THE DOG GODS - Beyond The Gates
(S/R – 2016)

The Dog Gods, an alternative rock act from North Carolina have been at it for almost ten years, and are introduced to Metalliville here at the stage of their fourth album.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

DREAM ETERNAL BLISS - S/T (E.P.)
(S/R - 2015)

Sounds more like an ambient techno effort then the top rate female fronted rock act it actually is.

Still, Dream Eternal Bliss stick a plentiful portion of atmospheric occasions into their six tracks on offer hereabouts. Scott Kahn (keyboards) and Derek Davadovich (guitar), former bandmates from prog act Days Before Tomorrow, remained together to rub their varied influences further, following their old outfit's demise - sucking in such inspirations as Soft Cell, Toto, Giant, Duran Duran and Berlin but to name a few.

With one listen of opener 'This Time' you know what's happening and singer Carrie Edwards's chocolate smooth vocals solidify your expectations of the five to come. Mighty choruses and meaningful melodies mix with an honest eighties energy - the combustion comes up with a devastating boom on 'Don't Stop', in which the dance influences can be easily sensed.

Drawn together with delightful acoustic-supported summertime cuts like 'Die and Learn' and the strutting sass of 'Unfamiliar Faces' and the picture is painted with a powerful spectrum of musical shades indeed. Don't stand there Dreaming, grab yourself a slice of Eternal Bliss as these boys...and girl look set to blossom into something bigger and brighter still with their first full length album.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Roxette, Republica, Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Skunk Anansie & Rush.

NET: www.DreamEternalBliss.com

Deep Purple – Long Beach 1976
(Edel/ear Music – 2016)

A concert from the MKIV line-up of Deep Purple that opens up with a faultless rendition of ‘Burn’ and also features numbers from ‘Come Taste The Band’; their latest at the time plus songs from the past found on ‘Machine Head’ and a cut of Tommy’s ‘Teaser’ album too.

That said, I am always rather bitter-sweet about this period. One that for decades has brought up the discussion of is it or is it not really Deep Purple since their style got way funkier with Bolin replacing Blackmore…. you know the rest…. It did however kickstart a few solo careers thereafter with Whitesnake being a real pinnacle of that…

Some parts are good – the musicianship still being intact but I personally find some of the vocals rather off-putting with Coverdale straining and struggling at times such as on ‘Lady Luck’ or Glenn Hughes piping out wails during milestones like ‘Smoke On The Water’ that stand out like a sore thumb and sound out of tune to the song itself.

The fact that between the bonus tracks you hear a shout for more cocaine really shows you what was going on with the band at the time – a long way from the old guard blues-foundation style with Gillan on vocals! A cracking take of Jeff Beck’s ‘Going Down’ though from ‘Springfield ’76’ is great addition though.

Okay but not outstanding.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

DELLACOMA - South Of Everything
(Shock Records - 2015)

Aussies Dellacoma come on right away with a kick, a punch and a head-butt just probably about as powerful.

Loud, driving old school blues rock that bounds across the floor is still a big business down under and in thirty-three and a half minutes we are feeling the floorboards move up here. 'My Kinda Woman', 'Bloodsucker', 'Under My Skin', 'Moving On To Something New', 'Walk The Plank', 'Time Falls Away' and 'Change' chuck glasses across at anyone to dares not to listen, not to forget the fearsome metal riff on the way into closer 'Fame/Slaves/Gold'.

Tied solidly by the slick soloing of lead guitarist Art Struck and singer Dellacoma Rio's sometime Cornell like croak, 'South of Everything' gives old fashioned heavy rock a ripply grunge glaze on top but does not dare invite questioning on that topic. Good advice - be nice to these lads, or your home will be  beneath the bar table in the corner until closing time.

Mighty bonzer-ations here, boys.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:  Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Free & Bush.

NET:  www.dellacoma.com

Devilskin – We Rise
(S/R - 2015)

A brilliantly together band from New Zealand who have elements of bands like Arch Enemy, Evanescence and even Butcher Babies.

Here you’ll find fresh ferocious riffs & bombastic melodics that form some well-crafted songs that really took me by surprise – to the point that I gave it several spins because I liked it that much.

Highlights on here include the opening ‘Elvis Presley Circle Pit’ (dunno if Graceland know about that one!!); ‘Start A Revolution’; ‘Until You Bleed’; the ballad ‘Fade’ and ‘Cherophobia (The Failure In Me).

Tremendous!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

D-WALL - Black Tree
(S/R - 2015)

Inadvertently disguised behind the sort of name chosen by a rap act, D-Wall are no such thing. Gritty female-led melodic metal, as Germany know only too well how is here to rule once more. Wasting no time with proceedings, singer Sandra Barclay and guitarist Tim Pillukat dive tight into opener 'Stronger' as if they've been doing this every one living years.

Slick, speedy hard rock with a symphonic edge works with or without keyboards, contrary to popular belief - try 'Trapped Underground', ' Skin On Skin', 'Caught In The Flames' or 'Shackleton' as examples  - as the other elements shoot out their individual melodies that all make their ring round each of these ten numbers. Set along swish ballads and stompy, Metallica-edged numbers, the seeds that Black Tree grow out of require little water applying - only a few thousand or more hugely approving ears.

Superb stuff yet again, Germany! 

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nightwish, Skunk Anansie & Epica.

NET: www. d-wall.de.  www. facebook.com/DWALLmusic

Dark Horse Flyers – Breakaway
(Florida Street Records – 2014)

A contemporary and blues based band that consists of exceptional seasoned musicians, who come from Coconut Creek, Florida.

Two of these guys had a band in the 70’ called Breeze – these being Don Mularz (Lead Vocals/Guitar) and Scott Lane (Guitar/Vocals) and the Dark Horse Flyers line-up is completed with John Tillman (Guitar), Richard Taylor (Bass), Raul Hernandez (Drums/Percussion) and Bob Taylor Keyboards.

This is the bands debut album and has some really cooking material on it such as the opening instrumental ‘Hurricane’; the Dire Straits like title-track ‘Breakaway’; the catchy ‘n’ bluesy ‘Evil Woman’ and the Santana like closer ‘No Good’.

Brilliant!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dead And Stoned – Of Hard Bones And Travelled Hearts
(All Is One Music – 2015)

A raw energy-filled Rock trio from Upper Franconia, Germany who have elements of many bands that include AC/DC, Buckcherry, Hardcore Superstar and power of others like Motorhead and Guns ‘n’ Roses.

Standout songs on this ‘ere album are the opening ‘Hellride’; ‘Fever Dog’; ‘Devil Alive’; ‘Born For The Streets’ and the closing ‘On The Road Again’ which is not a cover of the old Canned Heat classic before you ask. It’s packed with ballsy riffs and throaty vocals from Andreas Niemczyk who also plays bass; backed up by Kai Wagner (Guitars) and Adrian Heckel (Drums).

Worth checking out!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DAGOBA -Tales Of The Black Dawn
(earMusic - 2015)

Not to be confused with Yoda's gaff in the Star Wars films (note the absence of an ‘H' here) , French heavies Dagoba a sound that is by contrast more evil and devastating than Darth Vader on one of his bad days.

This outfit adopt a progressive tilted extreme metal noise which is similar, at the start of every number, to countrymen Gojira only they then go speed metal at their first sight of an exit. Deathly barks and brutal twin guitar precision nonetheless win them plenty of fans fair and square and there are plenty of visits to my personal favourite, the stomping rhythm to wrap your lobes round.

Topped with industrial flavoured icing to boot the CD becomes a little more digestible still, especially on ‘The Loss', the stand out track of this ride. Trusting an album within this subgenre not to be trouser-soilingly same throughout is often a feat but Dakota at least know how to cover the dimensions. Not so much a disturbance in the force, as disturbance in the floorboards, methinks.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Machine Head, Slayer, Sepultura, Pantera & Killswitch Engage.

NET: ear-music.net

DEAD MEMORY - Cinderella
(S/R - 2015)

Not a covers album of classics from the glam metal legends, this German foursome's album is about angry, fast and furious alternative metal.

Their first full album, following successful demo 'White Rabbit' turns earlobes wide open with its indignant twin guitar heavy rock groove and grunge intentions. Sonic beats and brutish chords support the full verse and chorus of each cut with a creamy clean alignment and strong consistency.

Using hooks as a drive, as opposed to a decoration for points, Dead Memory serve up plenty of memorable tunes amongst these eleven and leave some likely expecting a twelfth. With tight solos and a thrashy interlude or two, these lads are another layer on Germany's ever growing musical cake.

Get eating people, this one’s a pretty sweet flavoured cream. 

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Drowning Pool, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry & The Offspring

NET: www.dead-memory.de

DEAD POET SOCIETY  - Axiom
(S/R - 2015)

Named after the classic Robin Williams movie, or maybe not - slight spelling difference - Dead Poet Society sound nonetheless a similar creative group in their right.

The Boston-based quartet drill.holes in their wall for everything from Linkin Park to Led Zep, pinning up shelves for plenty in between. Nailing it in are tight-no-nonesnse chordlines, collaged with seventies-tinged funk influences and a healthy polishing of progressive attitude.

Despite the vocals sounding like someone trying to lift a lorry onto his back, at first entry, 'Axiom' gets going quite soon enough to attract its plausibility. Although quality counts I think the quantity could have stretch to more than seven numbers - still this is a hugely promising sample of what is set to follow.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.facebook.com/deadpoetsocietyband

DESTINY HEROES - Abandon Ship
(S/R - 2015)

Destiny Heroes are a Greek punk/alternative trio although they open their debut album with a sound that makes you mistakenly assume you've just found a prog disc slid in by accident at the press plant.

With the atmospheric 'Crimson Dawn' over, the album begins proper although the progressive specifications seemingly kept quiet on the promo sheet are seemingly not far away. 'Future We Erased' is a fast but fantastically developed rock tune with a turn of tempo rights down the middle, while the title cut continues as same in a slightly reverse styled pattern and carries singer George Raven's eighties voice strongly aloft.

Sailing the ship further along - preferably without abandoning it just yet - 'Change The World' is a slick upbeat Goth rocker, grooved heavily in the New Wave floor whereas 'Think Twice' is total old-school punk, complete with a pirate-like cry of 'Hey, hey, hey!' at the start, yet you find it has strangely become a solo friendly melodic metal piece by the end. 'God Of The New Age' and 'Pill' individually demonstrate the Destiny Heroes dynamics across the wide range of inspirations within their case.

Ending proceedings off, 'Monster' and 'Best Day', remixes of their two past hit singles seem just added to pad out the album but are still a welcome wind down, with the further chance to enjoy their material in a looser light. Definitely an act worth looking out after, Destiny Heroes ship is hopefully setting sail our way very soon.

Nicely does it, lads. 

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nirvana, Type o' Negative & Porcupine Tree.

NET:  www.facebook.com/destinyheroesband   www.destinyheroes.bandcamp.com/releases

DETONATOR - Burnin' Rope
(S/R -2015)

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET:  www.burninrope.com

DIEVERSITY – ReAwakening
(Sonic Revolution - 2015)

More magnificent German people, doing what, well people from Germany do magnificently... that of course being METAL.

Wurzburg sextet DieVersity drive your mind in either direction from the crossroads you start on once you activate opening track ‘Life'. A furious twin guitar base, sculpted by a Slayer-edged power metal knife while huge flying keyboards swoop by and above is never going to fail to satisfy me.

Not even the alternation of screams and sonorous operatic creening that Kerrang-kissing kiddie metal acts also seem to influence is an offput in this case as singer Martin Herrnleben keeps a huge performance on course throughout crunchers such as ‘Stop War Inferno', ‘In Your Dreams', ‘Don't Teach Me', ‘Speed Dial To Pain' and ‘Re/awakening'. Grittier-than-f**k and giving no quarter, Dieversity demonstrate through this, their SECOND album that the melodic metal genre continues to flower with no danger of any petals being pruned yet still.

Wonderful.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: In Flames

NET: www.dieversity.de

Debra D’Lane – Covered In Dirt (E.P.)
(S/R – 2015)

A beautiful country singer who recorded this in Nashville and runs a ranch in Texas – now you don’t get anymore authentic than that - this lady is the real deal and I take my (Cowboy) hat off to her!

A well composed 6 track that features a beautiful opener that sets out the stall with elaborate piano and Hammond sounds called ‘One And Only; the banjo filled ‘redneck quotin’ ditty going by the name of ‘Covered In Dirt’ or the cooking ‘Memphis Without The Blues’.

Nice!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dan Doiron – Stand Back I Don’t Know How Loud This Thing Gets…
(S/R – 2015)

Must be one of the corniest and cheesiest album titles I have ever read – unless that is the idea from this bluesy/souly commercial sounding guy from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

It’s all very clinical kinda stuff and wouldn’t be out of place on films like The Blues Brothers or The Commitments – tv stuff that more suited to The Tonight Show as opposed to being real deal Soulman or Bluesman. He simply plays it but is not it – unless he is trying to appeal to the masses as opposed to authentic fans of the musical genres. Perfect examples of this are ‘You Give Me Shivers’; ‘Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am’.

‘Painted Up’ redeems it somewhat because it goes away from the commercial aspect somewhat or maybe the closing ‘Once And For All’ – a slow, melodic cut that is way more on the right track and puts me in mind of the high quality sounds of Gary Moore. If only the rest of the album cooked like this final song.

Hmmmmm….

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Danger Alley – American Made
(Classic Rock Records – 2014)

A very 80’s influenced band made up of guys who look about 50+ years each and it’s the sort of stuff you hear on those b-movie films – the kinda cheesey Night Ranger, Loverboy sound with high vocals and plenty of echoey drums etc.

It’s rather cringue-worthy lyrically to be honest when they kick up songs like ‘Tearin’ The Ballroom Down’ & ‘Welcome To The Show’ but these guys can really nail it to ya. There’s the loving ballad ‘More Than Words Can Say’ that would have been a sure-fine hit back in the day or the closing keyboard filled ballad ‘Catrina’.

Decent.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

DEADLINE - Fire Inside
(Bad Reputation - 2014) 

Anybody else out there fancy calling their band Deadline?  I think there are much more inferior bands than this French outfit, deserving of such a generic tag.

Grippy trad metal from top to tail greets you on this, their debut full-lengther.  Riding on high, heavy treaded tyres, 'Fire Inside' is a fearsome old school rock vehicle of old-school, loaded with huge chordlines made to weigh like concrete has just been piled on the back.

Cut neatly into 4 minute in-and-out-numbers, with a frontman's  vocals scarily close to Terry Illious of French hard rock legends XYZ and some enjoyable soloing, classy tracks such as 'Fire Inside', 'Rock You', 'Teach Me Love', 'Freedom Call' and  'Like An Old Man' know how not to disappoint.  

Don't miss out.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:  AC/DC, Scorpions, G'N'R & Michael Schenker

NET:  www.deadlinehardrock.com

DEFINITION OF MADMEN - Evil Lullabies
(Aunt Ricky Records - 2014)

Dutch three-piece-turned four-piece Definition of Madmen are somewhat quite mad… in a loveable late sixties musical sense of the word.

Driving together the psychedelic temptations of that time with a hotly tipped Black Sabbath tool, they look to everything that went between 20 and 45 years before to draw inspiration for their infectious style. Large, mid-beat grooves and triplet rhythms from frontman/guitarist Mick Hup, hulk along mercilessly atop an admirably tight drum line, with the bass in between keeping your hair on edge. Just listen to 'Got My Way' as an example of how D.O.M. define panache. 

Superb first showing from this impressive new continental metal projector. 

8.5/10 

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:  Led Zeppelin, Electric Wizard & Soundgarden.

NET: www.definitionofmadmen.bandcamp.com 

Devil Train – II
(S/R – 2014)

A hard edge rock band who have a strong 80’s influence remind me of bands like Burning Rain, Whitesnake, Blue Murder and such like comprising of members of

An album that does not let up from the opening ‘Down On You’ at all with heavy dry loud vocals with music to match and has 10 original numbers and two covers, the best of which is a killer take of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’.

Their numbers are powerful, dynamic, fresh and striking in full force with so many standouts including ‘Hollywood Girl’; the slide blues of ‘Mr. Jones’; the Zakk Wylde like ‘Rock Forever’; the deep grooving ‘Girl Like You’ and the bluesy starting ‘Thunderstorm’ that takes off at 200 miles an hour totally unexpected!

Damn Fine Stuff!

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Net: www.devilstrain.com

Dixie Republic – Redneck Way
(S/R – 2014)

Tennessee based trio who are redneck good ole boys in spirit and sound that tick the boxes of country rock to say the least.

I can just imagine hearing this band on a jukebox in some backwoods bar in the middle of an unknown southern town. There’s the humourous ‘Metro Cowgirl’; the band named ‘Dixie Republic’ which quotes some famous southern musical names’; the heartfelt ‘Alabama Dead’ and finished with the lovely ballad that is ‘Angel Wings’.

Nice!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Deep Purple – Long Beach 1971
(Edel/ear Music – 2015)

Age old soundboard stuff back when they were younger with the odd mistake and an apology from Ian Gillan in Speed King.

It’s a drawn out affair with only 4 songs in over 70 minutes of music but when you get songs numbers like ‘Mandrake Root’ and ‘Child In Time’ then what do you expect? Ian tells us what the songs were about such as ‘Strange Kind Of Woman’ being about a friend of theirs who had a relationship with a prostitute.

Decent enough.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DALISWATCH - Breakfast Serial
(Ravenhurst Records - 2014)

Maryland trio Dalis Watch don't watch out for anyone with their approach. The approach in this case being aggressive, grinding grunge rock with an added dose of modern day rock dirge dropped into the holes.

Strongly nurtured numbers such as 'Blissful Ignorance', 'Without a Whisper', 'Little Man Angry', 'Moonlight Weeps', 'Ray Of Light', 'Price Of Freedom' and 'Ghosts Of The Past' plus a titanium take on Duran Duran fave 'Ordinary World' tackle all the favourable alternative rock moves of the last two decades and get it in the net to applause here. Ripe guitars and gravelly vocals from leader Mic Wynne are there to nod heads at the huge Seattle names with a wink while working on how they will do the damage with their own inventive weapons.

Stand back, because I'm sure I just heard a window being broken...

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Bush & Porcupine Tree.

NET: www.daliswatch.com

DAYS WE ARE EVEN - Head IntoThe Fire
(Sonic Revolution - 2014)

As much as I am an 80's slave, there is a lot of the melodic modern metal of the noughties / tennies I respect, Days We Are Even being another to add on.

Not wishing to restrict themselves to a single genre, as singer/bassist Jo makes clear on paper, DWAE's sound is much about driving contemporary rock as it is steeped in deep Seattle swirl-pool of atmosphere. Ripe and ready rockers and atmospheric slowies swing the arrow every direction without time to see the reading. Give 'Synthesis No1', 'Rhapsody', 'Untouchable', 'Invade/Exploit', 'What Is It To You', or 'Hey Operator' an amped up blastage to showcase guitarist Sven Wallwork's versatility for yourself.

Frighteningly instant stuff, fearsomely recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Disturbed & Bush.

NET: www. daysweareeven.com

DIAMANTE 'AD - Vitam Reditus
(Atomic Stuff Records - 2014)

Look out everyone, Italy are loaded with another one. Brescia quartet Diamante are a dynamic act who drive melodic metal and prog together into the wall like newly sharpened drills seeking the same one hole.

Large solos and reasonably placed rhythm/tempo changes support all the glories set on top, and big up every track from the off. Though vocalled in their home lingo, the repeating parts are fast in coming as are the generous pilings of Purple/Rainbow flavoured keyboards from Alan Garda. A grandoise and at the same time gritty slab of class-laden hard rock that holds its substance,whatever language it's heard in.

Nicely recommended.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: atomicstuff.com

DRAGONTOWN DAN - Rock 'n' Roll Machine
(Reverse Records - 2014)

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Faith No More & Andrew W.K.

DEATHINITION - Art of Manipulation
(S/R - 2014)

Polish thrash fivesome Deathinition deliver us a pleasant sixteen minute taster of what maybe to come with this menacing mini -album.

All four tracks flaunt the genre's hallmarks shamelessly enough but also showcase a combination of variety in both vocal and rhythmical demeanour. Vocalist Adam Langowski does a good back-and-forth between Robb Flynn and Overkill's Blitz Ellsworth that needs to be heard to appreciate and on top of the usual titanium twin guitar performance its a potentially sweet speed metal cake.

Looking forward to a full length disc, lads.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Machine Head, Pantera, Slayer, Forbidden

NET: myspace.com/deathinitionthrash

DC4 – Electric Ministry
(S/R – 2011)

An album that has awesome production by our buddies, Producer Bill Metoyer and DC4 Guitarist, Jeff Duncan.

It rocks out hard and ferocious but with great melodics and in-ya-face vocals from Jeff overall with powerful songs like the opening ‘Wrecktory’; ‘Rock God’; the ballady but still brutal ‘Broken Soul’ and the good old Metal meets Alice In Chains almost ‘People’.

Then there’s the well-harmonied rocker ‘Glitter Girl in the vocal dept and the surprisingly beautiful ‘Dirty Hands’ which you wouldn’t expect with a title like that. It’s definatley an album that is well worth cranking up loud from a band with 3 amazing brothers (Jeff, Shawn & Matt Duncan) and a killer guitarist who used to be in DIO going by the name of Rowan Robertson.

Excellent for the congregation indeed.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Deep Purple – Graz 1975
(ear music/Edel – 2014)

A piping hot live release from the overseas live series of DP with this killer concert coming from Liebenauer Ice Rink, Graz, Austria and contains 8 gems of loud generosity.

The pairing of David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes vocally proved to be one of the greatest singing moments in history as this gig prominently shows. The entire band are so on fire and it’s insane to think that Ritchie Blackmore left 3 gigs after this to form Rainbow.

Out of the set are standouts like the opener ‘Burn’; the always impressive ‘Mistreated’ and songs you never hear much these days from the ‘Stormbringer’ album like ‘Lady Double Dealer’ with it all coming to an end with the slipper stomping classic that is ‘Space Truckin’.

Brillaint!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

DIRTY WOMAN - City Of Sins
(Dictatorship Records 2014)

South American sludge metallers Dirty Woman are finally discovered here on the dingy shores of Blighty, in the course of delivering their second album onto the world.

Multiple award winners in their native Mexico, these five noisy boys fire up every cylinder till it tries to fizzle but that fails to happen within this ten track slab of old school seventies brute de force .

'Green Eyed Sorceress', 'Pack your Back', 'Hidden Butchery', 'The Devil (Was The First One', 'Behind the Mask' and the Spanish-lyriced 'La Noche Obscura' attempt to collect everything from Cathedral to Goblin, and giveaway Sabbath moments to boot and brew it until it froths fearsomely over the brim.

Meaty and muscular metal made purely the old way, you might find yourself committing considerably large sins by ignoring the signs to Dirty Woman's city.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YO LIKE: Monster Magnet, Down & Metallica.

NET: www.dirtywoman.com

THE DISFAVOURED PARTY – Manifesto
(S/R - 2014)

This Bristol five-piece deliver a sound I have difficulties matching after even ten listens.

Summing up Disfavoured party's sound in a single line, I'd have to say they, erm….favour mostly a sound sat between Britpop, Madness, and Dutch seventies legends Sparks. Their town ain't necessarily big enough for the both of them but they expand the planning and place it all in nonetheless.

Some impressive Police moments peep in and out with the guitar sound and the piano takes it to several different places in the squeezed confines of five tracks. Swish blues and jazz segments slot neatly into an undoubtedly convoluted but well composed sound and set of songs that topped by frontman, Rich's almost Elvis-like effort, deserves attention before they're even heard of.

Worth finding.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Oh God... going to have to leave that one out this time, one thinks.

NET: facebook.com/thedisfavouredparty

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

DAMN PIGEON - Re-Coop
(S/R - 2014)

Good old Canada are back with yet another, though this act actually aren't a newly formed sensation - they originally joined forces in 1991, that same year from whence fellow Canadian melodic rock monsters Von Groove and Harem Scarem unleashed their debut cornerstones.

Damn Pigeon got it back off the ground however hence this smashing modern day pop rock treat. Trippy, bluesy guitars, set at all rhythms in the range just melt into each other with the solos sizzling on top. The breezy, deep voice of frontman Doug Weir, recruited following the sad passing of predecessor Steve Phillips, smokes hot on top of it to tell you dishes including ‘I'm Down', ‘Gift Horse',‘Tomorrow', ‘If I Can't Have You', ‘Benjamin Suicide', ‘Who Cares' and ‘Dead Man's Shoes' are ready for serving with big toppings of barbecue sauce.

Sturdy, slick, modern hard rock with an innocent alternative taste on top, Pigeon's five lads live an enviable all year long summer by the sounds of this album. Perhaps we ought to hop in the open-topped motor and make our way out there?

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Bad Company, Nickelback, Free, Led Zeppelin, Blackfoot, The Georgia Satellites & Cream

NET: damnpigeon.ca

DAWN OF DESTINY - F.E.A.R.
(Phonotraxx/Soulfood Music 2014)

With a name like that they can only be one thing...you guessed it, another promising power metal scoop straight of of Europe.

And no I'm not just saying it - German girl fronted fivesome Dawn of Destiny yield an atmospheric dimension and with a different conceptual thread to anything that has probably passed. Dealing with the tragic aftermath of a girl's crippling car accident, the tinkling, piano led prowess of the thirteen numbers synchronised well with each stage so its still the style you lovingly notice.

Sleek guitar lines and solos that sustain the high notes, as opposed to just shred, deliver the better elements on offer alongside vocalist Jeanette Scherff's super-operatic outpours. Strictly a name not to miss on the continental metal map for the year ahead, Dawn are Destined to break the market with the material as of the sort just heard.

Let Savatage's Jon Olivia, our esteemed guest performer, set you right.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nightwish, Mostly Autumn & Stratovarius

NET: www.dawnofdestiny.de

BOB DEE WITH PETRO - Burning Rain
(Melodic Revolution Records - 2014)

No, its not a sudden return by Doug Alritch's rather good AOR project from years back - Bob Dee, former guitarist of melodic hard rock hopefuls Beg Borrow & Steel leads this latest interesting venture...don't ask me who Petro is though.

Wealthy in talent and songwriting output, twenty numbers - would you believe - make this second album. Massive inundations of stuff sent to us lately forces me into keeping the reviews short, making things so awkward as most of these songs suck me in right away.

From pumpy pop rock to riff driven raunch, just hearing anything from 'Obsession', 'Mother Says' and 'Stars' to 'All American Boys', Never Stand In Line' and 'In A World' tantalises you into t[...]e cork is fully clear. Raw and infectious melodic rock comes fast and fresh from this chap as if the last twenty years had scarcely occurred.

Tingly alternative moments exist but Bob Dee testifies how diversity does indeed pay.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, Johnny Lima & Feeder.

NET: bobdeewithpetro.com

DESTITUTION - Beware The Fury of the Patient Man
(S/R - 2014)

The thing I like about today’s wave of generic thrash metal acts is that they come across a lot more cornier or looser than their predecessors of the nineties and without offending seasoned scene believers.

That certainly applies amongst others to Dutch foursome Destitution. Nicely moulded round legendary countrymen Pestilence, songs like ‘Mr Greedy’, ‘Criticise’, ‘Rhythm of Horses’, ‘Vigilante’, ‘Guilty Til Proven Innocent’, ‘Screenplay’ and ‘B.T.F.O.T.P.M’ still sound aggressive enough with vocalist/guitarist Emiel Van De Ploeg’s spitting roar but deciphering the lyrics word for word as you would an iron Maiden number is an essential ear-pleaser.

Rippling riffs and chord lines still smoke of unoriginality but the blend of accessibility and aggression that adds to it makes it all acceptable. Lead solo work courtesy of Geert Van dee Laan is smart and wavy, especially on ‘Alcathrash’ and with other more commercialised speed metal machines of late doesn’t linger outside its time on the ticket.

Definitely worth a place to park in your collection… note: these men might not remain patient too long.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Anthrax, Evile, Forbidden, Testament, Slayer & Metallica.

NET: soundcloud.com/destitution

DIAPHONIC – Troy
(S/R - 2014)

Oh great, just a quick four tracks to get through I think as I set this one playing...some forty one minutes and five seconds later the closing track is just finally...well, closing.

Swiss proggies Diaphonic command huge credit all the same for having two standard length tines sandwiched amongst the other couple that last either side of quarter an hour apiece. Set to an astoundingly lavish but listenable as well amalgam of folk, rock, woodwind and blues, something tells me these numbers are not going to be a struggle, including 19 minute finale 'Ithaka'.

Brit born singer Thomas Weeks has the voice that as much owes him a spot in a decent alternative act as it would force you to anticipate a young Ian Anderson in the making. Complex yet calculated keyboarding from Michael Zaradez take these tracks all the way through their countless shifting motions without momentum wavering more than scarcely, applying an unexperienced dimension on the titular concept of the Greek legend.

A surprise from a scene that is respected but not renowned for keeping it short and succinct, Diaphonic take a clutch of compositions and make them sound like a full album without anybody noticing the gaps...or absence of.

Frighteningly impressive.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd & Procul Harum

NET: www.diaphonic.ch

THE DOWLING POOLE - Bleak Strategies
(369 Records - 2014)

Dyslexics don't panic, it's not a new release from the Texan combo you could have just missed.

Dowling Poole are ex-Honeycrack main man, Will Dowling who has gone on to score soundtrack success aplenty over the sixteen years since they folded, and former Cardiacs fella Jon Poole. Lining up their influences since combining in 2011, I'd think that they've listened to a wider roster of influences than would be advisable by their doctor.

Radiohead, 10cc, The Beatles and Procul Harum make up four whilst one or two even allow space for summery AOR intrusions from the guitar department in the Survivor vein.
No endless prog ballads, nor any super speedy 2 minute pop punk workouts - simply put somewhere in between as these two boys bung everything over the walls of their castle for you to catch.

Catchy stuff itself whilst on the subject, then coming from a man who produced for Ginger from The Wildhearts, what less do we expect...definitely nothing sums it up.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Porcupine Tree, Blur, The Wonderstuff & Terrorvision.

DRAGON'S BANE - Harbringers of Glory (E.P.)
(S/R - 2014)

Originating from Adrililith (Where?!!) Dragon's Bane are as brutal as their name makes movement to warn.

Noisy, retro metal steeped in stoner grooves and growling but understandable vocals from frontman King Dan knock the listener into submission, with his sometimes Hetfield-hacked-off edge.

Just three tracks seems steep but its three of substance even if similar to what you may have heard three (thousand) times before. Rigid to the style, Dragon's Bane's rough and ready maul is still not for wimps in the slightest.

Try!

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Monster Magnet, Orange Goblin & Down.

NET: www.dragonsbane.bandcamp.com

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

DELTA - The End of Philosophy
(Mylodon Records - 2013)

Not named after the Chuck Norris movie, Chilean prog metallers Delta do however put in some commendable muscle.

The meaty formulaic elements of most symphonic Euro metal acts seem to have got across to South America's doors in a dainty package as everything you'd expect is here but excellently done. Knocking in some unexpectedly over-commercial vocals seems the forte for these guys, one track even sounding like 'Heart of Steel' from hair metal legends Trixter whilst everything else still seems like serious days at the office.

Speedy solos and keyboards should not need to be mentioned but a Dream Theater versatility to the likes of most tracks takes them along the right roads. Frontman Felipe del Valle's succulent voice should see these lads sent over to our continent for a set or two itself - the fella handles high octane metal and upbeat folky acoustic moments alike with one persistent grip,whilst guest work from scene goliath John West (Artension, Royal Hunt) only touches up the encouragement.

Great work from five guys with five studio albums to their name including this newest gem, so maybe its time to help it shine in your shelf.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Stratovarius, Kamelot, Edguy & Threshold.

NET: www.deltachile.com

8/10

By Dave Attrill

DISTANT PAST - Utopian Void
(Pure Steel Publishing -2014)

Very much from whench their musical persuasions are plucked, Distant Past deserve the hats-off treatment for that already.

Utopian itself pretty nails it for the average Nightwish or Helloween fan who comes across the latest beaut by these Swiss metallers. Straight in with no shilly-shallying intro cut, 'Day of Darkness' is undiluted symphonic metal sweetness with ice. Singer JayJay Julmy knows a thing - Dickinson-wise - on laying the octaves with gusto and his gust sweeps across all twleve numbers, where the boisterous solos also breeze by at both sides.

Slick but never too over-sure of themselves, 'Secptre', 'On The Edge', 'Kingdom Of Shadows', 'Helpless', 'Breath - The Spell' and ' Illusion' will hardly succeed come the originality oscars but on the old fashioned, no-frills metal night, noise will be made.

Closing number 'Touched By The Gods' comes to being on an emotional note, as bassist/founder Adriano Troiano bears soul over the loss of idol Ronnie James Dio (already lost to us a staggering four years ago) with lickjs from a certain Rainbow classic cunningly concealed.

Ronnie never dealt in the fast stuff that much but Julmy's performance puts the legacy into people's awareness, of the timeless metal style that Distant Past also now treat us to.

Wonderful work, guys.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Gamma Ray, Edguy, Iron Maiden, Kamelot, Stratovarius, Dragon Force & Megadeth.

NET: www.distant-past.ch

Doctor Pheabes – Seventy Dogs
(S/R – 2013)

Cheesy sounding almost novelty hard rock band from Brazil with with throaty vocals – man this is so spinal tap but I like it.

It opens with the cool title track ‘Seventy Dogs’ and as you go through you’ll find other cool numbers like the mid-tempo ‘Godzilla’; the excellent acoustic ‘Sound’; the gutsy blues-tinged ‘Where Do You Come From?’ and the lovely closing ballad that is ‘I Just Want To Live Forever’.

You’ll keep playing this again and again, I assure you.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

DROUGHT - Tapped
(S/R - 2013)

Another band heralded as hard rock yet turn out almost totally otherwise, Drought need hardly panic on top as a piece of post grunge is always gristle to my mill.

Looser and more livelier by mood, these four lads seem happy to hunt down their dad's old record collection at least halfway into shaping their sound, which means hooks are easier to seek out. Tough woven twin guitars and scant progressive additions abound across tunes including 'Stand', 'Coming Home', 'Who I Am', 'Good to be Gone', 'The Distance In Between', 'Gasoline' and 'Hideaway' though these accolades apply to just about every corner of this cd.

Adding in the upbeat feel of frontman, Mike Mikulas straight-cut range with less of the frog-in-the-throat approach most of their ilk apply and you have the perfect formula for a pop metal record as you'd like it for the millennium ahead.

Definitely worth tapping into.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nickelback, Alter Bridge & Metallica.

NET: www.droughtrocks.com

Deep Purple – Live At Montreux 1996/Live At Montreux 2006
(Eagle Records – 2013)

Two shows ten years apart from that famous festival that’s split onto two separate CD’s on this glorious set.

Both gigs are a perfect mix of old and newer material of course with two slightly different line-ups regarding the keyboards – with original man, Jon Lord on the ’96 appearance with 'Purpendicular' cuts and Don Airey taking care of the ’06 happening that pulls ditties from the ‘Rapture Of The Deep’.

From the ’96 show, you can’t fault a number like ‘Black Night’ or the classic ‘Fireball’ thrown in a set list with tracks like ‘Hey Cisco’ and ‘Ted The Mechanic’ not to mention an outstanding ‘When A Blind Man Cries’ - a song that appears on both CD’s and even bonus cuts from 2000 including the epic ‘Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming’.

The 2006 falls flat in comparison because Ian Gillan’s voice sounds dry, tired and shot and unable to hit and hold his notes in opener ‘Pictures Of Home’ and throughout the entire performance – he is obviously on a bad day and needs a rest. The other four guys are impeccably perfect though.

There are songs like ‘Lazy’ with an extended intro from Don Airey with the other guys eventually chipping in as well as new songs like ‘Things We Never Said’ & ‘Wrong Man’ but it’s the 70’s stuff that fairs best on here. Then there’s a pointless ott intro before ‘Highway Star’ that simply gets on your t*ts but I do like that Jazzed instrumental version of ‘Smoke On The Water’ that gives it a whole new lease of life before Ian ruins the song on the vocal front.

From excellent to average if the truth be known.

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Deep Purple – Now What! (Gold Deluxe Edition)
(Edel/Ear Music – 2013)

The brand new album from the Purps that grabs you straighaway that is dedacted to the late great ex-member, Jon Lord and rightly so too.

It has a full ‘n’ loud bombastic sound to it and features all the classic trademarks that tick the boxes that you’d expect from a top dollar album courtesy of DP in the way of high pitched vocals, heavy rocked out vibing organ, pummelling big drums, booming bass-work and wailing, melodic beautifully played guitar with light and dark moments from beginning to end.

Standouts on here include the opening loud and quiet ‘A Simple Song’; the hard rocking ‘Hell To Pay’ that has you singing along to the choral section; ‘Above And Beyond’ – an outstanding tribute to Jon Lord and the exceptional epic masterpiece ‘All The Time In The World’ or even a re-arranged powerful cover of Cliff Richard’s ‘It’ll Be Me’ as one of two bonus tracks.

The Live tapes is the reason for getting this album and that’s mainly for the old songs on offer if I am brutally honest with you like the opening ‘Strange Kind Of Woman’ ‘No One Came’ and ‘Perfect Stranger’s’ that’s probably in my top 5 of all time fave Purple songs though ‘Above And Beyond’ is excellent. ‘All The Time In The World’ is a real grower too.

Only qualm for me is that come across a bit too cheesey and time and cabaret from how they did back in the day with the version of ‘Lazy’ though ‘Black Night’ is earth shattering on here with snippets of ‘La Grange’ &‘How Many More Times? With it only fitting to end the proceedings with ‘Smoke ont Watter’ as they call it up here in Yorkshire!

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Willy Deville – Crow Jane Alley / Pistola
(Eagle Records - 2013)

A double set of a guy who was renown in the industry that I’m hearing for the first time ever who used to have a band back in the 70’s called Mink Deville – you may have heard of them.

The ‘Crow Jane Alley’ album (2004) has elements of Americana, The Eagles, Dr. John and Bruce Springsteen – a quirky mismatch at times but works all the same. Opener ‘Chieva’ is very voodoo meets Mexicana whereas the title track ‘Crow Jane Alley (For Jack)’ is rather Jim Reeves meets George Jones like country music.

‘Muddy Waters Rose Out Of The Mississippi Mud’ is an awesome bluesy number like you’d expect from a name like this – though he came from Chicago? Or what about a great take of Roxy Music’s ‘Slave To Love’ and the delta voodoo of closing number ‘Trouble Comin’ Every Day In A World Gone Wrong’.

‘Pistola’ (2008) starts off with a Stonesy/Faces like blues number called ‘So So Real’ which I especially like and there’s so much more that’ll get you on here – sad to think it was his last ever album before his tragic death of caner in 2009 at only 59 years old. A ton of amazing songs on here such as the cool as hell reggae riffing ‘Been There Done That’ with its killer chorus and the exquisite country folk of the ballad ‘Louise’ with smooth velvety steel guitar.

Then there’s the mysterious deep south style of ‘You Got The World In Your Hands’ that’s got female bv’s and nice slide guitar work & ‘I’m Gonna Do Something The Devil Never Did’ that’s got that vibe found on The Rolling Stones ‘Sister Morphine’ not to mention an atmospheric spoken word that closes the album called ‘The Mountains Of Manhattan’.

Can’t be bettered and quite obviously a major loss to the world of music when he passed away in 2009.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

DIGNITY - Balance of Power
(Fastball - 2013)

I admit the name Balance of Power did confuse me, defending on whether the Brit melodic metal act of that name are still on the go from time to time.

Dignity are a German fivesome peddling what their county pride themselves on over many things - speedy guitars plus sonorous vocal harmonies held high above. Versatility is something power metal has struggled to display over the decades but some outfits such as these have a musical gearstick they know how to move. Fast paced tunes and progressive platters all get their share of the cd space here with the both the keyboards and vocalist Soren Adamsen's Savatage-like voice suited to all styles.

The solos sound epic yet remain thankfully disciplined in length and surprisingly so too do most of the tracks, with only 'Freedom Reign' reaching the seven minute line. Knocking off for the day with a handsome cover of Scorps classic 'Blackout' Dignity display a huge, in-do-the-job-and-go approach to their line in metal.

In return, its an album worth approaching in its own right.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot & Stratovarius

NET: www.dignityband.com

Dizzy Bloom – Oceans
(Wild River Music – 2013)

Sounds a bit like Stevie Nicks does vocalist, Amy Whitcomb with her bright pop-rock style and other stuff on here is very middle of the road and relaxing kinda stuff with haunting syrupy vocals.

There’s an awesome version of The Who’s ‘See Me Feel Me’ which makes this CD worth spinning alone as well as a cooking title track in ‘Oceans’ not to mention the haunting closer ‘Two Exits’.

Good stuff.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Damn Dice – Wild ‘N’ Ready (EP)
(S/R – 2013)

Well the last time I heard these North London based guys was when they were supporting LA Guns at The Diamond at Sutton-In-Ashfield a couple of years ago and what a great night that was.

This sleazy six tracker comes across totally effortless and has all the right melodic energetic choruses to make a massive impact not to mention the unique sounding highish lead vocal and shouty glam backing vocals too.

It’s packed full of wonderful songs right from the bruising opener ‘Bang Your Head’ to the partyfest of ‘Wild In The Night’ with the likes of ‘Down’ kickin’ up a fuss in the middle. A top dollar release for sure. It’s little wonder the likes of Vince Neil and Beau Hill have been singing their praises.

Buy it!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dilana – Beautiful Monster
(S/R – 2013)

A sinister and deep sounding album that has atmospheric moments and is like a melting pot of rock, acoustica & almost classical touches all rolled into one album.

Vocally she kinda reminds me of Stevie Nicks as her timbre is very dry high and haunting that works well on the songs here such as the thought provoking ‘Dead Flower’, opener ‘The Woman I Am’; ‘Velvet Coloured Stone’ or the folkish Led Zep like ‘Oceans’.

It’s a ‘Beautiful Monster’ of an album that really has to be listened to properly in order to fully appreciate it as there are some incredible moments of gorgiousness with the song ‘Falling Apart’ being a perfect example.

Worth checking out.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dirty Sound Magnet - What Lies Behind
(Phenix Records /New Music Distribution – 2013)

How can you put this – a kinda Swiss version of Led Zeppelin and other elements of the time too – though at times on the hight notes, this dude sounds very Robert Plant.

Some really amazing bluesy and gutsy numbers in ‘Heavy Hours’; the title track ‘What Lies Behind’; the acoustic to electric ‘Dead End Street’ or ‘Our Animal’ with it’s awesome slide-guitar riff.

File somewhere between The Answer & Rival Sons – epic sounds.

9.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Deadweight - The Red Sun God (E.P.)
(S/R - 2013)

Now these boys from South West Oklahoma definately live and breath late 60's and early 70's Rock for sure and blister their way through this 26 minute+ E.P.

Literally in the half a dozen numbers on here you get the impression they like a bit of Led Zeppelin & The Black Crowes as the deep, boomy 'n' stomping 'Lady' shows and The Doors for definate as 'Sliver Buckle' is like a salute to songs like 'When The Music's Over ' meets 'Back Door Man' when it comes to style and vibe. 'Astro Cannibalism' must be one of the most tongue-in-cheek titles I've read in a while and is a pummeling stoner like mother of a ditty and not unlike Spiritual Beggars going head to head with Soundgarden in a fast 'n' mean mode.

Decent spin indeed.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DIMITRY - Codex Magika
(S/R -2012)

Often approving of a first taste of guitar-led acts delivered via ep as opposed to full album, its artists like our friend Dimitry here that entice me straight to a long player.

Ripping contemporary thrash rhythms saturate opener 'Fusioncore' capped by low-octave soloing you do not hear from Steve Vai or the like. The Motorhead-tinged 'It Begins Again' surprises us with the awareness that this chap is not just an instrumentalist but a vocalist to boot. Taking his snarly alternative lungs to the world across subsequent progressive metal snippet Buried In Your Mind' before becoming vocal-less again for the bludgeoning stomp rhythm of 'Desire', this Norwegian-based Italian innovator has tricks shoved up his sleeve until they look to spill out.

Taking the best modern and classic hard rock elements and slipping in a few delectable drops of sax and keyboard-flavoured essence, a sweet sensation slowly abounds. Swish blues guitars as those you hear on the closing track 'Five' come comparably less than frequent from this geezer - Dimitry goes forward in time, far preferably than backwards but whichever way, we wouldn't mind more of it.

Great.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: myspace.com/demitrioscopelliti

THE DIRTY PANTIES - I Am A Robot
(SquidHat Records - 2012)

As if the name of this band doesn't make me cringe enough, I am halted by the promo pic displaying what looks like a gaggle of girly students in shocks of blue hair and badly shredded undershirts.

Surprise more than suffice to say however that is not what The Dirty Panties turn out to be. These four nice young New York ladies have in fact existed as a unit since 2001 and it shows above solidly as they deliver their nasty speedtastic punk rock in sledgeloads, slamming thirteen fast and hard hitting helpings across your skull in under half an hour. Ricketing chords and deep bellowing angst from frontwoman Melanie Ash set your rafters atremble as one angry hookline after another races past repeatedly.

'Confighted', 'Cheers', Undefeated', 'Take It To The Grave', 'Figment Of A Girl', 'I Am A Robot', 'Get Off Your Ass' and a cover of 'Money (That's What I Want') with a difference set punk pulses racing the same way Sick of It All and The Ramones did before them. Muscular, modern aggro-rock that is ill-advised for doubters. For the rest, the best things in life are for free but this one's certainly worth parting with a few fivers over.

Watch your washing machines guys as these dirty panties don't look to clean so easily.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: NY Loose, Agnostic Front, Siouxie and The Banshees, Bubble & McQueen.

NET: www.TheDirtyPanties.com

Death Rides A Horse - Tree Of Woe
(Inferno Records - 2013)

This is Metal of a darker nature that is very of the 70's meets the 80's - think Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, Accept etc and othr bands of that ilk with slamming guitar riffs moulded in with crashing cybals and drums.

It's a 7 track ep with a bonus number that is limited to 500 copies with some cooking solid sounds in numbers like 'A Unified Vision Of A Trans-galactic Empire (Open The Gates)' that clocks in at over 6 minutes and a cover of 'Fly To The Rainbow' by Scorpions that you never hear those guys play anymore.

Problem is, is that the formula gets okd and tired after a while and dragged out for too long to keep you interested.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

Destroy She Said - Down To Dirty
(Bad Reputation - 2013)

A dirty, crunchy, meat and potatoe warts 'n' all bunch of rockers who delight with ten hard punch in your face numbers of slipper stomping delight.

They hail from Melbourne, Australia and I should have come to this conclusion from studying their sound and style as they are very AC/DC and Rose Tattoo in attitude and angst with hold-nothing back songs like 'Game Over'; 'Squirter'; 'Hookers Don't Kiss' and closer 'It's Coming Out Now'.

Decent enough.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dio - Dream Evil (Deluxe Edition)
(Universal/Mercury - 2013)

A 2 CD set of of one of Ronnie's classic albums that features the original release on CD 1 with faves like 'Night People'; the title track 'Dream Evil'; 'All The Fools Sailed Away'; 'I Could Have Been A Dreamer' that make you realise once again just what an incredible artist Mr. Dio was as a lyricist and vocalist - he still can't be bettered by anyone today - he will be forever the main man of fantasy metal and more.

CD2 is a real gem and a half that has the entire Monsters of Rock set from Castle Donington on 22nd August, 1987 - back when it meant something before it all went live nation on us all and changed it's name. It's arguably one of the best shows that the BBC ever recorded - You simply can't better a set that included 'Neon Nights'; 'Man On The Silver Mountain'; 'Rainbow In the Dark'; 'Rock 'N' Roll Children'; Heaven & Hell' and 'Rainbow In The Dark' with many of these songs placed into a medley due to time restrictions!!

Plus also included is 'Hide In The Rainbow' from the Dio EP that no doubt is a track that a lot will never had heard before, myself included and the single edit of 'I Could Have Been A Dreamer' as well.

Hands down top marks or should that be 'horns up'?

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dallas - Over The Edge (E.P.)
(D-Day Records - 2012)

A great 5-tracker from a dude who goes by the name of 'Bryan Dallas' who fronts a band that takes his surname before you simply think it's another one of those bands that have named themselves of the part of America that they come from.

So where do they come from then I hear you asking, well 'San Francisco Bay Area actually. It's 1985 again when you stick this on - oh hang on that's just the opener 'This Love' since 'The Devil Is Rock 'n' Roll' is more like Def Leppard meets Rob Zombie. Nice closing power ballad in 'I Close My Eyes'.

Very like that well know Sheffield band a lot of the time with elements of New Countryness and Bryan Adams.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Derek Davis - Re-Volt
(Apocalypse Records - 2012)

The frontman of Babylon AD releases a solo album who vocally puts me in mind of Kory Clarke meets Roger Taylor of Queen and Stephen Pearcy in a heavier mode at times.

Highlights include the acoustic 'Troubadour' that reminds me of The Cult in a weird kinda way; the excellent autobiographical 'Hollywood Heartbreak' about making it; the moderately paced metal of 'Judas Kiss'; 'Promise' like many people do and don't deliver and the closing nicely done ballad 'Desperate'.

Good album that doesn't stick to the same style throughout and see's Derek doing what the hell he feels like at that particular moment.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Derision – Ancient
(S/R - 2011)

DERISION are Tony Smith (Vocals), Eddie White (Guitars), Seddy (Bass) and John Mellor (Drums). They hail from Bolton, UK and the surrounding areas.

‘Ancient’ their debut album, released in November 2011, was recorded and mixed at Urbansound Studios and mastered at the famous Parlour Studios. It was mastered by Russ Russell (famous for such bands as producing for Napalm Death, Evile, Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up, Amorphis and New Model Army). With a pedigree like that there is no wonder that Derision's album is so well mastered and produced.  This is a massive natural progression from their debut EP.

From the first track Derision state their intentions in the world of thrash metal, from the guttural growls of the vocals, the fast pace thrash riffs of the guitar, the fast pounding bass lines to the powerful drums, You can see why the  band has been compare to bands like Testament, Machine Head and Vio-lence.

This band are hotly tipped to be the next big thing.

10/10

By Andy Turner

Net: http://www.derisionband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/derisionband

Dokken – The Anthems
(Elektra - 2011)

Dokken were formed back in 1978 and have been going in one form or another since then with various members going off and doing solo projects (Lynch Mob, Don Dokken Solo, George Lynch Solo). This CD is a collection of some of the classic tracks that have been played on radio stations, by DJ's and used in various TV commercials and films throughout their long and illustrious career. This is their 22nd release over their 30+ year career with their 23rd album 'Broken Bones' being released in late June 2012.

Dokken can boast some of the greatest rock/metal musicians in the business have been in their ranks over the years (George Lynch (Lynch Mob), John Norum (Europe), Reb Beach (Winger), Peter Baltes (Accept), Juan Croucier (Ratt), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner) and Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) to name a few).
Current line-up is Don Dokken (Vocals), Jon Levin - Warlock (Guitar), Sean McNabb - ex House Of Lords, Quiet Riot, Great White, Rough Cutt and Badd Boyz (Bass) and Mick Brown - ex Lynch Mob and Xciter (Drums).

The album contains 14 tracks of pure historical Dokken from the opening track 'Just Got Lucky' through the end track a cover version of The Knickerbockers’ track 'Lies'. The CD includes tracks from the albums 'Tooth And Nail' (Tracks 1, 3, 7 & 10), 'Breaking The Chains (Track 2), 'Under Lock And Key (Tracks 4, 5, 6 & 9), 'Back For The Attack' (Track 8) and their 2011 album 'Greatest Hits' (Tracks 11, 12, 13 & 14). Track 8 'Dream Warriors' is also used as the title track on the film 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors'. Track 11 'Almost Over' and Track 12 ' Magic Man' are the only new tracks that Dokken have written for the 2010 release 'Greatest Hits' and this album include two cover versions in Track 13 'Bus Stop' (by The Hollies) and Track 14 'Lies' (by The Knickerbockers).

The whole CD gives a good retrospective on Dokken's long career and just shows just how good Dokken are now and how underrated they were in the 80's. With the resurgence of the 80's glam/metal scene (Steel Panther, The Darkness, Little Angels) this album shows how relevant the band and their music is today.

Dokken are one of these band that you either love or hate, but in my opinion they were one of the most promising bands that were around in the 80's and have stood the test of time and are still rockin' hard today. This CD gives anybody not familiar with the band and their music a good insight to them.

8/10

By Andy Turner

Net: http://www.dokkencentral.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DokkenBand
http://www.last.fm/music/Dokken http://www.myspace.com/dokken

Michael V. Doane - Little Kid
(JimBet Music - 2012)

Amazing contempary artist who you can't pigeonhole as there's just so many musical styles that are tackled and conquered on this debut cd.

Highlights include the funky 'We Did It Right', River Road' that is full on gospel with female choir sounds to boot, laid back contemporary rock in 'You Better Run',country banjo twanging that is 'James Alvin (His Song)' and the gorgious ballad that is the title track 'Little Kid'.

Good stuff indeed.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dragonforce – The Power Within
(Roadrunner Records - 2012)

Bands like Ancient Bards (Italy), Pathfinder (Poland), Reinxeed (Sweden) and of course Dragonforce, have become a small but elite group who are not afraid to play Metal the proper way, super energetic, super-fast and with lots of power riffs and solos.

It’s been four years since Dragonforce released ‘Ultra Beatdown’ and in those four years a lot has happened within their ranks. The most notable is the replacement of vocalist ZP Theart with little known vocalist Mark Hudson, who was unleashed on the world via a Youtube clip of one of his mighty screams in a short studio report issued by Dragonforce. Mark Hudson is an awesome singer and his live performance has vaulted him into the realms of a very elite vocalists. From obscurity to securing a job leading one of Metals best-selling bands is no mean feat, somewhat compare to when a Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens replaced Rob Halford in Judas Priest.Amongst the changes in the Dragonforce camp is the introduction of a new slicker logo. With ‘The Power Within’ the band has opted for a darker, simpler cover.

‘The Power Within’ sees the band return firing on all cylinders and this album is slightly slower, slightly darker and loads better than the previous one ‘Ultra Beatdown’. It seems that ‘The Power Within’ has eased off the throttle slightly and has proven to be a better, stronger album to date. The track ‘Give Me the Night’ is a prime example of the slower, heavier Dragonforce. It seems that Dragonforce have taken the video-game inspired speed about as far as they could, almost to, it’s logical conclusion as a blur of incomprehensible noise. The band have left behind some of the synthetic sounds and noises that were on ‘Ultra Beatdown’ and have replaced them with a heavier, Metal feel to the album. The lyric content has remained unchanged with lots of themes like ‘Storms’ and ‘Glory’ but what do you expect from a true Power Metal band and is part of the course.

‘The Power Within’ has broken the Dragonforce pattern of eight epic songs per album to ten slightly shorter songs, but ironically it is their shortest offering to date some songs having less solos from Herman Li (it seems like his ego is getting smaller as he gets older, but that’s just my opinion). A lot of the tracks are darker and heavier, like ‘Die By The Sword’ and 'Last Man Stands’. They have reined the keyboards in, but this does not deviate from the overall Dragonforce sound. It is all still delivered on a grandiose Power Metal scale, still with plenty of solos, screaming vocals, powerful drumming, super-fast guitar riffs and super-energetic powerful bass lines.

Mark Hudson’s vocals is up there with likes of Rob Halford of Judas Priest, his opening scream on opening track ‘Holding On’ proves this. He is not just all about the high-notes, he sings in a lower range as well and has proven to an undiscovered talent. ‘The Power Within’ serves up a more dynamic and diverse collection of songs. The very catchy ‘Cry Thunder’, the incredibly fast ‘Fallen World’, and an acoustic version of ‘Season’ to end the album all demonstrate the versatility and range this band possess.

Dragonforce still sits atop a mountain of bands I adore and ‘The Power Within’ is yet another CD I would be proud to have in my CD collection.

7/10

By Andy Turner

Net: www.dragonforce.com www.last.fm/music/Dragonforce www.facebook.com/dragonforce www.myspace.com/dragonforce

Amidst a plethora of progressive crossover acts I have been mercilessly inundated with just lately, its good to find an act officially described as such.

Dying Passion is something I certainly dont have for this form of material, especially when voiced by a female. Biased, maybe one is but who wouldnt want the ruby-bright range of Zuzana Jelinkova behind the mic were her services on offer? This East European sextet do a dynamic take on Dream Theater gone alternative, albeit with their own original crunch covering for the countless keyboard instrumental breaks for better commercial access.

That is not to say Pavel Vantuch is no Derek Sherinian for he is also a strongly talented ten-fingered machine and has a style of his own to show off through numbers like 'Thousands Eyes', 'My Best Friend', 'Back of Beyond', 'See the Bottom', 'Electra' and 'A Strange Something'. With violin and cello elements added also along to the twin guitarists Stanislav and Dusan their output makes for a boisterously tight background for Zuzana's deep-plucked pipes.
Swish and solid, Dying Passion amplify (very friggin' funny) their abilities both as writers and performers with the volume on eleven. Nice Continental sound cut to suit ears either side of the core.

Recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Mostly Autumn, Fates Warning & Evanescence.

NET: www.myspace.com/dyingpassionmusic

Dragonsclaw - Prophecy
(Arkeyn Steel Records - 2011)

I think the bands name gives you a clue of what you are gonna get here - yep you've guessed it, true metal and power metal of the highest majectic order - think Helloween & Dragonforce as well as DIO and Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Jag Panzer' Symphony X... - you get the picture.

An album that's totally unfashion conscious throughout and doesn't give two f*cks about it either - hahaha. It's belting somersauting drumwork, wailing high vocals, with shouting backings at times and finished off with exquisite guitar and keyboard playing. May I add they also come from New Zealand & Australia.

Highlights include the opening 'Darkness Within', 'Defender Of The Skies' (with it's opening air raid siren and Hey backing vocals), 'Life Through Anubis Eyes' with the demonic deep intro spoken word and the closing atmopheric 'Revolutionary Suicide'.

Fabulous contenders for this kind of Metal.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DAMMERUNG - Dark Poetry
(Metal Scrap Records - 2011)

It has to be said Mother Russia are doing everything right over there, including making the most un-commercial of metal genres somewhat palatable to casual listeners.

Dammerung melodic black metal applies the ‘m’ word to the instrument usage as expected, while also predictably, frontman Saug satisfies to replicate a laryngitis -ridden hyena- happily slow enough to decipher. Allowing a variable twist of rhythms and tempos to connect end-to-end with sounding cobbled in place to pacify, Dammerung lay another example of their nation’s penchant for groove-oriented extreme metal.

Bouncy beats and chugging fist-pumping progressions seem the feature of this album in placed of the usual brutality-meets-speed melee and boy does it rope in fast by the end, even including the Sabbath vibes and even Celtic directions of particular numbers. Some moments do allow them to stall back at square one with the genre’s less endearing aspect but if they hold on tightly to the gift they appear graced with , it is the start of something more than decedent.

Try it!

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Emperor, Dimmu Borgir & Slayer.

NET:www.myspace.com/dammerunghorde

Garbo Dastorg - Black Sheep Syndrome
(S/R - 2011)

A dude you can't really pinpoint - he's got this strange New York Dolls thing about him but also a coutryesque thing going down as well as some electronic at times too with a whiney kinda Marc Bolan voice and also happens to be half French and half Scots.

Whatever he is doing it works as he don't let genre's get in the way at all and just does what her wants throughout - making it harder for lazy journalists to pigeonhole him. Highlights here include the opening 'Triple Six Barrel Shot Gun' that has an intro that reminds me of that Stiltskin hit 'Inside'; the country Americana like 'R'n'R Morphine' amd 'Bleed On Me'.

Then there's the electric come acoustic 'Makes Me Go Wild'; the melodious acoustic 'Tumblin' Down' that comes complete with orchestral sounds and reminds me of The Rolling Stones at times or Rod Stewart's 'Handbags and Gladrags' or the bouncy 'n' catchy but sinister closer 'Shake Your Soul'.

Great album.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DENNIS DEVELIN - Tip Of The Tongue
(Perris Records - 2012)

Nice to see Perris back at it again. Nice to see Scandinavia at it yet again.

Dennis Devlin would have easily passed himself off as a Yank, his style being about as Danish as a Sunset strip ride in an open topped Chevy with a t*tty bar and burgers along the route. Here the speciality is bolshy uptempo hard rock tunes with vague prog departures set in template by fiery opener ‘All You Got’. What ol’ Double-D has got is songs and here’s ten beauts. ‘Backseat Fighter’ follows up the mould with a chorus Billy Idol would have given his back wisdom teeth to have written along the top of a riff that battles heavily in the hook factor.

AOR number ‘Afraid’ deceives wit its gritty Talisman-meets-Dokken opening before sailing into a silky eighties rocker. Mr D’s time to get sweary fro a couple of tunes, ‘Can’t Die Fast Enough’ and ‘MF Man’ dropping a pair upbeat expletive-ridden rock numbers on you directly from above, separated by a strange instrumental moment ‘2805’ , incorporating a snipped of ‘Here Comes The Bride’. ‘MF Man’ is for many reasons silly and sensible one of the album’s best , punky ferocity progressing into clasic Def Lep/Halen harmony. Despite the lyrical similarities to a certain LA shock rock act’s classic, it digs you in hared ready for ’Pussy As A friend’. Daftest chorus award hands down also makes it another standout point with a somewhat ’For Whom The Bell Tolls’ moment.

‘Never Let You Go’ is a great melodic hard rock tune ruined only slightly in an excruciating keyboard fill on first entry. Dennis’s voice shows its true credibility with the style here, his Lemmy- meets-Spike rasp rippling the feel to make for a tight rawness to the music. Also the bassist of the piece, his string diversities fill in a couple of conveniently open gaps on the almost thrashy ’Birds Of Fire.’ which with a familiar whoah-oh-oh-oh! part taking up the middle eight is a late stage demonstration of his produce selling on more than one stall.

Original single ‘Ladies Of The Eighties’ comes as a welcome bonus closer, the Kiss likenesses spouted out by the promo sheet neatly exhibited to the fore at last. A fantastic forty minute trip of clasic hard rock with crunch, ‘Tip…’ rarely trips itself. Smashingly huge, strong if not occasionally preposterous choruses, collaged by sizzling guitar lines from Jonas Roxx makes these sort of albums the addictive releases that they still turn fast into, here in these screamcore/emo dominated days. For the record, Dennis Devlin has done it even faster.

Buy it!

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Motley Crue, Motorhead, Kiss, WASP, Dokken, Journey, Pretty Maids, Dogs D’Amour & Quireboys.

NET: www.myspace.com/dennisdevelin

DEVIL’S TRAIN - S/T
(EAR Music - 2012)

The name suggests high-octane out and out rock .

The line-up boasts an all-star power metal pedigree of the European elite, Evergrey, Symfonia and Stratavarious being three names to mention. The promo goes on to list the likenesses as Blue Murder, Bad Company and Badlands. Before anything else stands by on mark to confuse, the latter description lands with the needle as accurately as it reaches. This four-piece formed on the basis of surprising prospective listeners’ with a style outside their daily plied trade to se how it would go down .if they be as open minded as to receive raw alternative edged rock n’ roll to their hearts as I would be then we all have a winner this time.

Ex-Mystic Prophecy man RD Lipiakis snarls rather than sweetly resonates his immense vocal hooks over guitar work from shredder Laki Ragazas so unrecognisable you’d misapprehend this offering as a namesake-get together. The testosterone generated by these twelve tracks hits you like well-aged bricks cemented together into lumps of five-to-ten and takes you only seconds to slam your bottle down and strike those low-slung chords each time the track number moves along a notch.

Similar above all to rising Aussie rockers Dead City Ruins, Fire and Water, Devil’s Train’, ‘Roll The Dice’, ‘To The Ground’, ‘Sweet Devil’s Kiss’, ‘Find New Love’ and ‘The Answers’ plus a crushing cover of Guess Who’s ‘American Woman’ have you doing either one of two things - listening with your blood pumping in that deadly rushing sensation , or running for cover. Both of the two may also be applicable if you can’t handle this particular train meeting you head on at a foolishly unguarded level crossing.

Blinding!

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Galactic Cowboys, Black Stone Cherry, Cathedral, Soundgarden & The Poodles.

NET: www.ear-music.net

D:HATE - Game With Ghosts
(Metal Scrap Records 2012)

More like a new York Hardcore mob than a Russian death act with a name in the D:Hate vein of tings, these four lads still meld the two vaguely close to notice.

Sharp, fast guitars and sometime decipherable lyric lines latch together for rhythm and beat aplenty with progressive lint. Old school trad metal soloing gets its foot in the gate already by opening track ‘Ghost’ and the other six do similar tricks to entice the wary listening metaller. ‘Men’s Song’, ‘For Sweetheat’ and ‘Radio Hit’ are the titles you’d’ more often come by in your Motley Crue or Autograph collection, should any death-sters dare own up to knowing that but while one or two of the later cuts blow out a commercial wind it is still skull -bothering brutality all the way.

Lovely grindy riffwork and thrash-meets-death anger dropped on us from an old school hatch, D;Hate deetonate in a way not intended to harm to Hiroshima degree but still silence those who laugh in expectation of subtlety.

Adopt some belief in ghosts, otherwise this game will get deadly.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Slayer, Testament, Metallica, Emperor & Marduk.

NET: www.myspace.com/dhate

DOMAIN OF DREAMS - S/T
(S/R - 2011)

More metal illusions from behind he Iron Curtain, Domain Of Dreams make many come true for the seeker of swish pure prog metal of the finest standard.

Averaging about eight minutes in length , these nine cuts contain plenty of stuff you know by heart along some pleasantly woven -in surprises. Subtle breaks in the centres of the tracks allow for twin guitarists Plamen Radev and Ivan Plopov to display their relaxed angle as a well -tuned brake in between the riff machinery wheels. Some sweet Iron Maiden-meets-Theater speed soling never goes a miss and DOD’s every number contains it in cargo loads.

Spin 'The Dream of Revenge', 'The Dream Of Power', 'The Dream of Victory', 'The Dream Of The Past', 'The Dream Of Unity' or 'The Dream Of Dreams' …(sorry- they do actually all have titles starting ’The Dream Of’ in case you wonder) for a taste of top rate metal made sweet by Plamen’s brother Radev with his powerful husky delivery.

Not to leave their keyboards out , Don Airey may have some words to say about the wizadry displayed on the likes of ‘..Power’ so may be just as well that the member responsible for the incredible display goes unnamed on the promo paper. Soft, strong and very long, thee guys do often go on longer than a full loo roll laid on end but at least its not packed with pungent sh*t.

Excellent.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Dream Theater, Kamelot, Rhapsody & Stratovarious.

John Du Cann - The Many Sides Of 1967 - 1980
(Angel Air - 2012)

The last of the 'Rooster has sadly now left the coup and never to return but at least we have the music and great songs to enjoy - thanks to compnaies like Angel Air keeping the sounds alive and well.

From psychedelia like early Pink Floyd from The Attack in '67 such as the rather epic 'Mr Pinnodmy's Dilemma' - now that's a druggified title if ever I heard one now to some later Atomic Rooster recordings in 'They Took Control Of You' you'll find all points in between such as the 1971 classic 'Devils Answer' that's live in this case.

Then there's the excellent Bullet (1971) and Hard Stuff (1972) bands that are more Humble Pie like with highlights that include 'Fortunes Told' by the former and 'Millionaire' by the latter orthe excellent 'Don't Be A Dummy' (1979) that see John in solo mode.

Nice selection.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DARKER HALF - Desensitized
(Rockstar Records - 2011)

Australia, the home of great rock n’ roll talent as AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and Airbourne also takes tie to introduce its heavier side to metals exportations from time to time.

It hardly needs to be hinted that young Sydney foursome Darker Half spent their youth on a diet of Iron Maiden and Metallica -their melodic speed metal twins the reins of metals two greatest beasts in closely joined hands and crunches like all the best. Yet distinct in their pourout of pure old fashioned trad twin guitar and shouty upper-pitch range - which Vo Simpson does well to carry off alongside being one of the bands two resident axemen - DH have the dynamics and determination to get them moving along in the genre.

‘Lost In Space’, ‘End Of The Line’, ‘Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier’, ‘Solid rock (Sacred Ground’, the majestic seven-and-a-half-minute-long ‘As Darkness Fades’ and the remarkable Hetfield- schooled guitar of ‘Catch The Sun’ are like many you may have heard before but in actuality you probably haven’t dug them as played with Darker Half’s meticulousness. Fabulous with fast sweetening solos and great vocal hooks from start to end consistent in each and every tune of these nine, the Darker days of metal may be looking pushed faster towards their end than we imagine.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Megadeth, Annihilator, Girlschool, Samson & Diamond Head.

NET: www.myspace.com/darkerhalf

DREAMCATCHER - Soul Freedom
(Rising Records - 2011)

Eyoop…we’ve got a band from t’county of Yorkshire here.

You’d definitely need to see the promo to believe that if you’ve not bashed paths with these guys and one gal yet - their sound reads German or Scandinavian from head to toe.. or Floridian if you bring that band beginning with ‘K’ spring craftily to mind. Leeds sextet Dreamcatcher’s sound, though not as unique as they make out in writing is so finely cut on all five sides that at six tunes plus intro, there just isn’t enough of it, in spite of the epic span of most of them.

There is experimentation aplenty scattered about if you listen, with interesting keyboard-made tastes in the mouth behind the majestic-as-hell voice of Mr Lukas Jackson himself. Twin shredsmen Ben and Alexei appear to have had a few Dream Theater and Rhapsody albums for Christmas in their past because Santa’s brought a belated whopper down my chimney. Every track out of ‘The Eyes of One’, ‘Take Hold’, ’Balance’, ’In the Depths Of A Dream’, ‘My Sin’ and ‘Never Look Back’ - yep, the whole six - has its own path to take you and even if you’ve trodden a few as familiar through their musical woodland, Adele’s Pease’s performance on the keys is mainly what keeps the leaves freshly evergreen.

Excellent fayre, of surprisingly fine British produce - Rising more than live up to their name this time round.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Kamelot, Royal Hunt, Enchant, Threshold & Artension.

www.myspace.com/dreamcatchermusic

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Deep Purple with Orchestra - Live At Montreux 2011
(Eagle Records - 2011)

As the title precisely states - the rock legends caught on stage with an orchestra playing a mass of their classics and newer tunes as well with the Neue Philharmonie Orcherstra from Frankfurt conducted by Steve Bentley-Klein at the 45th Montreux Jazz Festival on July 16th, 2011 that took place at The Auditorium Stravinski.

It's well and truly 2+ hours of your life well spent. I mean how can you argue when it's got epic renditions of splendid Deep Purple songs such as 'Woman' from Tokyo'; 'Lazy' 'Knockin' At Your Back Door'; 'Rapture Of The Deep'; 'Perfect Strangers'; 'Hush' and 'Black Night'. The entire band are so on form that it's unbelievable - well actually it isn't really as these guys are the master of any concert hall or any type of live venue come to think of it - what they don't know isn't worth knowing to be honest with ya. Steve Morse and Don Airey get solo spots - well Steve has two solo instrumental numbers one of which that stands out is 'The Well Dressed Guitar' which is exceptional.

What makes it also a great CD set as there are songs not heard too often such as 'Hard Lovin' Man' (from Deep Purple In Rock) or 'When A Blind Man Cries', the latter of which has been resurrected in Gillan's solo shows that are mixed in with live staples like 'Maybe I'm A Leo' and 'Highway Star' that kicks off them epic gig after the specially written 'Deep Purple Overture' that features snippets of some of their famous songs.

An essential DP release.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dirty Passion - Different Tomorrow
(Denomination Records/Perris Records - 2010)

An Italian band of the Hard Rock come Hairmetal territory who have a vocalist going by the name of Emil Ekbladh who is a complete Joey Tempest soundalike whether he means to be or not.

There's some nicely polished stuff on the tem tracker with highlights including the opening 'This Is The Way' that sets the standard; the serious lines found on 'Self-Destructive'; the excellent rocker in '1,000,000 Voices' or the cheesiness of 'Liar' that has 80's all over it - then again the entire album has come to think of it.

Be a great supporting band and will hopefully make it in their own right one day.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

DA PILA - Pleonexia (EP)
(S/R - 2011)

Belonging to frontman Michele Da Pila, the name does come with a catchy if complicated sound behind it.

The one-man act mainly piles on power metal of heavily old-school vintage with welcome symphonic twists, impassively performed with almost complete absence of keyboards while ’Everything You said’ comes close to old Robin George favourite ’Heartline’ for its chorus slant.

MDP’s deep crowing crackle for a voice isn’t with the worst but his trad metal soloing and speed playing prowess are where he sits best. Defiantly cheesy and not an ounce of fashion in any of the four tunes, I think we should be hearing a full album from this talented young Italian gent.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/micheledapila

DEADLYCIRCUSFIRE - S/T (EP)
(S/R - 2011)

Taking onboard to expect something along the Insane clown posse or Mudvayne channel if those photos are to be trusted, we are close to being pretty wrong again.

UK/Italian foursome, DeadlyCircusFire certainly have a doing-it-for-the teens sound straight away to be found but the playing-style meter seems to read prog-core for a lot of the package. Screams alternating with soulful Alice-in-Chains creens dominate the five songs packaging torment, angst and disguised thrusts of power that see this one turn accessible before halfway stage.

Something of a mark put in, this disc is good tasting stuff but eating a live show will bring the fuller proof of this here metal pudding.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: myspace.com/deadlycircusfire

DEEP BLACK SEES - S/T
(Rising Records - 2011)

What? Sounds like some dodgy pop act, or two.

It does actually take playing the fella to find that Deep Black Sees are in true fact another scintillating metal find from…..that country again, Italy. DBS’s debut seven-tracker is provoking stuff, of the again death-becomes-prog fashion which many bands seem to be roped along by lately.

Melodic and growlsome in switching layers some tunes even nearly tip them over an AOR precipice while others bludgeon their way past with standard twin-guitar destructiveness. Add in some strong ASIA lush on the solo half and the package is swiftly if not highly audaciously assembled.

If wanting to try one number from this record first prepare to be misled by the next, but if eager to enter at playing the whole beast, prepare to be nicely surprised by some things.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/deepblacksees

DEEP RISING - Arrives
(S/R - 2011)

Unlikely they take their name from some late 90’s horror flick, Deep Rising are a highly inventive four-piece outfit from New York - (what is it about that place and prog again, all of a sudden) Specifically innovative still in that they pull it off without a keyboards man on board their deck, DR display an extensive blend of influences that become almost totally used up by the first three tracks.

Hard rock, AOR, metal, grunge, alternative, funk, soul and eastern all steal their way in, but without being stolen themselves and combine for a fearsomely healthy sinkful of musical chemistry. Divine performances both on electronic and acoustic strings take 'Save Yourself', 'Autopilot', 'Led Balloon', 'Idols', 'Seasons Melt Away', 'Thief' and 'Kitesfly' straight to the top of their game, aided as weightily by the strong vocal work of singer Nick Kerzner.

Classy and classic going hand in hand, Deep are set to Rise mightily fast… all obstructive sea craft above, please move aside sharpish.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Porcupine Tree, Rush, Dream Theater, Kings X, Pearl Jam, Police, Genesis & Marillion.

NET: http://www.myspace.com/deeprising

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dead City Ruins – Midnight Killer
(Impedance Records – 2011)

Abrasive full-on 5-piece rock ‘n’ rollers from Melbourne, Australia who walk the walk and talk the talk.

They sock it to ya with this 8-track album that at times reminds me of Velvet Revolver who have the gustiness of early Guns ‘n’ Roses, Motley Crue and Skid Row with the image and show to match as well if you get a chance to check ‘em out live.

There’s some killer songs on offer here – and before you ask – no there isn’t a ballad in sight! Standouts include on ‘Midnight Killer’ include the opening ‘Where You Gonna Run’ with the awesome Slash-like guitar solo; ‘My Lai Massacre’ – love the bass tones on this; ‘Go To War’ and ‘Highway Girl’ with some killer cowbelling.

Expect big things from them!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Net: www.deadcityruins.com.au

Deep Purple – Phoenix Rising (CD+DVD)
(ear Music/Edel – 2011)

A real eye opener or the fans of the Mk IV version of Deep Purple that featured Coverdale, Hughes, Bolin, Paice and Lord who released the albums ‘Stormbringer’ & ‘Come Taste The Band’.

The CD features unreleased live recordings of the band that includes a very extended version of ‘Getting’ Tighter’ & a cover of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ with an interstellar vocal performance from Glenn Hughes from Japan. Then there’s ‘Lazy’ coming complete with a massive drum solo and an upbeat killer version ‘Stormbringer’ from Long Beach.

The DVD is pretty incredible and you’ll find an unreleased 30 minute film titled, ‘Deep Purple Rises Over Japan’ of a gig at the Budakan Hall, Japan, Dec. 15th 1975 which includes songs like ‘Burn’; You Keep On Moving’ and ‘Highway Star’ which is incredible to see, especially since this grainy old footage has before been released. Soundwise it’s amazingly good and matches up to anything released these days – if not better – well it has been newly mixed in 5.1 audio.

It’s extremely enlightening to see a young bearded Coverdale honing his craft as a supreme frontman and gives you an insight to what he will become in his future Whitesnake days. Glenn is vocally bang on form too but it’s sad to realise that Tommy Bolin’s playing ain’t up to par as he had a numb hand through sleeping on his arm for 8 hours solid and had to bar the songs on a variety of guitars tuned to various keys – therefore Jon Lord took care of most of his fancy lead-work on the Hammond. Love the bit where at the end of the gig Glenn Hughes throws off his bass and it goes straight over his tech and slams to the stage-floor – wonder what that was about?

Also included is the 80 minute music documentary called ‘Getting’ Tighter’ that details the history of the line-up of the band who in-depth interviews with Glenn Hughes and Jon Lord alongside archive footage and photos that document the triumphant and also turbulent, tragic times of the band – be it death, drugs, departures or all three. It’s interesting to note how Hughes and Coverdale came to become members and how bad they and the fans were treated in Jakarta in December, 1975 as well as how the style of the style of the band took place after Gillan, Glover and then Blackmore left.

Extras also include more footage of the Jakarta incident cut to interviews from Jon and Glenn and an electronic press kit for ‘Come Taste The Band’ that sees the make-up and influence of the songs from the album explained by the said bassist and organist.

A must have for fans everywhere.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Down & Dirty – Taste Of Rock & Roll
(S/R – 2011)

4 piece excellent young rockers of the hair band variety – think 1987. They come from the windy city of Chicago and one hell of a unit they are.

Amazing to think that they are the average age of 18 and sound like they came out about 20 plus years ago with their Motley/Floyd/Tuff energy that flows through every single one short of a dozen release – meaning there’s 11 songs on here!

Highlights include the opening ‘R U Ready’ that set the bar of what’s to come – we are actually while you are asking – haha; the gorgeous ballad that starts on piano that is ‘Fallin’, the party-filled ‘Hurts So Good’ and the closing ‘Gotta Luv It’ – yes I guess you have and with an album like this it’s hard not to.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

THE DEAD LAY WAITING -The Days I’m Gone (Single)
(Rising Records - 2011)

Unusual place to find a grind core outfit.. Does this incdicate an unusually grindcore outfit, we wonder?

Well they’re unu .. oh sod it - quite actually decent for once. Ambling forth with an angry Killswitch Engage assualt, these prolific Brit metal hotshots complete it with a tri-mode vocal as the KSE chaps specialise in themselves but add more of a melodic alternative in-and-out thread that brings hooks to the table too.

A welcome little taste so far, lets hope the rest of the album delivers what this one tune promises from them.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

THE DEAD LAY WAITING - Almost Heaven
(Rising Records - 2011)

Having just recently enjoyed a one-track taste of this UK act’s second album, the full length elpee itself finally shows up in my pile.

Effectively compensating for the measly content length of said sampler, fourteen tunes of finely created English extreme metal lie in wait to savagely maul my eardrums but with style in doing. The pleasingly palatable approach of their anger-driven metalcore bruteness is streamlined by classy rhythm guitar pieces symbolic of thrash luminaries across the last two and a half decades, and wonderfully cheery solos that are rarely seen to belong in this genre.

’Wake Up’, ’This Day Will Be Your Last’, ’Take Me Away’,’, Burnt To Ashes’, ’Voices’, ’Interludes’, ’Choke On Your Words’ and ’Look At Us Now’ continue the work began with ’We Rise’ to press out a vicious yet significant metal imprint at the end of their day’s labour. An album purely faultless save for occasional mid-album draggers, ’TDLW have, with ’Almost Heaven’ solidified their stake in British rock’s promise for the decade in front.

Brilliant.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Hatebreed, Bring Me The Horizon, Shadows Fall
NET: www.myspace.com/thedeadlaywaiting

Dyslexic Love - Closet Rock
(S/R - 2010)

Classic, AOR & Melodic Rock from an artist that's pretty obscure. They were done down in the home basement and the sound could be doing with being a bit bassier and warmer as it's rather high ended and tinny for my liking.

It is the brainchild of a dude called Tim Bertulli with many songs sounding like they are in a similar key but there are a few good numbers in the opener 'We Ain't In Kansas'; 'Breakin' My Soul'; Carry On'; 'Brand New Day'; 'Back Home' and the closer 'Walking There Without You'.

On ok release.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

DESERT STORM - Forked Tongues
(Buried-In-Smoke Records - 2010)

I thought these lads might be a little too young to remember the first Gulf War, but at least try remember how good old fashioned heavy metal music still was 20 years back and as many before.

What’s in a name is only for the stereotypers to guess and if you were expecting brutal thrash core noise form that tag, take a back seat and listen. Brutal and deep driving it may be but a gritty blues/stoner metal sound is what DS deal in instead. Nine tunes of weighty large Black Sabbath -inspired angst descend on the table hard enough to break its legs though the pleasant blues solos of keep it swinging bit in its down-float.

'Cosmic' , ‘Ol’ Town’, ‘Smokes n’ Liquor’, ‘The Jackal’ and ‘Connected’ are five out of nine tracks you can choose between banging and jamming’ to with the two -dimensional diversity of this outfit tugging your mind in two directions, and frontman Matt Ryan’s roary guttural throat would be just a well used in Machine Head as it is in this kind of vehicle. Destined to kick up a storm in more than just the desert, Saddam will be likely to end up soiling himself in his grave when these lads ride over him.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Black Sabbath, Orange Goblin & Pantera.

www.myspace.com/experiencethestorm

Dust And Bones - Rock And Roll Show
(Perris Records/TSM - 2011)

These guys have elevery element that made 80's Rock so brilliant in the 1st place. They are based out of somewhere in Europe.

Each one of their songs is amazing right from the opening 'Alice's Wonderland (about cocaine abuse) right through to the closing 'Shut Your Hole' - I couldn't say it better myself!

Many highlights include the anthemic rocker 'Better Off Without Me'; the AC/DC sleazed 'Set You Free' with its frobbing bass line and killer chords and vocals about pulling on the dance floor; the slow bluesy and autobiographical 'Bleed Rock And Roll' with some cool harmonica going down, the very dancable and rhythmic 'Love Song' with hooks galore; the knockout harp starting excellent bluesey ditty that is 'Tongue & Cheek' or the cheesey but totally great 'Rock And Roll Show'

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

DEUS INVICTUS - Staged In Awaiting
(Bombworks Records - 2010)

Deus Invictus are a five-piece from Atlanta who mess about not one little bit in telling us listeners how it is with their style.

Making it very clear that they like crossing styles over, they make the elements wired in the cross over itself even clearer by colour, even if you wonder - is a death metal Dream Theater ju-u-ust slightly budging the boundaries? I would personally answer not quite, these lads have got a talented knack for both death and progressive and because of doing just that they are for once not boring even if you don’t always know if there’s something around the comer after each build from a riff to the next phase in each structure.

Jay Sexton and Nick Shacklette are a superbly talented duo on the strings with no limit posted on speed or rhythmical style and eclipse the standard vocal growls very well like a conventional death machine. Complex composures such as 'Alas The Anvil', 'Ex Nihilo', 'Chords Of Orion', 'The Approaching Squall', 'Rain Of God' and 'The Open Sky' still make fifty-five-plus minutes of fast angry noise playable without skipping which is rare for me with this genre. Interesting material intended to please those with a preference for more adventurous metal and also destines the genre towards a ore positive impression as long as bands like this keep coming.

Good work, D.I. guys.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/deusinvictus www.bombworksrecords.com

Denim Skillet - Back Burner
(J Man Records - 2010)

Excellent band from Pacific, North West, USA who mix in Blues, Pop and Southern Rock all in the same album and sometimes all at once.

Although they haven't been in really well known bands you'd think so by listening to them as they are prefectly nurtured musicans and songwriters to say the least.

Highlights include the rockinr rolly number that is 'The Calling', the Southerneque 'Reach Out', 'Real Me' thats a cool number of their own and not a cover of the Who classic; and by far best and epic 'Grey' that reminds me of 'Seems Like A Long Time' done in the USA and bluesed out miles more - voice is excellent - a song with a real killer building up in every way - man that guitar is f*ck*n' good baby! Then there's the 'Everybody Wants Somebody To Love' like riffing 'Highway' where he wants to live his life that gets down to lower states of the USA as well below that Mason Line.

This trio will really grab you and fill up your heart and soul with dixie like love!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad - Boneslinky!
(Kashgrab Records - 2010)

Wild, zany, madhatters from Baltimore, Maryland USA who have placed some hilarious tongue-in-cheek ditties together and sound f*ck*n' incredible. This album is genious or is it straight to the psycho ward? I'll let you decide on that one.

There's rock, metal, county, some wacky jazz etc - a bit of everything on this album. It opens up with 'Big Fist' which I don' t think is about fighting in this case then there's other funny sh*t in the rockin it up 'Show Us Your Boobs (Buy Me A Beer)' or 'Innocent Night' about their drummer allegedly that isn't so innocent. What about the rather wrong but excellent and sicko-minded 'Stem Cellphones' that is about killing an unborn baby and selling it's stemcells with it's catch 1930's music that pipes up with the 'All Aboard' catchphrase as in the Double O's 'Crazy Train'.

What about 'Bitchmade' about the sweetness of a womans bottom - hahaha or the well placed together USA Army Q&A calling about spending money that goes by the name of 'Big Check'. There's a lovely finisher about a 'Unicorn' too - who says that 13 could be unlucky - not when it's a dozen+1 from this 'Squad.

Essential quirkeness.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Dudes Terrific - S/T
(Goldenboy Records - 2010)

Rock band from Nashville who have a Crowded House commerciality sound to them and also remind me of bands like It Bites.

Highlights include the poppy bluesiness of 'Keeps Me Coming Back' about a bar that's been open since 1932; the bouncing 'So Good' or the closing number 'Heaven From Hell' with the neat guitar soloing and nice vocal harmonies that blend in well with that organ - it even gets kinda southern on us too.

Decent band.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

DISTORTED FATE - Haunting
(S/R - 2010)

As we all know, California was the hotbed of thrash 25 years back, the time when being from the Bay Area made it compulsory to play metal 150mph and sound very nasty.

Yet today we still get a few speed metal machines form the sunshine state and while most of them have turned out to be so-so imitations that just wanted to remind us the scene ever existed, one or two actually come at us with their complete heart for it intact. Distorted Fate’s style sets the clocks back to the good old days but with genuine intent - they re every piece as old-school as the great names of the time and do them the justice their believers hope to see. Frontman Mike Weinberg rasps through the mix with a bolshy Belladonna/Araya- like range and almost ruins it with scattered scream-core injections but the sometime increased aggression of their sound comes to justify it before risking complaint.

Verse-chorus verse structures and solos are there every time here and also in surprising NWOBHM tradition have only one guitarist but cuts like ’Come to Pass’, ’Rage’, ’S4’ , ’Sea Of Doom’, ’Betrayed’ and ’Justified Anger’ don’t suffer any damage in the slightest. Neatly arranged material creates all ten tracks with some degree of accessibility on first play and the out put is straightforward in a record that rattles the floor with razor sharp voltage. If you want your metal purely old-fashioned and dated 1986 or earlier, this sleeve may say 2010 on the back but that’s only for legal purposes. DF are a sweet trip on the ol’ musical time machine - step aboard if you please headbangers.

Fantastic.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Forbidden, Megadeth & Iron Maiden.

NET: myspace.com/distortedfateband

Dustineyes - Bullet For My Generation
(Street Symphonies Records - 2010)

Noisy, combistable fully force rock n roll but not of the greatest standard that leans on the worst sounding sleaze (going too punky for its own good).

They would be better if they could actually sing to be honest -as this sounds like a drunk tuneless punk pulled out the gutter back by a bunch of oiks - unless that's the idea.I liked the opening southern countrylike introduction but then it goes downhill very quickly.

There are some nice guitar riffs at time but these moments are spoilt by sub-par average wallpaper numbers and those f*ck*ng lousy vocals. The rare highlights are the opening instrumental title track and the 'What the f*ck is goin on'? female question starting 'Sick Of You' until you eventually get sick of those bawly vocals.

Don't bother with this one.

4/10

By Glenn Milligan

DYING FAMOUS - S/T
(S/R - 2010)

Too many people have done that in the past and some will probably as in cases see their careers die from trying to be that too.

This Idaho foursome get the points they do for crossing styles, always a good one, and having hooks in most of these eight tracks, better still. Coming up with a sound that’s at its borderline best a near-decent clone of The Jam’ and at its worst a tenth division Offspring is where their train gets wrongly sent into the siding marked ‘tried too hard and *rs*d it up severely’.

There is some strongly evident live potential in this half hour of down tuned garage dirt rock racket but on lp the power is kept low enough to drop this off at TakeOrLeavevesville halt.

5.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.dyingfamous.net

Dear Diary - S/T
(Eonian Records - 2010)

Melodic Hard Rock band from the late 80's to the early 90's (and for thereon the scene all went t*ts up on us!). These guys played through Chicago to Cincinnati and made an impact opening for the likes of Lillian Axe, Bullet Boys, Lynch Mob and many more bands of this ilk.

Some of it is more female and radio friendly aimed at times but sounds really well such as the number 'Momma Said' but there's also some cooler stuff on here like 'Red Rose Burn'. It's all really well done material with excellent vocal and musical hooks throughout like many other bands of the time - think House Of Lords or Harem Scarem etc. Killer number in the grab you immediately via the arrangements and harmony side of things is 'She Danced For Me' and there's the excellent acoustic closer 'Plain To See'.

Great band of the genre.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DIONYISIS - Intoxicated
(Singed Records - 2010)

I love these guys - and guy-esses too , should I say. Not because girl fronted goth metal giants Dionysis hail from our mighty Steel City itself but their pure as steel sound itself which introduces any new listener just as easily whichever release you happen to be first acquainting them with.

Getting to know them as you will here, they are neither clichéd or as guilty as you may expect of the heard-one-heard-them -all crime that a lot of bands like this unfortunately seem to be, yet they do try every common rock beat going, just with more depth and passion by the pallot load. . Played more bluesy than black , the guitar arrangements are pretty straight hard and pop like in a appetising eighties way along to chilled out drum rhythms - you could put these tunes on in any type of club and witness a sizeable quantity of people dancing without questioning their specific genre.

Not forgetting the powerful harmonies from Nel and Lou‘s mesmerising pipes, all of these tunes tell their own provocative stories either lyrically or musically. Ballad-based cuts like ‘Inside Out‘, ‘‘Oxygen‘ , ‘Dead To Me’ and ‘Ashes’ to rockers ‘Of The Fear‘, ‘Eve‘s Song‘, ‘Smart Mouth’ and ‘Flown‘ all deliver a bouncy choruses , some of which last for an effective infinity . Again hard to dislike anything about their music one or two tracks sound vaguely skippable towards the late stages on first listen but I just couldn’t do that to this band… or myself.

Intoxicating stuff indeed - check them out, and I don’t just mean this album.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Anathema, Evanescence, The Gathering, My Dying Bride

NET: www.myspace.com/dyonisis

DAGGERS DRAWN – S/T (E.P.)
(S/R -2010)

The West country has developed into an unlikely hotbed for metal talent of late, and Daggers Drawn are the latest brand new combine harvester fired up to mercilessly plough planet rock’s ever- ripened harvest.

The promises of what this Plymouth quartet might deliver almost drop short of anticipation at first entry to ’New World Order’ but a shakily run-of-the-mill metal core din is shortly after brightened by a technical rhythm progression that chirps along while the vocals continue to growl.

It’s steadily uphill from here as the guitar grooves become more and more swingy come ‘’Skeletwhore’ and literally so ‘Glass Eye’, and the whole six track affair accumulates to a sweet piece of modern extreme metal.

More impressive noise from yet another new crop proudly grown on our side of the pond.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE :
(a much better version of) Trigger The Bloodshed & Gojira.

NET: myspace.com/daggersdrawnuk

DANGER ANGEL - S/T
(Perris - 2010)

This Greek sextet come to us with a great recipe for their style - Europe, Honeymoon suite and Bon Jovi (though I was thinking more Dokken meets Journey).

Unfortunately the big hole is they have a bad ingredient in their vocalist- frontman Jimmy cage is bearable for the first few and all but one -more on that shortly - of the rest, quite the opposite, his Prince-like nasal whine attempting very well to drown out great instrumental harmonies by messrs Chionos, Foussekis and Lignos plus murdering his own pretty well written melody lines.

’Come On , Rock Me’, ’’Runaway angel’, ’I’ll Be There for You’, ’’Rebel Son’, ’’Hangover’, ’together Forever’ are otherwise great songs, and ’Never let You Go’, fronted by his royal highness, Sir Jeff Scott Soto speaks for itself on that value - can’t they have this chap as their singer instead. A couple of above decent DC covers are included as bonuses and Cage actually does ’Long way To The Top’ justice with his range so a positive ending can be promised.

Good but sadly not a great album, live they should be still lots of fun.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Ratt, Motley Crue, Love Hate, Cinderella & Talisman.

NET myspace.com/dangerangelrock

KENNI DE NILE - Dreamer
(S/R - 2010)

Spending a whole day trying to dig up which 80's hair act this chap used to front, I eventually gave up.

The way above decent 7-track solo cd that Mr Kenni De Nile returns to profile with here in 2010 is potential ear candy in its own right and far from likely to disappoint those who’ve been around since the day. ‘We Are The Young‘, ‘My Life’ and ‘Snake Bite’ are cheerful pop/AOR tracks of the kind that show the maturity gathered from such scene luminaries who’ve rocked around the block that long although the latter has a strong teeter back towards its parent sound.

Oneself of course not stating that this is a bad thing,- is it ever - great old fashioned widdlery and chorus attitude come across the winner as does the customary acoustic interlude for ‘Indigo’. ’Hey You’ is fun especially with its similarity to Nelson’s ‘More Than Ever’ though frankly un-instant but ‘Can’t Stop’ and ’Dreamer’ kick off back out on a high, a pair of highly powerful hard rock cuts that spit their sass on you in frighteningly big lumps.

An excellent if unexpectedly short disc, Kenni’s debut disc is very pleasing listening for those chasing a daily piece of slick melodic rock with substance and total innocence aplenty. Great stuff for playing during the summer, this baby will stay around to brighten up your bedroom speakers come the winter.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Tyketto, Poison, Nelson, Hardline, Bangalore Choir & Tuff.

NET: kennidenile.com

DIE SO FLUID - The World Is Too Big For One Lifetime
(DR2 Records - 2010)

They come from the UK, they’re fronted by a girl, and they’re rather loud.

Sums up Die So Fluid in three easy facts, as another band who’ve been around a little more than to be classed as new come rocking our direction. DSF’s grunge-goth hybrid format is infectuous, catchy and charming with frontwoman Grog’s beautiful Siouxie-esque croon filling the room, holding the octaves graces fully before snarling and ranting their way back down to the surface again.

Guitarist Mr Drew’s eighties feel gives you the idea they’ve been around even longer than 2001, though it’s always welcome as numbers like ‘Figurine’, ‘Mercury’, ‘Storm’, ‘Hearts Are Hollow’, ’Raven’, the almost blues-like ’Themis’ and ’If Wishes Were Bullets’ wouldn’t be quite as instant without this favourable element.

If anyone with the patience to wait the quarter hour of dead air following closer ‘Sound in Colour’ would happily oblige there’s a pleasant hidden number to find - this explains the track’s 23 -minute playing time on the sleeve by the way. A delightful British rock album with a pedigree made in heaven, ‘T.W.I.T.B.F.O.L.’ is sharp, instant and rarely lets you go for a breather, with very little in fillers to beware of.

Recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Evanescence, Skunk Anansie, Hole, Siouxie and The Banshees, McQueen.

NET: www.diesofluid.net myspace.com/diesofluid

DRAGON’S CAVE - Elektro Motion
(S/R - 2010)

Dragon’s Cave are an Italian prog metal act fronted by guitar maestro Steve Angerthal, known for his work with Fire Trails, another top act from his turf’s scene in years past.

Putting his experience to mostly wholesome use with his newest venture, the album does confuse me when I get it on the ol’ spinner. The chief reason for this being that of out sixteen tracks, a whopping ten of them are instrumentals. The brief opening tile cut swings by too quickly to be noticed before the first song proper, ‘Drifting On’ drifts in. A sluggish mid-tempo melodic metal cut, Angerthal’s gravely Dio like temperament sets a good advert but us better used come ’time Train’ an upbeat rocker which also showcases is his widdling capability to a positive light.

‘At The Gates of Nowhere’ , beginning the first double header of instrumental numbers continues to establish the chap is talented but as befit’s the title, is here directionless and pretentious. ’Ghosts of The Past’ lets keysman Larsen Premoli take over, doing a sweet job and staying short with it . Seventies oriented prog numbers ‘A New Beginning’ and ’ Out Of Sight’ are probably the best two numbers of the album so far along , displaying the bands’ diverse influences but not trying to be anything other than their own modest selves with it. ’floating’, and ’Rendezvous’, another pair of vocal-less entries are solo based guitar workouts but easily more versatile and varied in pacing than the earlier tune Keeping up on the stronger side of the album, ‘Coming Home’ is a gritty prog metal cut and ’Pearls Under Water and ’Out There’ bit back into instrumentalsville with an unexpectedly bluesy turn incorporating a great Clapton-esque twang and controlled soloing.

Last remaining vocal track ‘So Bad’ rocks out purely and simply though in possession of an over short chorus that the solo seems to be blown up just to fill the space left behind and though the hook is repeated more than once come the final run the damage appears almost done here. ‘Dragon’s Cave’ , ‘Sunny Sky’ and ‘Gift From A dream’ do a different thing each, one delivering more speed solo antics similar to those from a certain Swedish gent, another doing the Clapton thing again but dissolving into a trad metal side halfway along and the closing entry easing out with a bit of lovely ol’ Latin acoustic strumming. Hard what to call this album as I said on commencing the write-up, it’s pretty decent in spite of a sticky initial quarter and for those who haven’t heard of messrs Angerthal, Premoli, Pasko and Gianni before, here’s a worthy door into their world of talent.

A few more tunes with vocals on them wouldn’t go amiss in future though.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Yngwie Malmsteen & Stratovarious

NET: www.dragonscave.it myspace.com/dragonscavemusic

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Drowning Pool, Mars Volta, At The Drive In, Alter Bridge, Boy Hits Car, Blink 182, Symposium, Green Day.

Dimansion - Room One
(Emotion Art Entertainment & Music Ltd – 2008)

There aren’t many things in the rock/metal industry that makes me want to grab a CD out of the player and throw it straight into the bin. Yes you have guessed it. This heap of shit is more painful than toothache.

Dimansion have a this rock/metal style that drones on and on and on. The music doesn’t go anywhere in fact it doesn’t even start. We have wining guitars with no music concept and melodies that struggle to find an exciting cord.

Not to mention the awful soprano vocals of Chrissa Sidiropoulou that pierce the last drop of your soul, leaving you with no option but to bury the CD in the nearest nuclear dump and hope to god this rids the world of this atrocious excuse of rock music.

I have never done this before but I can’t stand it anymore

0/10

By Tony Watson

Dimlight - Obtenebration
(Emotion Art Entertainment & Music Ltd – 2009)

As we venture into the world of death, thrash, screamcore and Goth all mixed into one, we sit back and think to our selves, “What the hell is going on”?

I must admit I’m not a big fan of female soprano vocals especially within the rock world. We have a twelve track CD made by bunch of scary bastards, who will turn you to stone with one stare and produce a beautiful collection of metal music but have it ruined by this female overture.

If it was up to me, scrap the female vocals keep with the screamcore sections and re-release the CD. This then would generate worldwide recognition along side band of Cradle of Filth, Napalm Death and Gorgoroth. As the CD goes, these guys have talent and enthusiasm to produce great music. Lets rethink the situation and take it to the next level.

Dimlight, you can be as bright as the sun. now generate your power.

8/10 (for the music)

By Tony Watson

THE DREAMING TREE - Progress Has No Patience
(Bombsite Productions - 2010)

Anything to do with bands called Porcupine or Theater, one wonders as he gazes at the band name, holding the cd box in his hand whilst pressing the ‘-play’ with the other.

Quite possibly a yes for an answer, Brits Dreaming Tree deliver just what even the casualest of proggies come prepared to receive and stop round to ensure we like it. Acting over-hard to convince people they’re not a non-trick pony , they bring it on in rockers such as ‘Silence won’t Steal’, ‘Arcadia’, and ‘Ophidia’ plus Winger-like ’You The One’ to ballad-like ’Gown Too Small’, ’Slender Versions of The Truth’ and ’Whisper Song’ and all in the in-between category such as ’Moult’ or the excellent AOR number ‘Love and The Heart’.

Their great variety is justified by powerful vocal, guitar and key performances and hooks coming at us more often that we are used to fro many other contributors within this genre. A great piece of british built technical rock that doesn’t try too hard, or too little to be what it sets out to, Dreaming Tree ’s third studio album is a potentially ever-green leave on their branch.

Prog that , too often, only dreams will be made of nowadays but at least one more came true.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Spock’s Beard, Porcupine Tree, Marillion.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Threshhold, Saga, Giuffria, Dream Theater, Gamma Ray, Queensryche.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Skunk Anansie, McQueen, Maeven, Republica.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Threshhold, Saga, Giuffria, Dream Theater, Gamma Ray, Quennsryche.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dirty Beloved - Letters From A Broken Home
(Spudbot – 2009)

Well it's not often you get a CD that clearly blows you away with its power, aggression and talent. This four piece Canadian band are showing the rest of the world what rock music is about.

Letters From A Broken Home is a masterpiece in its own right, Dirty Beloved have been compared to Soundgarden and Dream Theatre with their musical intensity but I would put them in the class of Creed, Alter Bridge and Boy Hits Car with their power and aggression. This ten track CD rips into the soul like no other modern band, as they pound their way through 'Blind Eye of God', 'You Let Me Down', 'Take Good Care' and the pounding intro to 'Why Would I' that reminded me of Mortal Sin-The Curse and Scorpions-Animal Magnetism.

This is a CD that that will be played for a long time to come with the notion that every time I listen, I know I will hear something different that makes Dirty Beloved a band to listen out for in the years to come.

10/10

By Tony Watson

Dynazty – Bring The Thunder
(Perris Records – 2009)

80’s hard rock & hair metal from Stockholm & the USA of the highest standard with all the cliches on here at their best – think Warrant, Mr. Big, Tesla, Hardline and bands of that ilk.

This album is a pure dreamstate of material and has so much to get excited about all the way through the album and it’s easy to say that the entire album is a highlight from ‘Bring The Thunder’ to Sail Away’ via songs like ‘Far Away’; ‘Adrenaline’

A band in a million for sure – great to see music live this is still alive and kicking and coming from new artists!!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

DEATH BY AUDIO - Kill Your TV
(Stone Deaf Records - 2009)

Death by dodgy indie rock wannabes is what I thought I was going to be staring down the barrel when I first caught the name of this Manc foursome. How I am to be spared though Death By Stereo do little at all to offend all the way through, apart from only having five tracks on offer.

Putting basic alt rock elements as the foundations, they build up from ‘Kill Your TV’ onwards with a sturdy infusion of Offspring, Nirvana and the major blues rock elements im told by the promo sheet to prop my ears for also show up in short time. The frighteningly classy sixties solo bends are in an unexpected home here though. You will know all about this on a single play of ‘Vinyl Eyes’ and later tracks, especially ‘Fame Game’ - which would have gone like a treat on the ’Life On Mars’ TV show soundtrack - and though ‘Diary Of War’ annoys with its stuttery rhythm the retro-fuelled momentum stays mercifully unbroken.

A surprisingly brilliant offering hiding in wait - when DBA jumped on me I nearly ran but didn’t and I think many may be running for them once they check this jumpy little taster out. Full album likely soon, boys?

9/10

By Dave Attrill

5/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Tony Watson

Diamond Drive - The Infidels (EP)
(S/R - 2008)

Diamond Drive is five crazy guys from Denmark who have molten metal running through their veins. These guys have released a four track EP to get across what they are about.

This CD is full of enthusiasm, power, passion and love for metal music. From the beginning of ‘Be Gone’ the five lads show how talented they are, by expressing their style of music along side bands like ‘Drowning Pool’, ‘Black Stone Cherry’, ‘Alter Bridge’ and ‘Breed 77’. This develops and progresses into a collection of musical perfection as the CD goes on through ‘Infidels’, ‘Traitor’ to finish with ‘Drowning While Laughing’.

Not sure if this is the first EP or even CD from these guys, but I can’t wait to hear more.

10/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Tony Watson

9/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

DEAD END KIDS - Unfinished Business
(S/R - 2008)

Oh, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to put this one on and expect a lashing of LA sleaze rock to come my way.

Stragely enough, I open the sleeve and find five sharply -cropped chaps aged about 35-40 with not a hint of hairspray or poodle perm between them, and so predictions to the musical content look to be confused here.

Confused but not disappointed, D.E.K rock right from the pressing of the paly button to the very end of the ninth track and not one of these tunes lacks a hook of some considerable proportion.

Their influences list every great eighties hard rock name but Gunners, Tesla and Faster Pussycat bring it closest and their vocalist’s quite universal straight-ahead style with a bit of punk-tinged snarl bring it to the top of the ladder, and groovy guitar licks from all over the catalogue strengthen those rungs below.

‘It’s Now Or Never’, ‘The One’ ‘Take A Shot’, ‘I Know What I Want’, ‘TIme To Go’ and ‘Let Me In’ are pieces of rock n’ roll class of the type seen to be making a valued comeback over this recent couple of years and this album is a cert motivator for such a re-revolution to carry on happening.

As long as they do it this way, there is no dead end in sight .

9/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Tony Watson

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

1/10

By Dave Attrill

7/10

By Dave Attrill

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

DOKKEN - Lightning Strikes Again
(Frontiers Records - 2008)

Naming an album after a tune from an earlier disc is not a first time trek for Dokken but it doesn’t spoil the fun that is waiting to be had with this unexpectedly weighty renaissance for the 80’s legends.

Still consisting of messrs Sparks and Leven alongside surviving mainstay Wild Mick Brown, Don’s indestructible troupe forge on without strain and though some might say there is plenty to be heard in the geezers voice by this stage, the other three lads work very well around it. ‘Standing On The Outside’ sets the pace with a very catchy swaying chorus line that has me singing along from the off.  ‘Give Me A Reason’ and ‘Heart Of Stone’ maintain this, both having a feel of Whitesnake to them.  Then, oops, a sudden downhill turn already.  ‘Disease’ is one of my least favourites easily with a staggery industrial metal rhythm hardly helping even though saying that I didn’t resent the material from ‘Shadowlife’ that much it must be said.

‘How I Miss Your Smile’ is however one of Don’s best ever ballads despite a noteable Britpop trace around the rim. Funnily enough the next song turns out to be called ‘Oasis’ and also symbolic of their sound during the mid nineties as when Liam, Noel et al themselves initially struck it big.  ‘Point Of No Return’, an awesome House Of Lords-esque speeder hits the top again and we are truly rolling as Dokken once remember.  ‘I Remember’ (oops, what have I said) is another classy Doks acoustic before it’s time yet again with ‘Judgement Day’ for the trademark hard rock punch of the album’s earlier tracks.

‘It Means’ is another of the few so-so intervals there are today. This slow number warranted some getting into though the chorus melody did eventually succeed in remedying my attention.  ‘Release Me’ more or less repeats the situation but the chorus seemed more detectable this time and Leven’s widdling kept me listening with both ears pinned - this bloke sounds more like George with every number, honest. ‘This Fire’ burns along as these lads should, pace and hooks both carved to perfection and ends the official leg of the disc on as high an octave as begun an hour earlier.

For those in possession of the limited version, European bonus number ‘Sunset Superstar’ is another fast, old-school effort that is criminally from worldwide release, it is again primetime Dokken at best but that’s sod’s law conspiring once again, isn’t it.  Something that doesn’t against these guys as 30 years on, countless changes in trends, taste and ticket sales fail to put the writing on their wall. They are not likely to be round in the year 3108, you will still hear ‘In My Dreams’, ‘It’s not Love ' or ‘Kiss Of Death’ blaring out in an old second-hand CD store somewhere on the planet.  Or perhaps one or two from this album.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

THE DANIELS – Lights
(Guilt Free Records - 2007)

Wolverhampton alternative trio The Daniels bring with them an unusually arena rock-like production, given their genre.

Be that not enough, the rhythm line of the single’s title cut also brings a fellow Wolves outfit to the conscience (they were fronted by a chap called Noddy) but bounces me along with it, whoever it sounds akin to.

B-side ‘Took Me For a Ride’, while a decent enough pop number itself, frankly seems a dropper by comparison - just hope these lads haven’t taken that title too literally here.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

DESTINY PROGRAM - Subversive Blueprint
(Nuclear Blast - 2007)

While Power Metal, Thrash and AOR are Sweden’s three proudest specialities, it as we know doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of delivering the goods in further genres.

Desiny Program bring us hardcore very much as you’d expect to hear it today. Some very convincing Sick Of It All/Madball fused vocal efforts alternate with the expected nu-breed oriented melodic lines and there are a variety of different styles this geezer’s voice could actually handle when he does so.

Chugging behind him meanwhile, Metallica-like string assaults in their fist-load also prevent it falling down the loo pan of predictability... not to mention that they’ve got HOOKS as well.

It helps boys.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

DIRTY SOUTH REVOLUTIONARIES - Queen City Underground
(Tent City Records - 2007)

Bleedin’ H, was I tempted to turn this one off before the first track had reached its end but for some reason, decided to afford it the benefit of the doubt as the next cut began to sound ‘different’.

As you might guess, this Carolina sextet sadly do not play what their name may suggest - think screaming metalcore racket instead, yes, that of the vomit-your-guts-all-over-the-pavement variety and you’ve got it pinned.

D.S.R. do squeeze out three or four songs from the eighteen that house a hook, namely, Ghetto Street Rock’, ‘My dirty South’ and ‘Honour When There Is None’ amongst them, ergo a case of all scream and some discernible substance but little else to let rip about otherwise than so.

For fans of a punkier sounding Earth Crisis and the completists in their small hordes, but otherwise your money may be better spent.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

WEBSITE www.dartzisgood.co.uk

8/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Girlschool, McQueen
SITE www.dirtrucks.com

2.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

9.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

I'd have to conclude that this is Deicide's last good album because not only does it carry with it the similar characterists of their previous releases but it still contains the originality in the guitar riffs definitely. Of course lyrically Glen writes his usual hatred towards the higher power or God if you will plus the album cover depicts Jesus Christ simply looking like a Demonic figure as Glen utters that we be "free of Jesus Christ".

Honestly, I have never really been into the Satanic lyrics just the music is what got me hooked to Deicide. Now that the Hoffman brothers are not longer in the band Glen says in a Terrorizer magazine that they are the "ding-dong brothers". Not much respect for the amazing riffs and solos they've been able to display their talent but we won't touch on that further in this review.

There is less high-pitched vocals here though there are still backup screams though not as Demonic as their earlier releases like "Legion" or their ultra Demonic debut "Deicide - Deicide". In terms of the music it's still brutal and catchy as hell. The solos are also amazing especially the numerous and flawless ones throughout the entire release check out especially the intro to "Slave To The Cross". The guitar riffs aren't as technical as their older material but still very noteworthy and heavy as all hell.

I'd have to say that they were NOT as a whole lazy on this release it seems to still portray their talent in songwriting. Though they exhibited less blast beating drums by Steve Asheim he still does a great job staying in sync with the guitars. There isn't a track on here that I dislike at all because they still proved to the Metal community that after the years of being one of the leading Floridian Death Metal acts showing us they can still kick major ass!

If you are eager to know which tracks to download first I would suggest getting "Believe The Lie", "I Am No One", "Bastards Of Christ" and "Serpents Of The Light". This will give you an idea of what the album has to offer some great tracks and I would consider them to be the best ones on the album.

The production is by Deicide and Scott Burns-Scott now retired still does a great job production wise. The album is loud and evenly mixed to near perfection. All of the tracks in great synchrony, heavy and hate filled Deicide is notorious for. The artwork by Nizen R. Lopez quite sick and portraying the son of God as Demonic as possible.

Glen's vocals are deep and anything but boring because of the backup voice to go with the insane music. The Hoffman brothers still amaze me with their talent in riffing and soloing. It's too bad they are no longer a part of the band because they seemed to me to captivate the listener in every release up until this album. I wouldn't really recommend purchasing "Insineratehymn", "Scars Of The Crucifix" or "In Torment In Hell" because these releases are way way below their talent. They seemed on these releases to just put in half assed work that's why I consider "Serpents. ." to be their last good album.

Even though "The Stench Of Redemption" is their effort to redeem themselves I still think it's lacking because the Hoffman brothers to me were the core of the band. "Serpents. ." is an album that depicts Deicide's true talent in songwriting plus its originality in every respect even though the lyrics are anti-Christian the music draws the listener in to every single song. Anyone who thinks that "Serpents. ." was half-assed well they don't truly admire the amazing songwriting Deicide was notorious for from their self-titled release to "Legion" to "Once Upon The Cross" to "Serpents Of The Light".

If you are a true Death Metal fan then you need "Serpents Of The Light" to add to your collection because it is truly remarkable in pretty much every single respect!

8.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

7.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

8/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

Dave defends a criminally overlooked classic from Britain’s no.1 hard rock institution.

DEF LEPPARD - On Through The Night
(Mercury/Phonogram - 1980)

Tired of all the slatings I’ve had to swallow about the debut album by Steel City’s finest, from fellow Leppard-ites themselves mostly, I decided I had to find out the real truth myself, and duly invested in a copy. My first though on having listened to all forty-minutes was ‘what the f*** are these people on about?’. ‘O.T.T.N.’ is a superb little slice of classic late seventies flavoured British hard rock even though there are the odd inevitable Americanism or two along the way.

Pay a well known CD store a visit and pick it up (it’s going for only £5-10 after all) and revel in a undeservedly forgotten era for this legendary act.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

WEBSITE www.thedivideissue.com

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Al Hoath

Essesential.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

5/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Al Hoath

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dark Mass - Dark Mass Medium
(PZDTS Records - 2004)

An instrumental Metal/Thrash band from Russia who come all the way from Russia. Thus is triumphant playing throughout with plenty of finger tappin' and and other excellent guitar tricks you'd expect to hear from guys like Kirk Hammett, Yngwie J. Malmsteen,

It's rather like having a Megadeth album, where a guitar takes the place of Dave Mustaine's vocal lines. Seven pieces in all with plenty of highlights and lets not forget that macine gun drumming too especially on 'Neon Revelations' coupled in with that Speedin' axe assaulting. Many a highlight includes the piano led 'Fires of Euphoria' that duels up with thrash rhythm a plenty or the pumping Satriani/Vai like closer 'Comets of Black Cosmothrash'.

Good to hear the instruments do the talking for a change.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Four years and about fourteen gigs, I've seen 'em and finally the collection of songs that has earned Deadline my continued support amongst that of everyone else now makes it to disc. 'Out Of Reach', often a favourite for a set opener has always held a feel of Canadian rockers Emerald Rain through its rapid rhythm hook-line and is as immediate on CD as on the boards. They used to have a song called 'Stop', which was available on a free 4-track promo handed out at the 2002 Gods - this tune now re-exists as 'Too Many Things' and while no early downer in the running, I have to confess that I did prefer the tune in its older form slightly more.

'Only You' is one of the Rotherham quartet's more recent compositions and despite its likeness to Darkness's 'Love Is Only A Feeling', - though that is one of Justin and co's better numbers - it is a strong and uplifting ballad in which Steve's voice utilises the full feel of the lyrical content. Another live staple, 'One Touch' fails to disappoint and many will be happy to own this highly hook-driven song at last. Up next are the top three and while 'Love's A Battle', 'Just One Night' and long-established band anthem 'Losing Myself' appeared on their EP a year ago - still available, by the way - these freshly re-recorded versions are more than purpose alone to buy this album, 'L.A.B.' in particular benefiting from some meaty and interesting guitar layerings by Andy.

Remaining brace of 'Love Won't Fade Away', 'Stay' and 'As Of Now' are simply more of Deadline's unflinchingly upper quality AOR suss that has seen them round up a larger surge of approval throughout the last year in particular and their support slots with Firehouse, Mike Tramp, Tyketto and most recently Sebastian Bach have no less than helped. A long and well-awaited treat for not only those who have supported the band over the last half decade but all of you who like your melodic rock served with drive, attitude and overall smoothness that lacks in too many of this genre's acts nowadays.

Well done lads.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Tyketto, Emerald Rain, Van Halen, The Police

AVAILABLE BY ORDERING. Go to www.deadlineuk.com for info

DID YOU KNOW...
There was another British hard rock act called Deadline a few years ago. They were a four-piece from Liverpool who played a well-received brand of Bad Company -influenced material, that in 1997 landed them slots with Thunder and Whitesnake. Sadly little was heard of them since and they split up in 1998 before they released an album, due to a lack of media enthusiasm amongst things. Nothing has been since heard of the whereabouts of the four former members of the group.

Not to mention a punk band around at the moment with the same name!!

Oh dear. Is death metal losing its favour in the scene at the moment? Seemingly so as Sweden's Deciever become the next in the queue to place those trademark growls over more old-school axe-grinding. 'Puppets'-meets-'Black' album Metallica with hints of Priest, Maiden, Slayer and Megadeth peppered in is what we have this time before I forget to mention it.

It's quite a pity then that this only spans five tracks as one gets quite rapidly roped in with what these lads have get up to, instrument in hand. Many of the riffs are not un-akin to what has passed a few hundred times bygone but the chugging is meaty enough to feed most metal hungry headbangin' folk for a good few months, or until we get a full length disc out of 'em. In the meantime, a very tasty starter.

Try.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

A decade they have been at large for, now, but poor Downset have always been forced to ride shotgun to fellow LA rap-metal kingpins Rage Against The Machine, Bodycount and Limp Bizkit. Wimps these lads weren't, however and they have soldiered on through the years regardless, carried onwards by their loyal legions of followers.

Ray Oropeza's voice has deepened into a more gravely roar since their debut but he knows how to scream those choruses like a man who knows what he means, and what he feels, and even sings on one or two bits here and there. 'Empower' was a dance-floor fave of mine in my teen years and though they've progressed since, their streetwise implications stay with them in the usual HC fashion of things. Typically hard-hitting cuts like 'All Crews', 'Black Glock','Jumping Off', 'Hectic', 'Make This Happen', 'What They Want' and 'Universal' continue to generate the vibes that brought these sorts of bands together to begin with.

More than plenty to please those who prefer the Downset of old though, this band move along and stay put without being pulled apart, like anyone would dare try and do that to 'em.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Biohazard, Stuck Mojo, My Own Victim, Rage Against The Machine

A poppy up-to-date like Shunk Anansie meets Grace Jones who have a black frontwoman called 'Vee'. They've most definitely got the X-factor with their strong catchy hooksand make you instantly interested in them.

A band who are ones to watch - I can see them being the 1st new big thing in 2005 if not before.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

One of the better numbers off their blinding 'love And War' album, this is an instant catcher with a hook that brings to mind, Machine Head's 'From This Day', funnily enough and at this stage I can't resist a temptation to match a similarity of this bloke's voice with Anthrax's John Bush.

While rather unimpressed at being sent only one track on this disc and no B-side, this is a number with top-40 potential over our side of the pond and Drowning pool had better get a move on coming over here as this and most of their material kicks back end of human body pretty seriously.

If you haven't got that album yet, you're missing a treat.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

That bands have a dislike to doing just the one thing is no kept secret and at most times when they try to, even if the constraints of commercial acceptability on today's market try their hardest but fail in their way to stop them heading down that one way street, a band still finds all its wheels not quite steering in the same one direction.

New York's Dry Kill Logic, now on their third album began their career in 1993, during the breakout of the alternative metal scene. At that time, Pantera and Sepultura wee still making waves with more old fashioned noise, and Machine Head just coming round the corner but this four piece outfit then known as Hinge had seemingly developed their own direction from which evolved the sound they proudly create today on 'T.D.A.D'.

The arrival of nu-metal seemed not to go unnoticed as one will hear from a sound quite owing to Boysetsfire and Strata atop the fairly Metallica-directed chords and their preference to include solos unites old and new quite effectively.

A band we should hear more about. Good one.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Jumping labels - from one 'S' to another, Ronnie returns with arguably one of his best albums in years with more of his trademark dark sounds and visionary on new release 'Master of the Moon' - it's pure gothica, the old blazen metal way.

Opener is a soon to be live classic - well it's got to be with the title 'One more for the road' that's Rainbow like and pounds away - so can witches ever die? OK, so he's close to pension age but shows no sign of slowing down and donning pipe and slippers. Tons of highlights frequent this album tracks such as 'The End of the World'; 'The Man who would be King' and 'Living the Lie' that prove there's years of life in the little dungeon master.

Lovers of Ronnie have never had it better.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Dip - Gizzagoo (By the envy of your friends E.P.)
(Rydoff Recordings - 2002)

A nutty, never taking themselves serious rock band that feature Rob Lane (of Teenage Casket Crew) on bass. Dip bellow out humorous ditties about such topics as doing a cow!! (Shed the beef); Granny and her Peek Freen custard creams (Wombat) not to mention a killer take of Blondie's 'Hangin' On The Telephone'.

It's fun-time, whacky and as tight as a nuns crotch.

See 'em live somewhere near you whenever you get chance.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

They've been making a name for themselves on the metal scene since their appearance, about three years ago and although Metalliville missed the Drowning Pool rollercoaster first time round, we've grabbed the front seats this time.

From the opening chords of 'Think' - onwards, D.P. are a band with a very nasty look on their faces to anyone who comes near but a very pleasant sound to the ears of anyone who appreciates or at least cautiously approaches anything under the nu-metal tag. To avoid taking too many liberties with the description laws, if you turn back the clocks ten years, you can hear the seeds of this record being sown through Pantera and Machine Head's more subtle sides though the latter would draw you nearer on their 'Burning Red' album, later in 1999.

Frontman Jason 'Gong' Jones's voice which is a direct tie between relentless angst and adrenaline-propelled melody drives this material all the way, giving it its slightly more old-school -oriented cred alongside the wants of all that is 'today' about metal and the teeth-grating grooves that CJ Pierce serves up behind, frighten as much as the frontman's deliveries as well as act as a warning shot of what's to be fired next, each time. 'Think' grinds and pounds with enough brute force to render the listener unable to reach the ten numbers that follow. Which would be a pity as they are all killer tunes with with hooks and riffs as the lethal weapons that they carry on every corner of their armour. 'Step Up' is fitted with probably one of the most addictive metal choruses of the year and 'Numb' is as close to Tool classic 'Prison Sex' as they dare (legally) approach.

In similar principles, 'This Life' echoes Machine Head's 'From This Day' pretty loudly with its melodic hardcore metal approach The following few numbers, 'Nothingness', 'Bring Me Down', 'Love And War' and 'Forget' fly all over the place fro inspiration and the names Corrosion Of Conformity, Monster Magnet, Trouble, Korn and Soundgarden show up on the mind's monitor. 'Cast Me Aside' and 'Killin' Me' are the Pool just being themselves though there is a vague Fear Factory-ness that can be picked up through the former. 'Hate' ends on a very 'St Anger' and perhaps slightly 'And Justice…' -era Metallica sort of note but I'm afraid Mr Hetfield has been shown up by another young upstart here in the menace department.

And abruptly, after 38 minutes, it's already time to say 'That's All Folks!' or more appropriately 'Hit That There Play Button Again, Partners' because 'Desensitized' is a blinding record and acts as a par excellence schooling in the crafting of the perfect modern-day metal album. Packed with no end of power, attitude and enthusiasm, it is the work of an important band in today's hard music scene, who obviously respect the roots as well as what grows from them.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Kevin Dubrow - In For The Kill
(Shrapnel Records - 2004)

The singer from Quiot Riot gets solo on us and presents 12 of his favourite songs to us - this is rock 'n' roll covers at their best with a band made up of Kevin Curry (Guitar); Jeff Martin (Drums); Gunter Nezhoda (Bass) and Michael Lardie (Keyboards, Guitar, bv's and Harmonica) who Kevin co-produced the album with.

What makes this album stand out from others is that Kevin has got gone for obvious choices found on every rock compilation out there. OK, so you'll find versions of T-Rex's '20th Century Boy' The Faces 'Stay with me' and Deep Purple's 'Speed King' for those out there who do the pub rock by numbers top 20 but where else and who else would you find blinding more obscure stompers like Humble Pie's 'Red Light Mama, Red Hot'; The Easybeats 'Gonna have a good time' and 'Rolling with my baby'.

It appears that Kev's really done his homework here and it will make you wanna seek out those long forgotten brilliant numbers such as my personal fave 'Black Sheep of the Family' from Rainbow or the never heard Queen belter 'Modern times rock 'n' roll' (that Roger Taylor took lead vocals on - in fact if Kevin's voice was slightly drier he'd sound just like old Rog). Hey let's not forget the fun-loving 'Drivin' Sister' by Mott the Hoople.

Can't stop playing this album. It's the 'Bees Knees' or should that be 'D's Knees'.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

How often has Harrow come up as the place to dispense forth a promising future metal act such as these lads? Deep might not be the most exciting band name you'll hear all century, but the act beyond this particular use of the moniker have got something packed with potential in these four tunes.

Think of a more thinned-out Monster Magnet guitar sound with vocal melodies you might have expected on the early Danzig albums, topped with pure 70's groove and attitude and you wouldn't exactly going too wide of the mark. A deal for this lot soon, any chance? I hope so, this is quite…. Harrow-ing stuff.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Possessing probably the most ridicule-inducing name used by a rock band since Thatcher stepped down as PM, US rockers Devil To Pay's music must be either that to match or a totally different kettle of fish, period. The outcome is, let's say a more sophisticated and sensible version of the former, the Monster Magnet-esque noise on offer in with it's share of chance on the appeal-ometer, and the typical aggression factor is worked with as usual.

It's just a pity that with a load of other bands out there doing this, in an almost exactly akin form, DTP's own material is hard to distinguish and quite frankly I've heard a superior effort from Divine Propaganda with last year's 'Hidden Hand' album. Still by no means a terrible record, though - give it a listen if you've got the time.

6.5/10

By Dave Attrill

A New Jersey band who sound musically like a (Iron) Maidenistic Megadeth with a James Hetfield like vocalist. The have a fresh feel especially on 'The Questioning'. 'Final Day' has a Sabbath influence jammed in with the two bands beginning with I and M with 'Days of Regret' being a mix of everything.

An excellent outfit that'll do well if they get enough media attention. For more info on them go to www.thedelianleque.com

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Looking at that sleeve, it's got to be someone rather out of touch with sanity to put bloodied corpses wrapped in white bedsheets and parcel tape on display at the local gallery. What sickening sounds do DENATA, whoever they are, support this imagery with then, one thinks. Initially expected to plod through another collection of one-dimensional death metal drivel, they are suddenly noticed to be taking an unexpected direction, opting fro straight ahead verse-chorus-verse criteria with the bonus of most of their songs all having - even if only barely - distinguishing characteristics.

Some of the stalest lyrics on the face of the planet ruin one or two of the numbers and quite a bit of the riffage has about as much originality as Status Quo but at the same time, you can't help but liking the quite laid-back attack of this act, which has helped in making this one of those rare albums of this genre that you can relate to.

Go on, honest, it's worth hearing.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Heavy, hoardy, hoggy Long Islanders who have a passion for the wailing guitar work of 'Black Label Society' that's combined with the attitude of Pantera.

A six tracker CD with a bonus DVD of the dirty f*ckers having a good old jam. This is rock 'n' roll with huge slabs of balls from the opening 'Hitch-hiker' which urps at you with a ton of wah-wah and a kickin' cowbell right through to 'Alcohog' which sports the title of the CD.

Do it large and crank it up.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Scandi' quartet Dogpound first/last came to my notice on one of Z's 'Rock the Nations' samplers. Strangely enough, they don't seem to have impressed Mark Alger one way or another as they now show up on the burgeoning Lion label. Surprising, considering their brand of hard rock is much more suited to the Liverpool company's dealing than to Lion's progressive preferences.

For those still without the picture, it's modern day melodic rock of the kind Kick, Eclipse and most items on Artenzia's roster deal in, equipped with classy eighties melodies aplenty. Combining the styles as are done here has for long been considered an enter-at-own-risk affair, but again it's failed to stand in the way of decent songs, performed and written with though and attitude running in synchrony.

Whether Dogpound are going to send everyone barking mad is yet to be seen but at least they're doing so more or less up the right tree. And you'd be doing so too when you check this one out.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

An Intalian quartet who specialise in Cyber Gothic Industrial Dance Metal - if there is such a thing. Try mixing together Ministry with Hawkwind on a collision course with Marilyn Manson, The Mission who've just been on a scary encounter with Rob Zombie and The Sister of Mercy.

They comprise of Victor Love (Vocals, Guitars, Programming Synths, Drum Machine); Grace Khold (Synths, Samples Programming); Darin Yevonde (Bass) and Brian Wolfram (Guitar).

Not letting down or slowing up for second they crank out the beats and speed their way through the dark to the next morning and beyond. They'll mash your brain up with their 100mph+ sounds from their self-titled opener to Generation Plastic.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The latest album from present day Swedish deathsters Decapitated is a souvenir of a band leaning a little over that side of the fence that welcomes an ounce or two of subtlety and diversity into their product while at the same time staying true to their native genre.

With some quite interesting, pretty often melodic, but rarely less than brutal, and noticeably old-school directed riffing embodying the sound throughout led by not un-Gary Meskill-like vocals, this band seem to know how to spread their wings. It's just a pity it's the album that flies - past and gone in about 28-30 minutes just as it was becoming quite good fun. '3 Dimensional Effect', 'Lying And Weak', 'Calling' and 'Long Desired Dementia' plus the bonus Deicide cover are among the tracks I rate, fuelled in parts by some convincing Robb Flynn-oriented guitar movements as a further treat.

Fans are undoubtedly going to be racing for it goes without saying, and while I myself am not sure about losing my head over them yet, Decapitated look like succeeding in helping me do that, if they keep it going like this.

Nice.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Deicide, Morbid Angel, Machine Head (circa 'Burn my Eyes'/'More Things Change' ), Pro-Pain, Testament

In their 15-year existence, he has caused more worldwide outrage than any, bar a couple or so other acts in the metal genre put together. And yet Glen Benton continues to lead legendary death metal quartet Deicide from strength to strength at the top of the scene's roster. 'S.O.T.C' also sets -well the promo copy does anyway - the record for the most tracks in the shortest amount of time, 99 flying by in just under 27 minutes - stuffing Napalm Death's achievements well and truly, in the process.

Deicide's line in lung-ripping, blood-curdling, hate-belching brutality has for long taken its time for me to get into, often being warned against by others as a bland one-speed noise vehicle but over recent times, I've taken to get to know their music, they turn out to be a little more multi-directional than initially suspected. 'Scars' and 'Mad At God' offer more of the mid-tempo grindin' that prompts synchronised headbanging from those down the front five rows. 'Conquered by Sodom' boosts up the motor a bit more but without omitting standard stomping rhythms of the kind that makes this form of metal more commercially approachable. 'F*** Your God' is full speed all the way through, ol' Glen trying to narrow the border between singing and spewing as much as possible.

'When Heaven Burns' maintains the style but calmer in parts with the three other lads venting their vocal fustrations to effect in the background. 'Enchanted Nightmare' is decorated by some pretty sounding little bursts of lead guitar and the odd deviation to chugging riffage but otherwise is the same ol' thing as the last two numbers. 'From Darkness Comes' is where my interest begins to take leave, just a bland conglomeration of the previous six numbers though the solos again cheered things up, a titch. 'Go Now Your Lord Is Dead' does nothing to excite - you can probably guess how that one goes then - so ninth and final number 'The Pentecostal' is relied upon to try and end the disc on an interesting note. Well, it tries with more collaborations between two main different rhythms and I felt my head beginning to move back and forth in time with the guitars here, in a familiar manner.

Another fine chapter to the Deicide legacy, 'S.O.T.C' should guarantee lashings of live chaos and although my preference for this sort of stuff in shorter quantities makes me in ways grateful for its rather diddly duration, it wins my respects amongst the masses. One to convert the in-Deici-sive, definitely.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

I like this, but it's not because it's worthy on either a serious or an alternative rock critic critical level. It's 'cos I've got a weakness for novelty rock, not a good thing for a band to be called, not a great reason to write a good review. But The Darkness is just that. Vocalist Justin Hawkins isn't the saviour of showman-boyish swan rock, he ain't the new Freddie Mercury, and this isn't a cross between AC/DC and Thin Lizzy, or any creamy cream Creem crème de '70s.

It's the second coming of Urge Overkill, and later up the corporate rock chain, early Collective Soul (the soundtrack era): fooled-ya fun rock for the masses, laden with enough geometric, debatable, illusory irony to cause all those column inches by those who normally hate riff rock, or at least the kind not accompanied by wink and nudge. If you really wanna talk metal comparisons, this Justin Hawkins guy is Diamond Head's Sean Harris (Notorious-era Sean, with Robin George), doing King Diamond, cheap falsetto, charming in his lack of shame (I hear Robert Smith too).

Beneath him (literally, given the David Lee leaps), his band performs quite the engaging mish mash of quick-witted hard-ish hooks, the type those shiftless, savings-less bedheaded critics in their draft-swilling low 20s like to think they can locate within Black Oak Arkansas or Grand Funk, lacking the vinyl pudding proof that neither ever rocked. No, this package came wence before, congregating at the wildside end of Urge Overkill or Collective Soul, vaguely, in and about the face, chest and neck of Smashing Pumpkins, not all that inspiringly, at the snowy crosshairs of Sloan and the helmet-headed end of The Tragically Hip's early hockey schtick.

But like I say, I dig it, and play it a bunch, because it ain't hard on the (old) ears, and it is funny. Plus I too fell for Urge Overkill and Collective Soul.

7.5/10

By Martin Popoff

A 4-piece quartet from Birmingham, UK who kind of sound like Staind and Therapy and kind of early Manic Street Preachers mixed into one, the opener 'Downside Up' and second song 'Closer' being great example.

These three tracks are instantly likeable and have the staying power to entice radio listeners especially the last number, 'Take the low' that's a sure hit if released as a single in its own right with its catchy down-best throbbing guitar rhythm and singalong title-chorus.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Unfortunately, the awful cover art, band name and album name might hobble this one. But man oh man The Hellbum is an incredible surprise, a blinding hair metal-type album at the heavy, headbanging, down-tuned end of the genre sorta like Freak Of Nature or Lillian Axe or Jorn Lande and that sonorous man's axis.

The title refers to the crap the band went through dealing with Shark and an uncommunicative Z Records. But all the better for Lion, who have a band dripping with star quality here, one that posseses the magic of Wildhearts with the sublime melodics of (very hard) Styx (Hea's vocals have a bit of Tommy in 'em; harmonies go there too) and just generally a kick ass collection of songs that still manage to go down easy, despite vicious riffs everywhere.

Killer production tops the package. Congrats on a minor masterpiece. Suggestion: re-do this cover art quick, and relaunch. This could be the biggest seller of the Lion catalogue if approached properly - there are potential hits everywhere.

9/10

By Martin Popoff

A name from the (Metalliville) past, indeed, Dreamtide's first album 'Here Comes The Flood' was one of the first entries on the site's review page, two years back. Time now to get those sandbags out again because that flood's back and as bad as ever.

The German quintet impressed many with their first display of beefed up contemporary melodic rock and obviously it has been welcomed back with opened arms. Some of the members have popped up in various other acts so there's been little excuse for total musical inactivity in between releases. All back together for a second round and again the tide turn it on - hook-loaded ha\rd rock with modern-day technique added on alongside hints of the styles of certain other German or Scandinavian acts I might mention.

Robust guitar work by Helge Engelke again strengthening the supports and although vocalist Olaf Senkbeil's tones don't exactly differ an infinity from those of many fellow European acts, his part in the machine runs on fully oil. 'I'll be Moving On', 'I'm Not With You', 'Man on A Mission', 'Eden', 'Land Without Justice' and 'Dreams Are Free' replicate these reasons that their previous disc got its much-deserved credit and D.F.T.D. will do as the like, if not more so. Super.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Well no doubt you've all heard this a thousand times - unless you've been living in the depths of a cave in outer Mongolia.

This has-been number one single that's been performed live around the UK in October '03 is one of the catchiest commercial tracks in years that I've took an immense liking to and crosses the ballsiness of Foreigner mashed in with the instrumentations of Queen and the OTT falsetto vocal styles of Uriah Heep.

Hope they release 'Get your hands off' as the next single or that opener on the 'Permission to Land' debut album that bands on about a black shirk - whatever the hell that may be - these should hit the top as well.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

If you're looking for a clue as to what they sound like, think a mix of Tyketto and Norwegian hotshots On The Rise (whose debut CD has a 10/10 review on this site) combined with Van Halen, and also vague elements of The Police. 'Love's A Battle' and 'Losing Myself' have been staples of their live set from the start and I hope that 'Just One Night' becomes a regular inclusion too as it is a classic slab of melodic rock itself, and singer Steve and guitarist Andy throw in a strong combination of performances together. Not bad at all, lads.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Er… yeah…. Lovely. And that's just the title but the front sleeve picture is as
to the point with it as one can get. So is the music any more cheerful? Very
much so, quality-wise, in substance and content, whilst the theme stays
typically dark and depressing. Dead Soul Tribe are an outfit who seem to sound
half nu-breed, half somewhat-slightly-older-breed but completely brilliant-at-
what-they-do-breed.

Fronted by a chap whose name sounds like a burial ground in south western England, the deep driving voice of Devon Graves, former frontman with the band Psychotic Waltz, is virtually worth the album's recommendation itself. His angst-laden harmonies dominate this strongly progressive-meets-nu-breed -edged material along with an admirable blend of riffs and each track has its own tale to tell somewhere in there.

A much talked-about - and almost always in high terms - album of summer '03, 'Murder Of Crows' is a recommended chunk of semi-experimental modern-day metal.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Mention Italy and death metal in the same line and you're guaranteed a few funny looks. If you're one of those lucky - and sensible - enough to own a copy of this hot new European act's six-tracker you could do worse than wave it in the face of such cynical tossers.

That and their brand of guitar-friendly gargle-fest should shut them up. Imagine John Tardy and Chuck Billy vomiting down the same loo pan whilst half of the Bay Area's biggest figures keep guard outside the door, distracting anyone wanting to look, with some at times surprisingly commercial speed metal licks. Not a bad start, boys.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

They say it is always best coming from its native land. So we're all off to death metal's long-known spiritual home of Florida, many years after the scene's legends emerged to see who rules the roost in Deicide-land today.

Diabolic's fourth full-lengther, this is actually their fifth release on as many different labels. One listen may provide the clues as to why their previous contracts were a smidgen short lived. It took until part way through the third track before any form of diversion away from this trouser-poopingly predictable endless high-speed chugging, to come about, and even this only lasted a couple of numbers. Frontman Ed Webb may have the perfect voice for the job, but it is another wasted through the motions.

Not a Diabolic-al release but nothing I'd take time off work for.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

Musical cacophony that's like Mike Patten's 'Mr. Bungle' gone headfirst into a brawl with Sack Trip. It's as mad as f*ck with Jazz filled Metal and all sorts of shenanigans goin' down and that's for real matey - take a listen to 'Love song for a witch' the opening slice of nuttiness. The highlights here are in large proportions like the Death Metal zaniness of 'Rapist Eyes'; the easy-listening to Jazzed up 'Castaway'; that suddenly goes into thrash 'n' death metal.

Is there any logic behind this? The answer no - but it's damn good musicianship. You can't get bored because the music styles change so often. Sample 'The Acid Memoirs' that goes from disco to eclectic madness and even a spot of Saxophone on the brightly shining 'Déjà vu'.

They even chuck in a hidden track - a cover of Frankie Valli's 'Grease' from that cheesy late 70's film with Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in it - ironically enough, this has been done just like the original - weird or what.

This is the best disco I'm ever likely to be treated to.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

I hate to add another country to this list but Greece's switch hasn't frequently flicked by metal's finger when it comes to bands on said nationality's worldwide profile belt. Rotting Christ have a healthy following in the extreme metal scene as we all know but us outside the country get little else to choose from. Thank god that someone was kind enough to ship a copy of Dark Vision's debut full-lengther over to these shores then.

However, with their native origins in regard, they still seem to prefer the sounds of Scandinavia, belting out a frighteningly well-recognised black metal sound, but being from a land further afield, they've recognised their entitlement to scribble on the rule books on quite a few pages.

While the vocals cackle away - a la Lord Of The Rings's Gollum - the guitar has some texture to be felt, woven with a little Type o' Negative-coloured cotton and some female-sounding back voices also make the album at similar occasions quite absorbent. In their younger days, Dark Vision still have some way to go but now with previous education in this subject, they aren't too likely to face a slow journey.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

Defiances's 'Transitional Forces' is the first material I've heard of theirs, and I have to keep reminding myself that this is not a new Queensryche album, as they do sound THAT similar, even down to the high pitch vocal style of Lance King. The interesting combination of power and progressive metal reflects that as a band these guys are expanding in ideas and style.

Powerful guitar work and a heavy solid rhythm section make this band make this a great album and the diversity of the production keeps it fresh. Unlike some bands, they don't seem to play fast fro the sake of speed, which gives this CD a great likelihood of impact and Defiance their own style.

8/10

By Steve Windle

They are back - Mark Mangold, Al Fritch and drummer Johnathon Mover and they are full of as much romance as ever. Their songs are that are definitely ones to please up to the Missis with in a dark, candlelit room - well as long as she likes soppy 'n' syrupy 80's ballady AOR .

This is tear jerking stuff that we can all relate to 'cause this is real life' as the album title says. It's an immense release that got me involved from the start (and I usually hate this fetch-me-a-bucket slush stuff) due to the exceptional musical and vocal harmonies, not to mention the highly enjoyable well-structured melody lines. It's all good and notable high points include the Journey-like 'What's it gonna take'; trhe instantly grabbin' funkiness of 'All my heart' and the closer 'Believe'.

These songs'll work on all girls the world over - a collection of love anthems who's lives will remain timeless and last forever.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Back with their second album 'Evilised' and it just doesn't seem 5 minutes since the debut 'Dragonslayer' came out. Ballsy double-bass drum somersaulting Power Metal from Sweden who spent 2002 promoting the last said album as well as supporting Blind Guardian and doing a headline tour of Japan.

They are one of the best bands of the musical genre and they've delivered well again with ferocious instrumentation and soaring vocals. On this album they offer up supreme cuts such as 'Break the Chains'; title track 'Evilised' with its almost orchestral Maiden meets Queensryche intro before the track sets on fire, spilling out like a volcanic eruption. Then there's the exquisite balladeering piano led 'Forever More' and the sey 'Made of Metal' -which will no doubt become a festival favourite for these spectacular Swedes.

Metal Up Your Ass !!!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons

Hailing from Studio City, Los Angeles, D-Zire are a classy Glam band with all the clothing attire to go with it who kinda sound like as a sophisticated Motley Crue mashed in with Tigertailz and Pretty Boy Floyd.

This 15 tracker includes songs that were written between 1995 and 2001 - some of which politically relates to George W. Bush like 'Omega 9-11' and the spoken word number called 'Change'. There's lighter material as well throughout the cd like the kickin' 'Daydream' with its glam choral harmonies and crunchy riffing; the very likable 'Hollywood Attitude' about LA bands; the slutty 'She's no angel' or Toney's dedication to his beautiful daughter 'Amanda Mae'.

Makes me wanna get to LA right now this instant !!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Probably one of the best moments on their 'Born a Lion' album there Danko explains how to call the girls from his elders - so 'If you wanna do it right, up n' down and side to side', then follow the gospel, of Danko.

Worth buying for the 2 other tracks - 'Big bad' from their debut E.P. and 'Starlicker' - bother recorded in Toronto in '97.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

DARKANE - Expanding Senses
(Nuclear Blast - 2002)

Well, well, well, they don't come much more diverse than this, I must say. These lads have tried everything possible in the extreme metal arena here. Thrash, Death, Industrial, Goth, Hardcore, you name it. Uniformly, guttural thrash metal, Darkane's material is capable of going melodic in the vocal department (a la Fear Factory) at the flick of a button during the course of each song.

The tracks are like a set of fireworks that are missing their labels - you don't know exactly what you're going to get with of each one, but light the fuse and stand well back all the same because you get sparks coming up in colours of at least three of the above-mentioned genres. And look how the other natural elements blend into and round it all.

The chemicals can have come from any number of the following sources, Megadeth, Sepultura, Machine Head, Slayer, Strapping Young Lad, and as I said earlier, Fear Factory. Providing more loud bangs as always is the twin guitar talent of the band's two axemen, with excellent work in both lead and rhythm lines, and the drumming is the usual fully charged high-speed motor required. Quite how these labels manage to keep getting their mits on upper-rung metal acts like Darkane, I can never figure.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

From The last two pathetic CD releases of Danzig 5: Blackacidevil and Danzig 6: Satan's Child you would have expected from the poor sales that he would of done something about it. Luciferi is what has been left from 'Satan's Child'. What happened to the mouth-watering writing's that were produced with Danzig 1 through to 4? Danzig needs to sit down and think what the hell he is writing for his avid fans like myself who have followed him through his Misfits years.

From the eerie intro of 'Unendlich' you are enticed into a self-sense of security that builds your expectations as you also go through the gates of hell of ' Black Mass' and 'Wicked Pussycat' to be dropped at the next hurdle and then trampled on as you lay on the floor in pain of disappointment.

Apart from the wonderful start to this CD and the ballad 'Dead Inside', it makes you wonder, why can't he release material like this all the way through? Is it because he gets tired? Or does he get bored in the studio? What ever it is, he needs to do something about it, and do it now, as I can see Danzig 8 being a total waist of time and money.
Take note when you read it Danzig.

A very disappointed 6/10

By Tony Watson

The only trouble with receiving CD's of bands and the musicians you have never heard of, is that you don't know what to expect, usually the record label gives it away but in this instance they have clearly shocked me.

Ok Dead Soul Tribe is a hard rock band who opens the CD with a tremendous track 'Power Trip' with the heaviness of Monster Magnet but the speed of Megadeth that makes you think WOW this is bloody good, which then turns into what I can only describe as 'A Perfect Circle' minus Maynard James Keenan, although Devon Grave (a.k.a. Buddy Lackey, Psychotic Waltz) tries to come across in the same way, he does quite a good job of it.

Dead Soul Tribe from the second track 'Comin' Down' onwards hits you in the same way 'A Perfect Circle' affects your emotions. If you were in a pub or at friends and you hadn't heard it before, you would say have 'A Perfect Circle' released a new CD.

Although I may be flogging 'A Perfect Circle', Dead Soul Tribe are in the same dimension with their style and emotion but at the same time there seems to be a touch of 'The Fields Of Nephilin', which in itself is not such a bad thing, you have 13 tracks and 45 minutes of melodic, temperamental, gothical and original rock that will relax even the hardest of metal fans especially 'You' and 'Once' that definitely play on those heart strings.

10/10

By Tony Watson

I must admit that I walk in through the door from the dunces department when it comes to talks on the subject of Death and Black metal as not a great deal of the stuff gives me that much to write home about.

This album, whilst full of high-octane extreme metal, is far too by numbers for my taste, I mean even most H.C./metal acts can be told apart easier than acts of this ilk. OK, so it features the usual Olympic speed guitar work, and vocals with more hate than you'd find between Bush and Bin Laden, and whilst and whilst I might not go so far as to say I hate this record, it 's nothing I'd desperately slap on the decks after a hard day at work, except a bad one perhaps.

Ad-libbing horror movie clips and effects throughout the songs may also be nice for decoration but it hardly makes the music itself any more exciting. If this stuff happens to be among your preferred flavours, do not be deterred by this rather disheartening review but I'd warn you rookie followers to the scene, you're better off checking some of Nile's material first, preferably live.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

Yes, astoundingly, Def Leppard are back again already with another album, three years having flown past at speeds matching that of the Concord, since 1999's rather excellent 'Euphoria' disc. They've just been viciously bashed for this newie via that one-K rating in a famous UK Metal Magazine that starts in K and ends in G and I dived in as soon as possible to save them any sales that the aforementioned slating of the Steel City lad's latest long player may be at risk of costing them.

So is it actually any good? I'd say that's a yes, old chappie. Very, in fact. Recent hit single 'Now' says it all from the start as it is as apt a description of the Leps current musical direction as you're likely to encounter - a fresh sound structure that maintains the melody of more recent material but with more lightweight instrumentation, in particular the percussion.

As stated last year, it's a bit of a cross between 'Euphoria' and 'Slang'. 'Unbelieveable', is one of the first songs to be premiered that's been written by outside writers is still stands up as well as any penned by the Leps. I'd still prefer to lean on the repeater button for 'You're So Beatiful', 'Everyday' and 'Four Letter Word', all prime time Leppard rockers for the new millennium. 'Long Way To Go' is another one from outside writers but this has a rather ropey chorus melody - I'm hoping it isn't originally the work of a b*y b*nd.

'Torn To Shreds' is purely new-age Leppard - melodic mid-temp verse leading to grungy chorus line but great song all the same. 'Love Don't Lie' is one of the highlights of the tour and virtually draws level with the Stan Bush classic of the same title. 'Gravity' does not exactly see the Lepsters staying on Earth, the fivesome opting for a pseudo-electro rhythm backing but come chorus, it appears that they've produced some sort of sequel to the 'Slang' title track here, though unintentionally. Something also arcing back over the last two albums but culminating in a crushingly heavy blend forms the basis for 'Cry' and turn's D.L's diversity cogs even further.

'Girl Like You' tries out more electro-grunge experiments and with a decent chorus to boot, gets the job done, and 'Let Me Be The One' is that most compulsory of things for any Def Leppard album - a ballad and not at all a bad one either - shut it, 'Ke**ang' . Now there would have to be at least one song that journeyed back to the good ol' days and 'Scar' should satisfy even the most cynical Leps fan on the planet today. Just enjoy a totally Leppard-brand hard rocker in the 'Hysteria'/'Adrenalize'/'Pyromania' mould, (but don't you dare call it mouldy) and even reunites with their classic, heavier drum sound too. Once seems definitely not enough as 'Kiss The Day' carries on as likewise. A cunningly arranged cut, pace of this slow brooding number suddenly ups the gears at the end for some classic Collen/Campbell riffing. This is sadly a bonus track on the limited edition version of the album as is the subsequent unplugged run of 'Long Way….' so hurry to your nearest store if you want your copy to contain these two cuts on the end of the other thirteen, permanently available, numbers. Def Leppard 2002 AD, a band who've moved on, though not without peeping at the rearview mirror a few times (and why not ) and whose talents and inspirations seem to travel an endless spectrum. As I strongly advised earlier, take absolutely NO notice whatsoever of 'Ker-you-know-who's opinions 'cos this is one of the Sheffield legends' very finest hours.

Buy.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

This is Ronnie James Dio in a conceptual album mode which tells the story about a book of spells called 'Magica' which has to be reclaimed from the evil ones. It's all classic heavy metal Dio material which sees him deeply obsessed with the night as usual. 'Fever Dreams' has that well-worn Dio style (i.e. Holy Diver) just the way you like it.

'Eriel' the super-hero of the story is a great slow-sped ballsy number allowing Ronnie to exercise those incredible vocal dynamics that produces plenty of atmosphere like no-one else can create. There's only Ronnie who has that high soaring tenor sound and it comes into life especially during 'As long as it's not about love' - a ballad I add.

It's a real magical album - scuse the pun - Ronnie even tells you the story 'Magica' - which unfolds just how imaginative this guy can be. It went down well live as witnessed when he last graced the UK in 2001 with Alice Cooper.

So how does the story end? Find out when you've bought the album.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

This is the first album to come from this influential 80's British hardcore punk band in 10 years. Discharge have returned with an astonishing CD along side the original band line up, with of course Cal Morris with his political ideas on vocals.

This 13 track CD will have every hardcore punk coming out of their graves to reform their identity in society and create destruction and devastation everywhere they go, and who would blame them! This aggressive structure of music starts with 'You Deserve Me' and just doesn't stop with its aggressive attitude throughout its entirety as Discharge rip their way through 'Corpse Of Decadence', 'Trust 'em', 'Into Darkness', 'What Do I Get' and 'Hell Is War' to finish off this 31 minute piece of pure brilliance with two remixes 'Accessories By Molotov' and 'Corpse Of Decadence'.

Although Discharge have been amiss for 10 years, they haven't been forgotten and starting where they finished off gives me great pleasure in saying ''Punk Lives. Buy it''.

10/10

By Tony Watson

Dokken sound like a completely different band - gone is the previous sound (double-bass drumming, OTT wailing guitars and piercing vocals). In its place are the vibes and atmospherics of a outfit who've matured well for they have now taken a more melodic, mellow route and greeting us with gorgious vocal harmonies - which I have to say is a lot more of a delightful listen than in-your-face and then some more in-your-face - they've been there and done it and it's time to move on.

The power is still there though such as in the opening 'Sunless Days' (you guys been listening to Zakk Wylde lately) and others like 'Under the Gun' (the amount of Rock/Metal songs with this title !!!) or the fresh-faced cover version of The Yardbird's 'Heartful of Soul'.

The album was produced by Don Dokken and mixed by Michael Wagener who's outstanding previous outings iclude Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica. On guitar is John Norum of Europe fame as well as a new bassist, Barry Sparks who's worked with rocks icons like Yngwie Malmsteen and Michael Schenker.

Vocally harmonies are in high abundence especially on the catchy 'Everybody needs (to be with someone)' and the Everly Brothers flavoured acoustic beauty, 'Ive found' about fining the woman of your dreams that you never knew existed and then there's 'Goodbye Old Friend'.

This album is proof that Dokken have a lot of milage left in 'em yet.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Dusseldorf's Rock Princess has got a fight on her hands here - but those fists ain't involved. This is her latest pledge to the world of rock. Something tells me that the drummer is the same Johnny Dee who fills the seat for Britny Fox - since their singer, Tommy Paris says he is her plaything - plus they did tour together not too long ago.

Mountains of Metal hammer at you and it ain't boring either or tongue in cheek like many I could mention. Doom Laden brilliance marks a return of the Giant presence that is Pete Steele of Type O Negative who duets with Doro on 'Descent' that'd make an exceptional single - they'd look so right together on stage as well. Elswhere, there's plenty to get excited about such as the ballad 'Undying' (that's about love and not vampires or anything else connected with the undead you care to name). 'Legends Never Die' with its slowed down 'All along the watchtower' riffage and beautifully grafted guitar solo from Joe Taylor well worth frothing over.

The sinister, 'Sister Darkness' is worth mentioning as well that has an addictive jogging bassline played by Nick Douglas and the enigmatic 'Hoffnung' (give me hope) is essential listening.

Come back to the UK Soon.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

This is Rock 'n' Roll at its most honest, rawest level - sleazy, loud, straight-up, no bullsh*t - the standard that you'd associate with AC/DC - but Danko Jones (the three piece - going by the name of the frontman) aren't from Australia - they descend from Canada and are far more uplifting than many firmly establihed, well-known artists like Bryan Adams or Nickelback.

Setting the scene immediately is 'Play The Blues' that tricks you with its opening authentic slide guitar blues before slamming some hard kickin' rock - "If you wanna know how to play the blues, get yourself a woman", Danko rants - you've just got to believe the man as well because it's delivered so honestly - and is the first single from the album as well. 'Lovercall' speeds up the adrenalin furthermore - where the melody arrangement style is introduced with, "I like it when it goes like that and like that". This is awesome power with blistering emotion - it's a great goer about learning the tips on how to pick up women, that he learned by watching his peers.

Danko has a cool swagger that firmly places him in the same category as David Lee Roth, Bon Scott and Ted Nugent - in fact he even places me in mind of Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) and George Thorogood, especially during 'Word is Bond' and 'Love is Unkind'. You could even joke and say that he sounds not too unlike the carnivorous plant, 'Audrey 2' from 'The Little Shop of Horrors' - no seriously.

It's little wonder that the incredible three-piece, 'Danko Jones' found their onto the second stage at Ozzfest - they will command it with a doubt and prove to be a hard act to follow - in fact, next time I think they will be playing the main stage.

This album will entertain and educate males (and even females) the globe over - explaining all you need to know about the so-called 'Fairer Sex' that is the Woman. These are songs from the heart, performed by three Candian Lions - who'll prove to be kings of the rock 'n' roll jungle.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Coming across as a progressive, wacky 70's vibed Genesis with touches of Yes and Pink Floyd, Italian outfit, DFA have been caught live at 'Kehigh University's Zoellner Arts Centre on June 12th 2000. This was their first ever US performance which is mainly instrumental - with the shortest piece being 6.5 minutes long.

Keyboard effects are amass plus plenty of improvisational drumming, bass, lead and rhythm guitar work throughout. Highlights include the moderately fast-paced instrumental 'Escher' and the avante guarde weirdness of 'Pantera' (no relation to the band of the same name).

It's impressive stuff that's constantly seen on those Live In Concert German satellite TV shows like 'Ohne Filter'.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The Great Little Dungeon Master who owns the big vacal chords has struck his sword again with new release, 'Killing the Dragon'. Musically and lyrically it harks back to Holy Diver/Dream Evil period, encompassing a warm production that vinyl used to do in the days of old.

Mr. Dio has brought in ex-House of Lords guitarist, Doug Aldrich (so does that mean he has left 'Burning Rain' ?) who sounds like he's been Ronnie's right hand man from the very beginning. Scott Warren creeps in a few Jon Lord organ riffs, especially during the rocker 'Before the Fall' and the line-up is made complete with long-stayers, Simon Wright (Drums) and Jimmy Bain (Bass).

The album opens up with the title track that is both powerful and bombastic - in that chilling, harsh style that only Ronnie can pull off best - there's many copyists who try, but this is the master of the ceremony at work and he cannot be bettered. 'Better in the Dark' sees Dio shake hands with the 70's territory of Rainbow - think 'Kill the King' brought slightly more up to date. 'Rock and Roll' carries over into the plains of Led Zeppelin due to its dark Page-like riffery and Kashmir'ish overtones and melts into an avalanche of metal as well, not to mention it's Spinal Tap styled title chorus.

What a stompin' closer 'Cod Feet' is. It features a riff that'll rock you head-down style wherever you happen to hear it - although the obvious place would be a forthcoming Dio concert somewhere hopefully soon.

Overall, 'Killing the Dragon' is a very impressionable album with vibrant spirit that makes that the power of Dio will never die, no matter how many large winged, fire-breathing reptiles have to be killed in the process. Ronnies back - be warned.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

This album has everything that I love to hear in an album - power, passion, acoustic bliss and simplistic heart-driven songs. Jo Dog (who you should know as being the guitarist from 'The Dogs D' Amour') has hooked up with Vocalist/Drummer, Paul Black and drafted in some guests including ex-Gunners Gilby Clarke and Teddy Andreadas, Bam Ross (Bubble) and Kyle Kyle (Bang Tango).

It's a magical experience ecompassing styles that are largely associated with Ry Cooder, Ronnie Lane, Bob Dylan and of course, The Dogs D'Amour' - Awesome is a word that comes straight to mind. It's all a highlight take the album title track 'Sundown Yellow Moon'; the Doggish 'Destination Nowhere'; 'Out of the blues' (with mindblowing harmonica played by Billy Ferrick and Banjo from Joe); the acoustic banjo-esque blues of 'It's Hot'; 'I see daylight' (with thumping slide guitar work) or the scary surf rock of 'That's what I like'.

This album is a must for all self-respecting blues and American folk fans everywhere.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Dream Evil - Dragon Slayer
(Century Media - 2002)

Powerful Melodic Metal hailing from Sweden that sees the musical idealogies of Frederik Nordstrom (Hammerfall, In-Flames etc) and guitarist, Gus G (of 'Mystic' and Prophecy') rub shoulders in the studio.

Dream Evil sock you with Metal of all natures - be it heavy or power metal. It's as tight as hell -as it should be. A definite stand-out track to be found here is most definitely 'Kingdom of the Damned' that's very reminiscent of Helloween without the need for high piercing vocals - this is more of a baritone nature - making for an ideally pleasant change.

These guys aren't even afraid to go all ballady on us either - which sees the 'Evil throw themselves head-first into Journey territory with the track, 'Losing You' and then rock out with the Ozzy 'n' Saxonesque squealings of 'Heavy Metal in the Night'.
Think mid 80's - classic Dio styled band - no wonder they go by the 'Dream Evil'.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

A collection of un-used ditties from Dobby's Archives that have been recorded between 87 and 89 (with liner notes stating exactly where e.g. Sheffield and Louth) after being sacked from Saxon for no apparent reason. Steve reckons it could have been because Biff Byford wanted to be the spokesman for the band, so he was ousted as a result due to Dawson being the other main mouth.

The Production is rather cheap 'n' nasty for the drums sound boxy and the sound is scratchy 'n' weak - but let this be known, the performances aren't. The songs reflect the period and there's one or two songs that start with that killer guitar intro and the 'Yeah' vocal cry like the moderate tempo rocker, 'Answer to my Prayers'. Believe it or not, the one that really stands out is the cover of Lennon/McCartney penned 'Step Inside Love' that was a major hit for Cilla Black - it's amazing what can be done to an otherwise crap song - this is a Metal Masterpiece with powerful sustained wailing vocal perfection from Adrian Davidson. If only Cilla had released an arrangement as uplifting as this - it would have raised her credibility no end. 'All I want' is melodic rock heaven - an energetic happy song about girls.

The bonus live section recorded at Ranmour College in Sheffield in 1987 is ok but suffer in the vocal department - too many drop-outs and strains for my liking which is a pity because musically it's knockout - featuring inclusions of the Saxon stellars 'Motorcycle Man' and 'Dallas 1PM' that are pulled off due to Nigel Durham seeing to drum duties.

Basically, this is a CD to keep the Saxon fans happy until the Oliver/Dawson
version release their studio album.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Well! What can I say about a band who describes themselves as metal and new-school hardcore? What is that supposed to mean? If new-school means that they are one fucked up band who express themselves through the weirdness of Primus, with the full on thrash of Slayer, the jazziness of Red Hot Chilli Peppers with the cheekiness of Faith No More and the underground touch of Napalm Death, do we have what is called metal and new-school hardcore, probably!

The Dillinger Escape Plan are a bunch of talented guys with no rhythm, and I well say this in the kindest of respect, you could be enjoying the intro to any of their tracks when all of a sudden it goes straight over your head with out any warning and there it is, lost for good.

'Calculating Infinity' is a 37 and a half minute CD, from the start of 'Sugar Coated Sour' to '*#..' through 'Destro's Secret' to finally finish off with 'Variations on a Cocktail Dress' will in one sense gives you a full outlook on the bands talents and achievements over a short period of time, and in the next sense, has you screaming in pain as your ears bleed with the full on focused nuclear assault of extreme noise and aggression.

To fully appreciate The Dillinger Escape Plan, the band would have to been seen live, only if it is to see if what they do as musicians with their complicated out of sink rhythms can be produced in the live gig atmosphere.

7/10

By Tony Watson

Dominoe - In No Silence... No Lambs
(MTM Music - 2002)

Previous to hearing this, I thought that Dominoe (Domino) was just a song by Kiss or Genesis as well as being a game played by old flat cap codgers in the local pub, but this Dominoe break out of this mode entirely. Blending the 80's and the 90's in the same bag, they put some freshness back into the overdone melodic rock sound-byte.

Vocalist Joerg Sieberg has a warm voice that blends in the contrasting qualities of Brian May and Bryan Adams. Musically they do at times slip down the Roxette Radio Route in an It Bites kinda way, but there's enough bite here to prevent you from hitting the eject button.

'Here I Am (2002) - I guess it's been out before is very much a power ballad that you'd be let off for if you thought it had come right out of the head of John Lennon or George Harrison that even has a tasty dash beautiful blues harmonica. There's an unplugged version as well towards the end of the CD which matches up just as good.

Elsewhere there are plenty of up-beat numbers that aught to be heard on FM radio, especially, 'We Stand Together' (with gorgeous female backing vocals) that'd sit there snugly on one of those Bible-bashing compilations especially since it's so tranquil and concerned with having faith. It's rather cheesy but I can dig it as the melody is really something quite spectacular.

Other major highlights include the tribal drumfest and bottleneckin' poppish rocker 'Silence' which'd make for a tremendous single. A real knock-out of a number has got to be Dominoe's cover of the Bachman-Turner Overdrive classic 'You ain't seen nothing yet' where the band have placed their own mark on it by using echoey radio effects on the vocals as well as making their rendition both electric and acoustic simultaneously. This fantastic arrangement for the overplayed 70's rock staple makes the album worth buying for this track alone, except that the majority of the material found on this CD stands up well against it all the same.

There's 'No Silence... No Lambs' and most definitely No Hannibal Lector - but instead an exceptional album of classy melodic material that I hope won't sink without trace.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The second single to be taken of the platinum album 'Sinner', 'Tear Away' is a slower and darker side to Drowning Pool, which has the chorus 'I don't care about anyone else but me' that will stay with you forever.

From such a brilliant album, 'Tear away' shows a different side to Drowning Pool that will give you the sense that they are not a one minute wonder.

10/10

By Tony Watson

Demon - Spaced Out Monkey
(Record Heaven Music - 2001)

Demon are a band from the early 80's that haven't so far made much of an impact in the U.K. - in fact I'd not heard of them before Classic Rock featured a few reviews of their re-released back catalogue.

They are real sophisticated players who these days are sort of Pink Floyd meets Fish-era Marillion and their vocalist Dave Hill fits somewhere between those two bands - he possesses a high, dry, hoarse voice that has a lot in common with the offerings of Dave Gilmour, Roger Waters, Peter Gabriel and of course, Fish.

Highlights include the title track, 'Spaced Out Monkey' with its Hendrixy 'Voodoo Chile' riff and the moderate rocker 'Where are you coming from' that is extremely atmospheric' and has an echoey sound (the drums especially), giving the impression it could have been recorded at a large concert hall in front of a packed crowd. 'Cry on the street' sees Demon go into Genesis territory as well as that of Marillion with its 'Hey Dude' chorus. 'Alone' is a killer of a number with its swirly and spacey ambience that puts me in mind of contemporary 70's rockers like 'Smokie' or 'Joe Fagen'.

If you dig this - seek out their earlier releases available on the same label - Record Heaven Music.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Doro - Calling the Wild
(Koch Records)

The voice of Warlock bites with 'Calling the wild' - her most recent studio album. It's heavy and almost nu-metal in parts - but no, she hasn't sold out to the young kids - in fact, she's as dark as ever and 'I give my blood (dedication)' is a clear indication of this with its scorching sinister chorus in a song concerned with being sick of how one's life is.

Pesch puts the much-needed sparkle into a Gothed up doomy up-tempo cover of Billy Idol's 'White Wedding'. She makes the original sound quite insignificant in comparison. This version has more in common with Type O Negative with Doro on lead vocals as opposed to Pete Steele.

The album features Slash playing a solo on 'Now or Never' that has a G'n'R meets Biohazard feel about it. The song is about a woman who wants a specific man to take her love. Lemmy has writing credits to two of the numbers like the Motorhead song, 'Love me forever' and the beautiful 'Alone Again', which is a real rare gem because the Lem plays acoustic guitar as opposed to his guttural bass. On guitar is famed producer Bob Kulick (brother of 'Bruce' ex-Kiss Guitarist) and coincidentally ex-Kiss member, Eric Singer on drums of course.

'Scarred' sees Doro hit on a David Bowie meets The Sisters Of Mercy musical level - there are atmospheric piano notes and 80's electronic drums present here and lyrically is all about feeling pain when someone has gone.

Throughout the album magnificent musicians are to be found - buy the CD to find out who they all are. Get your hands on this 'Metal Masterpiece' now.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Not the most comforting titles I'd rather be looking at this evening having just been bombarded by typically British near-torrential downpours on the way back home from work. Never mind, there's a nice, powerful, searing melodic rock CD to look forward to at the end of the journey, and this was it. Another band from out of absolutely nowhere - a bit like that half-hour burst of sunshine I had earlier this morning. Also it's bit like the style combinations of this album as I am for some reason reminded of Danny Danzi singing with some great German metal band from the eighties. No disrespect in the slightest to this Deutschland based act, who do their country proud here.

High pitched tonsular tactics just where needed the most, along with lashings of juicy guitar and keyboard harmonies obey the trademark regulations to the hilt and the concoction of influences is on clearly labelled exhibition throughout. Most important of all they still come through with their own distinctive sound, despite the vaguely gospel-toned backing vocals being a known tradition in European metal circles for quite some years now. There's one moment at the end of 'Dreams' where I'm reminded of some song called 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. You may be sick of hearing this line by now but this really 'IS one of those albums you may have to give a couple of plays before you fully appreciate their sound', if you are not used to too many different styles of melodic metal or rock. Nonetheless, Dreamtide are worthy tutors in this class.

Buy!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

The band who brought us the gothic big hair pop sound of the single 'Sleeping my day away' are back with a slightly different vibe than I remember when I first heard them over a decade ago. Gone is the arena big hair rock vibe and here in its place is a more down-to-earth modern pop groove which sort of mixes in the shades of The Cornells, R.E.M. and The Offspring with good examples being the title tracks 'Everything Glows' and 'Nineteenhundredandyesterday'.

If I'd heard this material on the radio I wouldn't have thought it was the same band. Is this the true sound of D.A.D. or are they simply experimenting more than previous - it's hard to tell!!! To be honest it doesn't really matter - since it's a strong album that illuminates a nice chunk of power-pop - a good example, being the song, 'The Road below me'. Another number, 'Evil Twin' has a Hendrixy intro, that's closely followed up by a chanting Red Indian tribe - it's awesome stuff which has got a full-on Aerosmith flavour to it. At times, lead vocalist and guitarist Jesper Ginzer is even a deadringer for Steven Tyler, especially during the chorus of 'Candy Bar' - a delicious up-tempo rocker.

The production on this CD is crystal clear and the quality vocals and dynamics in the overall mix are outstanding. Jesper's voice is extremely friendly, unbelievably smooth and classy - he could be the modern Marc Bolan!!! The rest of the band sound so incredibly fresh (which consists of Stig Pederson - Bass/Backing Vocals, new drummer Laust Somme, who also plays the vibraphone, keyboards plus performs backing vocals and the other Binzer boy, Jacob who takes charge of guitar, keyboards and backing vocals.

The album is full of tasty surprises like the ballsy 'Summer me soon' about for the warm hot dry season - and mark my words, it'll be a definite live crowd pleaser with its brilliant Black Crowes tinged blues harmonica break. Although the standout track by far is 'A kiss between the legs' - a ditty of pure humour directed at the women. It's very much a moderate, cheesy rocker containing the funny chorus lines,

'Whenever you find what you seek,
It's be kind to clitoris week"

I'd simply love to hear Disk Jockies take a chance with this the world over - and see what sort of press they receive. It's actually a great song that's got the term 'hit single' branded all over it - but I suppose the chorus might have to be changed to keep the upper hand happy. There's also some spectacular musicianship on offer here and even reminds me of the legendary 'Santana'. Buy the album for this track alone.

All in all, 'Everything Glows' ain't a bad album, that'll put some light into the lives of many a rock fan worldwide.

It's worth a good 7 out of 10.

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Brilliant- the waiting is over. After nearly ten years the Cockroach album
has been unleashed (a two CD set that includes the original Ted Poley album
and the re-recorded Paul Laine version as well).

I ain't swaying one way or the other - I'm leaving it up to you to make your
preference. Ted Poley and Paul Laine's voices are so different - with Ted
having that high pitched, loving and angelic warmth to his and Paul's being
very gruffish and shouty (a la Glenn Hughes).

If you already own the D2 back catalogue then you'll recognise a few of the
numbers such as 'When she's good, she's good (but when she's bad she's
better)' that appears on 'The Return of the Great Guildersleeves' and 'Sick
little twisted mind' re-recorded for 'Four the hard way'. It's excellent to
hear the original versions.

The Ted Poley version is very early D2 styled (although it's bound to be
since it was recorded around 1992) and has strong hints of Def Leppard in
there too - like 'Afraid of Love'. Expect to hear plenty of cock-rock
throughout - the track 'Tip of My Tongue' coming to mind immediately. The
Paul Laine version is heavier and has a more bombastic almost Metallica
texture about it.

Although both versions feature the same tracks in a slightly different order
the Paul Laine version comes with a bonus track - the blasting rocker 'Don't
Pull the Plug'.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable set and you can purchase it via the bands
website www.dangerdanger.com

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Reviewing two corking Celtic-styled hard rock albums in one month is quite a stick situation as biased comparisons can develop quite easily, making the latter album's write-up sound like part 2 of the other one. Believe it or not, though, we at Metalliville do believe in carrying out a fair test.

It's been almost a case of 'Long time, no hear' for Darren Wharton and gang, the thick end of four years having flown since previous elpee 'Calm Before The Storm' (can't imagine where Tikaboo Peak picked that song title up from.), but not worry, because he's bad. And he is Ba-a-a-aD! Not that the album is, of course. Opener, and recent MTM comp' cut 'Silent Thunder' is a beautifully crafted number that shows all those years in Thin Lizzy paid off for Dazza. Practically identical in style, sophomore cut 'Dreams on Fire' sees a very welcome - and appropriate - addition of Irish pipes to the blend. 'White Horse' gallops by in acoustic colours, but you can put your bets on it being a rocker, and sounds more like Vaughn and Richard Marx are racing one another round the course on this lap.

Title track 'Belief' and 'Run Wild Run Free' are more ballad-oriented treks, not that much to look at in the originality department but still Mr Wharton at his musical best. 'We Were Friends' is belie-e-e-e-eve it or not, another ballad-oriented trek but a bit of extra length allows for some stunning Gaelic guitaring at the offset. This song would have been on the 'BraveHeart' movie had it been written SIX BLOODY YEARS EARLIER! Back up with the tempo, finally, this one actually has quite a Bryan Adams-y harmony to it. Grrrrr-eat!Afterwards, 'Where Will You Run To' has us actually running back to the acoustic guitar cupboard again, but still with balls! Then it's back to walking again for another ballad in 'Take Me Away', taking thankfully a point away as this and one or two of the other ballads earlier on didn't quite cause me the greatest fireworks. Rockin' out again - as we do - now though, it's got to be lies that Dez and Mick ain't had any involvement in the writing of this Celtic cracker.

We end, boys and girls, with…. dum dum dum, dum-dum, dum, duuuum… a ballad. As if we haven't had enough of those today already. Still, all things in the world being as they are, further complaints are fully withheld as this album sees Darren return to deliver a truly Wharts n' all performance. Remember; Dare will be headlining this year's Gods festival. Don't you DARE miss 'em!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Drowning Pool - Sinner

(Wind-Up Entertainment, Inc. Cat. no. 60150-13065-2 (2001))

I you are looking for a CD with attitude, then this one's for you, there are four members of this band who work together perfectly, there are slight variations to each track with interesting guitar solos, melodies and an angry vocalist who seems as though he hates everyone and everything, with so much power and aggression within the CD, Drowning Pool have produced an eleven track CD that is interesting and at the same time becomes more enjoyable with every listen.

With the bands like 'Limpbizkit', 'Linkin Park', 'Deftones', 'Static X', 'Disturbed' and 'Papa Roach' who are all going round the circuit and getting massive media attention, Drowning Pool have released a CD that people at the moment want to hear.

The CD starts off with the title track 'Sinner', that consists of power cords and hard hitting drum beats with a melodic chorus, which then quietly disappears, then out of the blue we get a sentence repeated four times "Let the bodies hit the floor", which then rips into your ears with so much aggression it leaves you breathless, 'Bodies', what a track, if this song doesn't do anything to you then you must be dead. This is the track that will probably get all the attention, but at the same time it's a track that will never be over played.

With every track you get a mixture of the above-mentioned bands, with a touch of 'Stabbing Westwood' thrown in for good measure. As well as 'Bodies', there are also wonderful tracks like 'Tear Away', 'All Over Me', 'Reminded', 'Mute' and 'Sermon' that fills you with so much excitement that you find it hard to control yourself. Wonderful.

10/10

By Tony Watson