Jeff!
You can look forward to some wonderful songs. I've ordered both the UK and US versions of the album, so now I'll see which one arrives first...
By the way, the US version of the album can be ordered at www.dreamlanddiscs.com and it has a cover version of Yesterday as a bonus track and "Night of day" has been exchnaged with a song called "Maddaline".
Manowar - Warriors of the world
Saturday, September 20, 2003
I would say ingenious :)
Manowar - Battle Hymns
Friday, September 5, 2003
Hey Mav!
Have you read our rating system? Battle hymns is not the ultimate perfect masterpiece of all time, not in my opinion anyway. Personally I like Into glory ride even more than Battle Hymns. Check the Into Glory Ride review for more info.
Steen
Wacken Open Air 2003 - Tommy´s Wacken Report
Friday, August 22, 2003
Haha! It was too funny! Thanks for saving my tent and camera... but please! Leave the wig at home next time :)
Enuff Z'nuff - Strength
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Thanks Jeff!
Look out for a review of Just Enough in the near future. My first impression is very very good!
Gary Hughes - Once and future king - Part I
Saturday, August 16, 2003
And now... A quote from another classic, yet quite different take on the Arthurian legends
Father: One day lad, all this will be yours...
Prince: What?... The curtains?
Wacken Open Air 2003 - Steen´s Wacken Diary
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Excellent! You do that, and I'll keep the beers cool! :)
One day I will give you the full Wacken tour! One day...
John Arch - A twist of fate
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
I'm pretty certain that you'll like it!
Armored Saint - Symbol of Salvation
Monday, July 14, 2003
Thanks Chris! Yeah, it's great to have so much old material available. Now I'm just waiting for the next Armored Saint album, to be released in 2004 :)
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Friday, June 27, 2003
Hey Steve
Send me your email, so I can get in touch with you. I think I might be able to find their albums over here somewhere.
Sweden Rock Festival 2003 - The Festival Report
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Hey Andres!
They will be covered in the more Rock oriented report, which is coming soon. Michael is writing it at the moment and it should be online during next week.
Blind Guardian Open Air 2003 - The festival report
Friday, June 20, 2003
A couple of quotes from the festival which didn't really fit in the report... :)
The Swedish Bus driver, after Nina threw her sleeping bag on the bus:
"Seriously, is that a bag of trash?"
After discovering the incredible concept behind the Masterplan debut album:
"Is it a bird?... Is it a plane?... No it's The Masterplan!"
After a close scrunity of the cover of the new Blind Guardian Live CD:
"That creature down there looks like Gollum... Hey! That's Blind Gollum!"
Psychotic Waltz - A social grace
Monday, June 2, 2003
Cool. The Spiral Architect CD has been on my "To buy" list for some time now. I hope to find it soon.
Redemption - Redemption
Thursday, May 22, 2003
The extremely high grade is certainly not just based on the technicality. You're right that there is a lot more "more technical" music out there. But what I feel Redemption has managed, is to marry the technicality with melody, heaviness and atmosphere in a close to perfect way. Even after more than 40 listens the album still gets better each time. I also feel that the keyboard is perfectly used to give atmosphere in the songs without taking over the music. Well, I hope it grows on you. I actually ordered Andromeda's II=I earlier today, so I'll find out what all the fuss regarding them is about soon :)
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Hey Thomas!
Thanks bro! I still listen to Jaded regularly. I just bought their other two albums and should receive them sometime next week. Looking forward to hearing 'Hollow Heart'! I sure hope to catch them live someday. Rock on!
Enuff Z'nuff - Strength
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
Well, Ulrick. I really don't know where to start with this. It's sad that you didn't make your own review of the album, and stated your comments that way instead.
You state that Enuff Z'nuff is a mediocre Hard Rock band. I would like to know what you base that opinion on. Have you actually ever really listened to the whole Strength album? Which EZN albums have you listened to completely? How many times? and so on. Sure you're entitled to your own opinion, but I'd like to know what you base it on...
I'm basing my Enuff Z'nuff - The Beatles comparison on their entire career. That is my own opinion... I'm sure you don't understand it, as you obviously haven't been able to discover the same quality in the music as I have. Look below for more in this.
Sure, I know that you're a HUGE Iron Maiden fan, and you probably spent a lot of time on those reviews, but it seems like you insinuate, that I'm going to rate every Enuff Z'nuff album with a 10. It's sad that you think so, and I can only say that you don't know me very well. Out of a collection of more than 700 albums I cannot name more than five albums I would give the perfect score, so that you state something like this really pisses me of.
When I write a review I make it personal and state my own personal opinion. If that takes away from your definition of objectivity, then that's your feeling, but we each have different writing styles. Accept that! If reviews were 100% objective then they wouldn't be very fun to read... And that (fun) is a big part of what this site is about.
There is a fine line between making a good, factual, insightful and serious review (Which is what I think I managed to write) and making a fan review that just praises the album or band for various reasons, without ever stating why the album is so good. Can I assume that you read the whole review? Then you should have seen that I mention the two songs that I feel are "not as good" on their own as the other ones are, as well as the reason for that.
To quote you:
"You state that they never got the succes they deserve. Maybe there's a reason for that?!?!"
Again, read the review! I did state the reasons why I think EZN never have gotten the success they deserve. I also stated that EZN is a hard band to get into. Not for those who don't have the patience.
Another quote:
"If Enuff Z'nuff in overall musicianship rates as high as Beatles, what about Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath or even Iron Maiden. I must admit that I respect them a lot more than Enuff..."
It seems that you completely misunderstood my comparison. I'm not just talking about the musicianship, but about the whole feel and spirit of the band, the music, the lyrics and everything else about the band's entire career. Enuff Z'nuff is still the only band, that gives ME the same magic feeling, as when I listen to the old Beatles records.
I can only hope that you discover the magic, Someday.
steen@revelationz.net
To/Die/For - Jaded
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Sure! I'll bring it along to the party at Tommy's next week! I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
Fates Warning - The Spectre within (Re-release)
Thursday, April 3, 2003
Thanks! You're right, John Arch is a very special singer with an incredible amount of emotion in his voice. Can't wait to hear how the new John Arch album will turn out. It will be released in May.
Wacken Open Air 2002 - The festival report
Friday, March 28, 2003
It was ALOT of fun. Wacken is one of the biggest highlights of the year. You will have to make the journey sometime in the future!
Then we will drink beers all day and put Mads in a box... :)
Evergrey - Recreation Day
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Hey Daniel
I see your point and know what you mean, but today, I would still grade Recreation Day with an 8. It is partly because I'm comparing it to their previous album "In Search of Truth". I have not reviewed that one yet, but it would get a grade of around 9 (maybe more). And I don't feel Recreation Day has the same kind of impact on me personally. I did forget to mention that in my comment, so there... :)
A couple of people have actually recommended Mago De Oz to me before, so I will hopefully find an album by them soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
Various - Tommy's Highlights Of The Year 2002
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Mads, you are one clumsy motherfucker... haha
Law: Just added Superior's Ultima Ratio to my "To buy" list. I've heard other good things about them before.
Oh, and that comment I wrote above was of course written before Tommy saw the light and added Remedy Lane to the list in third place. Finally Tommy got that wombat out of his ears that's been bugging him so long :)
Various - Album Of The Year and other Musical Discoveries of 2002
Saturday, March 15, 2003
Haha very funny... You will soon be another 'Pain of Salvation addict'. Welcome to the club.
Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle-Earth
Friday, March 14, 2003
That's great to hear!
Thanks for the comments.
Manowar - Fire and Blood
Monday, March 3, 2003
Cool, brother. The DVD is a total triumph. I've seen it several times now and I will never get tired of it. It's amazing. Now I'm waiting anxiously for Hell on Earth Part III.
Hail!
Luca Turilli - Prophet of the last eclipse
Thursday, January 30, 2003
You can buy it from http://www.metalmerchant.com/ or http://www.emp.de/. They both stock the limited edition. Both of these shops are located in Germany, but sell worldwide. The delivery is usually pretty quick. Good choice on the limited edition. It has some interesting liner notes by the master himself.
Stereo Gentleman - Rolling Head
Thursday, January 30, 2003
Hey Peter
I did what I could trying to describe the music, but I also wanted to send my own opinion across. Those two quotes you mention kind of say the same thing. Maybe I wasn't clear enough, but the simplicity of the background music / electronic sounds was what I was trying to comment on. I know that you have created something unusual, but I just want it to be even more unusual (If that makes any sense?).
To try and explain what I mean by the background music needing to challenge the guitar is pretty hard, but I'll try: It's kind of like trying to tell you: Yes, I know you're doing something different, but it does not knock me of my chair going "This guy is a genius". If that should have happened then there should have been more innovation in the way you have melted the two very different genres together.
I feel that the dance beats and electronic sounds do not enhance the guitar melodies or work together with them, maybe because there is not enough variation in the beats. Imagine the way two instruments can play together to create a musical landscape with momentums, highs, lows, climaxes etc. I do not feel that way listening to the electronic sounds next to the guitar playing. Instead I feel like they are playing next to each other instead of playing together and thereby challenging each other.
Mostly I feel like the electronic sounds are only there to create atmosphere, not to give me a musical challenge to listen to. I mean, if I've heard the same beat a couple of times, then there is no more to it if it does not evolve, IMHO.
I'm sure that this music would work quite well in some dance clubs or something like that, but I did the review from the point of view of sitting down and listening to the album and seeing what it gave me back.
Nowhere in the review did I state that the music is bad. That is not my opinion. Basically what I was trying to say is: Yes, I acknowledge what you have created here and I have never heard anything like it before. It is just not enough for me. I want more variation, progression, experimentation to satisfy my greedy taste for music.
I hope you are able to use these comments for something. Good luck with future projects.
Steen
RevelationZ Magazine
None - Staff Main Page - Mads
Monday, January 20, 2003
Hey Kevin!
I actually have both Secret Sphere albums and think they are excellent. Especially A time never come. Reviews will be online at some point in the future.
I read somewhere that the band wanted to change their style towards Hard Rock somewhere. I could not imagine that to be true...
Various - Tommy's Highlights Of The Year 2002
Monday, January 20, 2003
Yeah, what a great year. But there is something wrong with your list. I can only say one thing: Pain of Salvation!
For our next party I think it is about time we did our version of Achilles again (All eight parts of course)
And no pictures this time :)
Sieges Even - Sophisticated
Friday, January 3, 2003
Yeah, both are correct.
They are also working on a new band at the moment. Check out http://www.looking-glassself.de/ for more info.
Savatage - Streets - A Rock Opera
Sunday, December 15, 2002
Thanks for all the comments.
You're right, this album is life changing!
Pagan´s Mind - Celestial Entrance
Monday, December 2, 2002
I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this album so far. The musicianship and songwriting skills are high class and the album offers a lot of music to take in.
One of the things that caught my interest were the VERY strong influences from bands like older Queensr˙che, Dream Theater, Fates Warning and at times old Crimson Glory. Pagan's Mind almost sounds like a kind of fusion between these fantastic bands.
Take some Geoff Tate (Queensr˙che), combine it with the Dream Theater soundscapes of Scenes from a memory, throw in a little Fates Warning - Parallels and Transcendence by Crimson Glory and maybe you've got an idea of what kind of music Pagan's Mind is sending through the speakers. I'm not saying that the band is not original, because they are able to pull it off in their own style, but I hear very strong influences in some songs from the above mentioned bands.
In a couple of places I feel the influences more directly than others. Here are a couple of examples:
I'm hearing things like the opening riff from Strange Deja vu (Dream Theater - Scenes from a memory) in parts of Through Osiris eyes. Seven sacred promises has an opening riff that very strongly reminds me of Point of view by Fates Warning and parts of the final song (Prophecy of Pleiades) are so similar to Learning to Live by Dream Theater that it can only be a homage...
I'm wrecking my mind to locate some of the other riffs that seem so familiar to me, like the opening riff of ...Of epic questions. On the other hand, I may just be imagining things here... :)
Well, all these references don't destroy the music for me by any means, but if there are too many of them I start wondering. I haven't had time to listen enough to the album to give it a fair rating, but it's already on my definite purchase list when it's released.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Interview with Yngwie
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Yeah we're based in Denmark. We only launched this site three months ago, so it's cool to see so many people contributing without it all ending in some kind of flame war.
Keep rockin'
Steen
RevelationZ Magazine
Withering Surface - Withering Surface and Raunchy at Musikcaféen, Aarhus 09/13/2002
Thursday, September 19, 2002
Hhmmm... A very interesting theory :) I think you're right there.
Great concerts by the way.
Doro - Fight
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Hey! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check that one out along with "Triumph and Agony" next time I go CD shopping.
Doro - Interview with Doro Pesch
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Hey, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really like the new CD, so now I'm looking forward to seeing her live.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Ja, det må man gerne... Men de kommer ikke på siden før man er medlem af "The Staff" :) Check Contact sektionen hvis du skulle være interesseret.
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Sunday, May 26, 2002
What? Can't you see it? It's right there in the midget section...
You have to use that special chair I sent you so you can see the screen...
Did Grandpa take it again? Oh no...
Hehe...
None - Staff Main Page - Steen
Thursday, April 11, 2002
Sure, I'll bring it along as long as you promise to wear it on stage... haha
See you there...
Steen (A.K.A. Lord Helmet junior)
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Daily Spotlight
Enuff Z'nuff - 1985
 After their third release, Animals with human intelligence, Enuff Z'nuff found themselves in ....
Read full review
Retro Reviews
(Michael)
Hanoi Rocks - Two Steps from the Move
 "Two Steps from the Move" is Hanoi Rocks' swan song and the last real album from the classic Finnish band. The album is the most sophisticated release from Hanoi Rocks.
The reason was the band bro....
Read full review
(Steen)
Enuff Z'nuff - Tweaked
 After the 1985 album, which was more or less a collection of old but amazing demos, Tweaked provided the next step in the evolution of Enuff Z'nuff. This time the troublesome times the band was going ....
Read full review
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