Neon Alley – S/T
(DMV Music – 2016)

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Natural Born Killers – Unhandled Exception (E.P.)
(S/R – 2015)

Female fronted Metal band from Italy who have been together since 2009 who are both brutal, in-your-face and melodic as well.

They put me in mind of In This Moment & meets Lita Ford meets Broadzilla & Doro and such like on this four tracker that maes each song totally stand out in its own right though ‘Everlasting Grace’ – the last number is easily the best one.

Powerful and very epic!

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Nice As Pie – A Body Of Work
(Doobie Music – 2015)

A chilled out, laid back blues, rock and roll and rock 16 tracker put together by a bunch of guys who simply seem to be doing it literally for their enjoyment and nothing more with anything else appearing to be a bonus.

Based around a drummer in Jutland, Denmark called Steve Porter who brought guys in to be part of it including harmonica player Charlie McKoy of Leo Sayer Fame, Blues Guitarist, Todd Sharpville and Tom Jones’ keyboardist, Paddy Milner.

So much going on such as the Santana like ‘Bad Girl’; the blues of ‘Drunk Stoned Stupid’; the two Bowie voiced and styled ‘All In The Mind’ or the funk-pop of ‘What Ya Gonna Do’ to the mysterious closer ‘Sold Me Tonight’.

Some interesting stuff on here.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

NEODYME - La Signature Dub Temps
(S/R - 2015)

Very politely interpreted as 'The Time Signature' by the sleeve, there is necessity to wonder how many of them this French-Canadian bunch are actually trying out in the space of a six -track album.

Major influences of Spocks Beard and Flower Kings fly left right and centre and although most of these tracks are of epic-sized proportion, the substance is evident. Everything is tried out for size, from synths, and jazz strings to swish, ambient woodwind. Despite the developing near-tedium of closing track 'En Orbite' at a time-testing 14-minutes-50, this is a respectable effort, of the hundred-to-the-penny Canada's rock scene provides each year... almost religiously.

A worthy play.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.neodyme.ca

NITRITT - Slumber
(S/R - 2015)

Norwegian youngsters Nitritt run the risk of being mistaken for Irish heavyweights The Answer and that almost doesn't stop at the promo photo.

Old fashioned hard rock appears just as much this sprightly foursome's game alone though saying that they are at least equally as good. Driving guitar grooves get their foot in from the start of belting opening track 'Do It Yourself' and stay the way through Slumber, Wish I Could Fly, Bleed, Resolution and just about the rest follow suite.

Touching on similar territory to AOR goliaths Tyketto, especially on the acoustic-led title cut, the rough and ready green of frontman Ivan Tokheim moves the songs around like a finger on a laptop mouseboard, directing the passion and power of each through his delivery. If you enjoy your rock sitting on the porch of a seaside hut with a guitar held to your chest, and a crate of beers at your side, these guys, will stand no danger of boring you into a slumber...unless it's this one.

Fine.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Free, Bad Company, Bon Jovi & Reef

NET: www.facebook.com/nitritt

Chet Nichols – Band In The Basement
(Magic Garage Records – 2014)

A collection of songs that have been re-worked since they were originally recorded by Chets band in the 60’s called The Chosen Few in each others parents and have all since passed away.

It’s pretty good although ‘I’m The Ice Cream Man’ is basically a reworking of the John Brim original that was made famous years later by Van Halen while ‘I Come From Chicago’ steals its riff from Booker T And The MG’s ‘Green Onions’. There’s the humourously titled ‘If You See Kaye’ or the slow country, funked blues of ‘I Hurt Too Much To Squeeze’.

Light-hearted listening and enjoyable.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

NOT A GOOD SIGN - From a Distance
(S/R - 2015)

Italian proggies, Not A Good Sign sound anything but what their name indicates, especially if you're after a slight dash (or more than that) of Dream Theater from the start onward.

The styles do blend amicably well as expected and despite dragging a moment or two, here and there, abusing the time span is not a habit of theirs - only one tune exceeds the seven minute mark. Crisply produced musicianship pays the usual dividends, in helping tracks like 'Wait For Me', 'Going Down', 'Flying Over Cities',   'Not Now' and 'Pleasure of Drowning' to be appreciated in their note-perfection as Alessio Callendriello's atmospheric voice serves to boost the beauty of each.

The keyboards do their usual tricks and a lot more besides, and although certain elements occasionally irritate, change tone often enough as to avoid turning tedious.  Superbly performed art as always, this one could be enjoyed from a distance... still, it's best you sit closely enough that you can reach the repeat button after it's finished.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:  Dream You-Know-Who, Flower Kings & Pink Floyd.

NET: www.notagoodsign.org

New Babylon – My New Baby (E.P.)
(S/R – 2014)

Killer quintet who crank up some ballsy rock for your listening pleasure who’s vocalist in Wolf funnily enough puts me in mind of the dude from Wolfmother – chances of that?

Highlights include the opening ‘Can’t Stop’ and title track ‘My New Baby’ although I feel there no need for such swearing in songs since it downgrades the songs in my humble opinion to an infantile level unless that was their mission.

Okay but plenty more bands that sound like this about.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

NACHTSCHATTEN - Prolog
(Sonic Revolution - 2014)

German-speaking (and singing) Swiss foursome NachtSchatten unleash their debut long -player onto the face of the earth in the shape of 'Prolog'.

A much awaited work by their following, I'm still not sure I myself am that deep amongst them myself to start with though it does grow a little as it goes along. The grindy guitars, set to a swish backdrop of keyboard is always going to entice me towards it but having heard the first half, I feel myself hearing it more or less all over again. Nice guitar use as always still cranks up the credit levels so less damage than you'd dread.

Definitely best however to acquaint with this stuff live first.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Rammstein & Emperor.

NET: nachtschatten-band.com

NEWSPAPERFLYHUNTING - Iceberg Soul
(S/R - 204)

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.newspaperflyhunting.bandcamp.com

NO. 1408 - Vuilwater
(S/R - 2014)

Does this by any chance, interpret as meaning the fourteen-hundred-and-eighth Dutch metal act to emerge playing this type of sweet old school noise? If so, my thanks to the Netherlands for their decades of musical contributions.

'Vuilwater' is a sweet taster from these four speedy-fingered gents, stripping everything down to the bone and bringing the best of what's left into the middle in nine mighty lumps. Snarly punk metal and thrash menace meet headlong and hit in the delicate bit between the legs as 'Tredmarden', 'Gribus', 'Kapot', 'Grijpgraag', 'Hanf ze Hoog' and 'Verdwaald' attack, sung in their native tongue but still not to be laughed at. Tear apart your bedroom to this beauty as more boys from the big bit across the channel leave their immortal footprint.

Excellent.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Metallica, Anthrax & Therapy.

NET: www. cdbaby.com/cd/no1408

NEOPERA - Destined Ways
(Ear Music - 2014)

Quite a who's who of the German melodic metal scene, Neopera boast the services of Gamma Ray bass legend Dirk Schlater amongst their proudest cogs in this catchy collection.

Not to mention of course Dark Age shredder Jorn Schubert, the brains behind the brilliance of Destined Ways' himself. Threading growly extreme metal intensity in and out through a fabric consisted mostly of mellow male /female led symphonic metal, the 'opera' in the title is somewhat a spoiler to the plot. Nina Jiers's serenely uber-velvet voice sails across every water, whilst the storms of speed metal and sonic keyboard lightning strike out but never sink this magnificent musical ship.

Pulling in some fantastic solos from the seas, there would be confusion over ether its the singing or the guitar stage if listening from shores afar. Rich and ready rhythms and signature switches - and an absence of seven-twelve minute epics - see you race across this one strangely fast. Rarely the destined way with an album of its genre, this debut is nonetheless a definite calling card to classically tutored metal.

Lovely work Jorn.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Mostly Autumn & Kamelot.

NET: www. neopera.com

NULL PARADOX - Gertrude & Grace
(S/R - 2014)

A steampunk rock opera...of all unexperienced combinations in the rockular constellations of space.

Stuff that, these guys...and two gals are on a winner with this. Slick, cruising dual guitar work without pretence powers up with each of these eleven tracks as frontwoman Robyn Christine duly removes the earth wire, rendering it lethal in its emotions. Strong ballad moments like piano based 'Black & White' tell a lot of the story through her tantalising melody' in a way rarely even achieved by Roger Daltrey on 'Tommy'.

A tantalising touch of work, that at only forty two minutes is actually criminally underlong, 'Gertrude & Grace' is indeed full of grace from beginning to end. Die hard concept album addict as I am this is not just another little one to the collection. 9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Evanescence, No Doubt & Heart

NET: NullParadox.com

Nasty Crue – Rock ‘N’ Roll Nation
(Nasty Records – 2013)

This is full-on, strictly no apologies in your face hair metal – rip-off name aside (you know the bit I mean), they are a pretty excellent band with strong harmonies, bombastic riffs and songs to match.

It’s a kinda Steel Panther meets Poison with a few others thrown in the mix too and are actually based in Poland of all places. It’s a short mini-album that clocks in at just over 27 minutes but in that duration are some tongue in cheek cheesy 80’s like songs such as the stonkin’ opener ‘The Last Piece Of My Heart’; the sure-to-be-a-hit ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Nation that comes in 2 versions and a hilarious parody of a famous Christmas carol in ‘Jingle Balls’.

Crank it!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Willie Nile - American Ride
(River House Records - 2013)

This dude kinda conjures up the sounds of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan all in one from the opening couple of songs with even the voice of all three as well - uncanny.

He's been around for 35 years so I am amazed that I've only just heard of him because I was sent this CD. This is a great album of a dozen songs with plenty of highlights in the title track 'American Ride' that is a great name-checkin' road-travellin' ditty of parts of the USA; the Springsteen like 'If I Ever See The Light'; the happy-hearted 'God Laughs'; the religious angst of 'Holy War'; piano ballad that is 'The Crossing' and the jollity of country closer 'There's No Place Like Home'.

A notable artist indeed who is rated by the likes of Bono and Lucinda Williams and even shared stages with the Boss before not to mention being highly rated by the BBC and Rolling Stone Magazine and it's little wonder why after hearing this latest release of his.

Check him out.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

NUDE - Plastic Planet
(My Kingdom Music - 2013)

Nude...er blimey what are this lot about to ladle onto us?

With such an unusual name comes the unusual noise but its a nicely different approach these Italians have on industrial metal. Aggressive ambient elements swing and pump their synth prowess through thumping beats and big choruses with the guitars not getting heard til second tune 'Down In The Garden'. No angry extreme vocal growls as one almost suspects are on the way from the promo description, this is Indie Electro Goth enjoying a rare listenable escapade.

Fabio Calluori's strings struggle for prominence until three tracks in which is a pity as he sounds as proficient as the rest but the keyboard and rhythm section swoops by with a sterling attack on the senses that gets you back again time after time. Mightily inspirational stuff - let hope a new wave does indeed wash against these shores again soon.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Sisters of Mercy, HIM, Killing Joke & New Order.

NET: www.myspace.com/nudeband

The New Number 2 - Beatiful Creatures (OST)
(Sony Classical - 2013)

A soundtrack album that features Son of George Harrison, Dhani that is very atmospheric, classical and jam packed wirth plenty of orchestration as you'd expect.

Best cuts include 'Lena's Magic/The Love Theme'; the slightly Dhani vocalled 'Make It Home (Ridley's Siren Remix)'; 'Searching For The Curse', 'The Honey Hill Stomp' whivh is a killer bluesy piece, the acousticy 'n' electronicy 'Run To Me' and the closing real song 'Never Too Late' which is very spooky and brilliant.

It's okay but rather generic like many of those dark fantasy film sountracks usually are but In am guess that is what the film company wanted.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

John Nickoloff - Get Out Of My Way (E.P.)
(S/R - 2013)

Frontman from Daytona, Florida who is the singer for a band called RainLord, Naked Rachel and NICKOLOFF who some of you Floridians may have seen or heard of in the last few years.

This is a 5 track Cd that rocks real well with Mr. Nickoloff reminding me of Johnny Lima in the vocal dept. Highlights on here - well all of it actually as it's so damn good. Okay there's the brash 'Friends Like These'; the hard hitting, great riffing opening title track 'Get Out Of My Way' or the heartached balladeering 'Not Giving Up'. It's as though he's picked some of the best material he's written and brought the songs together for this grandoise e.p. that has one hell of a great sound to it too.

Excellent.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Neverwonder - Really Let It Out (E.P.)
(S/R - 2013)

An awesome ep from the female fronted Neverwonder that features 5 numbers in all.

A real warm, emotional release it is too that opens up with the gospel like rockin' 'Help Me' and then there's the heartfelt 'Spinning' ballad that comes in the original form and also as a lounge version too. If you don't 'Let It Out' of the sleeve and get it cranked up through them speakers it really is a crime!

One of California's finest outfits indeed.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

NAIVE - Illuminatis
(S/R - 2012)

I have stumbled across these three creative yoing men before.

Naive peddle prog rock noise that sometimes is just noise but at the marginal best of times still under the 'p'-worded category. You are not advised to approach if you dislike short songs as these seven vary between 6:15 and 13:30 but if the uniquely crafted content takes your possible fancy theres fairly plenty to ride on.

Neat vocals and samples from mainman Jouch sent up a strongly ambient aroma and whilst the trademark 'trip-hop' element of their style does tend often to trip up around everything else there is little here to instantly rubbish. Good sharp piano and acoustic work, especially holding up the hull of 'Luna Militis' provides the higher of points about this cd evwn if thats not solely how these lads intend us to interpret.

Experimental rock carried off satisfactorily again even if a little too rough around the edges at times.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/naive

Naughty Whisper - Addicted To Decadence
(SG Records - 2012)

Now these guys are a Scandinavian quartet who appear miles ahead in what I've heard in metal for a long time with overall elements of heaviness meshed with gothic and industrial undertomes at the right moments.

Vocally it is very high, scrachy and abrasive, putting me in mind of that Wednesday 13 style of singing - shouty but perfectly in pitch with really strong melodies and arrangements both in the throatal and musical aspects apiece. They come across very well structured to the point of symphonic without a single orchestra member in sight. Think Fear Factory meets Marilyn Manson, The 69 Eyes and Rob Zombie at times too.

Highlights include the electro startupper 'Welcome To My Nightmare' (not the Alice Cooper song before you ask) that's rather Nailsy; 'My Own Demise'; Poison White' with it's bawly mudmonster vocal intro; 'Everythings Not Lost' and the excellent cover of The Cutting Crews '(I Just) Died In Your Arms (Tonight)' ends this outstanding album too.

Fantastic discovery of an act.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

NEURAL FX - Abreaction
(S/R - 2012)

Mexican metal –interesting… Mexican prog metal - even more so. Monterrey’s Neural FX slam the gas straight down on a good, well-maintained musical vehicle and fly forward away through the dust.

Ten purely straight-laid tracks of technical guitar nicety you only come to expect from a US or European combo by day, make up this captivating album. Moving mainly on a vocal-led structure, Adolfo Torres’ voice belongs to many more than one style in his soulful flair.

Driving alternative/hard rock angst doesn’t come across to dampen the intended orientation of Neural FX’s product, yet it does make for a multi-angular shape. Sharp performances and shrill solos from guitarist Renee Montt, along with occasional female guest vocals shut a pristine, glinting lid across another scintillating South American metal trove.

Vital for the collection.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Fates Warning, Stratovarious & Magnum.

NET: www.neuralfx.net

Neverworld - Welcome To… (E.P.)
(Dreamdemon Recordings - 2010)

Neverworld are a fairly new band to the UK scene only formed in 2009, which is very surprising considering the quality and professional first EP.

The opening track 'They Live (We Sleep)' kicks off the EP in a very traditional progressive heavy metal way with a Judas Priest influence, with very hard edged aggressive, powerful and in places high pitched vocals (very Rob Halfordish) with chugging guitar riffs and powerful drums and bass lines. The song is greatly complimented with the use of keyboards and extra guitar in various sections to give a bit of a power metal feel to the track. 'Into The Heart Of Chaos' is a bit too thrashy and chaotic, but is still worth a listen. The track still contains powerful melodies, progressive metal guitar riffs, powerful aggressive bass lines and powerful drums.

'The Fire' is the longest track on the EP and works as a more commercial track, but still keeps with the whole feel of the EP from the light keyboards passages under the sound of the solid, hard edged guitar riffs. The track shows the versatility of the band from the slow start to the heavy sound of the middle of the song and the very metal end of the song.

Regardless of what genre you put this band in, whether it is heavy, power, progressive or neoclassical metal, Neverworld have made their intention known and is a welcome addition to the world of UK metal. The songs from this, their first EP, demonstrates that there is a lot of talent in this band and what a bright future these guys have.

9/10

By Andy Turner

Net: www.neverworldmetal.co.uk www.myspace.com/neverworldmetalwww.last.fm/music/neverworld

NG26 – Open Your Mind
(Holier Than Thou Records - 2011)

I remember gigging with NG26 in 2006 and they were the opening band for a couple of fairly big Midlands bands (Pro-Jekt and Teenage Casket Company) at First Floor (formerly The Rockhouse) in Derby. I remember how good they were then, but now six years later their sound in full on balls to the wall no holds barred alternative metal and with the release of 'Open Your Mind' they have delivered an awesome album. Their attitude to the industry, their song writing ability and their musical ability has matured greatly for the good. As they have as individuals, but they have never lost their politeness and good manners which makes them a promoters delight, which makes a refreshing change in this day and age of the arrogant rock star.

They have stuck to their guns in the genre of metal they play and this shows in all aspects of the bands CD ‘Open Your Mind’ and how this translates to their live performance. The band comprises of two sets of brothers and the line up has not changed since NG26’s first inception. The Derbyshire based noise-merchants have taken a leaf directly from the book of rock as written by such acts as Creed, Alter Bridge and Shinedown, managing to weld some awesomely memorable chorus's with very powerful and melodic vocals. The vocals are impressive, Chris Topley the bands front man, is an awesome vocalist that compliments the superb classy guitar work of Rich Shaw, with thundering bass lines from Rob Shaw and powerful drumming of Jon Topley.

Musically speaking the hard rock tone of this band owes as much to older classic bands as it does to the newer bands mentioned above but they still have a clearly developed their own sound. My 3 favourite songs on the album are the blistering opener 'Bring Back The Day', 'One More Road From Home' (which has an awesome video to it) and the brilliant 'Look To The Sky'. In all honesty though you could put this album on and let it play from start to finish, you wouldn’t want to skip a track - the quality is awesome.

This in an album of top notch alternative anthems and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From their humble beginnings to today, what a band NG26 have turned out to be, these guys have turned out to be a top metal act. If you ever get the chance to go see these guys live do not pass up the chance.

9/10

By Andy Turner

Net: www.ng26band.co.uk www.myspace.com/ng26
www.facebook.com/mightyNG26 http://www.reverbnation.com/ng26

NYA - Driving The Nails In
(S/R - 2012)

NYA are a female-fronted UK metal act and one that have come to some few thousand’s attention, at least due to a slot at 2011’s Download.

Dunking together progressive metal and alternative package on the playing face, these five new numbers are strong enough to make one wonder when a full-length album is on the agenda. Aggressive and mellow in chequers, Anezka Piska’s soaring voice is as graceful and emotive as Amy Lee’s on a great day in the garden.

‘Back To You’, ‘Open Your Eyes’ and the solo-friendly ‘Choir Invisible’ lay down the style, each then exiting faster than Anthony Worrall Thompson out of a Tesco store. Giving you hooks and structured song balance, there’s belters aplenty to mull over till their next live visit.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: nyaofficial.com

NEW DIPLOMAT - Buy Yourself Some Freedom
(S/R - 2011)

New Diplomat are a Bay Area-based, multi-nation Industrial/alternative fivesome making a maniacal noise that slowly digests across six numbers.

Straight-cut punk-tempo rock, marinated by a thick electro topping is a tried-and-tested-to-death formula though these lads have known that enough to learn they need a little experimentation on the side. Hence then the swish and occasionally Dream Theater/Kamelot -toned keyboard fills which work unexpectedly well against singer Horacio O’Brien Ferres’ stupendously Cobain-alike range.

Though structured conceptually, the tracks are songs alone with size and shape to distinguish from each. Diplomatically crafted, new metal – definitely worth a go, guys and gals.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: 30 Seconds To Mars, Nirvana, Garbage & Feeder.

NET: newdiplomat.net

Nasty Idols - Kalifornia
(Perris Records - 2012)

One of Sweden's finest glam exports still prove that we need nothing but a good time on their new album, 'Kalifornia'.

I thought this would be a great Cd and I was proved right that's compacted with dirty cliches of sex, drugs and rock and roll throughout. Don't take my word for it just get your ears around gems like 'No More Rules' that reminds me of latter day Alice Cooper; the rock out with your v*g out 'Sister Sin' & the humorous '1969 (This Ain't The Summer Of Love)'.

Later in the album you'll get emblazened by the nu-metal meets Rob Zombie 'Road Trip'; the lovely titled 'Sweet Suicide' that's kinda Murderdollsesque gone a bit glam with good ole cowbell drowned in there too.They even leave us with a lovely but sad ballad in 'Since U Been Gone' - ciggy lighter in the air now Darlings!

If only these guys would do a nice handful of overdue UK dates.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Max Navarro - Hard Times
(Cherry Lips Records - 2012)

New rock artist from Italy who sounds pretty good with his 5 piece band.

It's very contemporary at times but decent enough, though I do think the bass drum is too high in the mix and thuds over everything else too much. That said there's a few highlights here including the opening 'You Can Rely On' that reminds me a bit of Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World'; 'Winter In Chicago' and the closing 'End Of The Universe'.

An Okay release.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

NEW MANIC SPREE - Hollywoods and Galaxies
(S/R - 2012)

Great as it is to see another bunch of bulky rock n’ roll deliveries from down under through our letterbox again, Aussie alt rockers are a pretty unlikely export of their land.

Not to get me wrong, the country renowned for AC/DC and Airbourne have their plentiful gems in the indie rock scene its just that we rarely get to hear of them. New Manic spree have a sound that sits somewhere between Klaxons and The Police, singer/guitarist Tim Baker’s voice a total doppelganger for Mr Sumner’s at the best of occasions. Six tracks of progressive-tinged pop lush with strong harmonies and sizzling staccatos showcase this male/female foursome very healthily.

‘Deranged’, ‘Plastique Fantastiqe’, ‘Hollywoods and Galaxies’ and ’Prelude’ in particular lift up well in the live set atmosphere, adding a zest of uniqueness to New Manic Spree’s readily distinctive produce. Songs that sit on a shelve of their song, 'H.A.G.' may have to see a bit of repeat playing item before it drills withy some but it is a worthwhile one.

Intriguing.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Porcine Tree, Police, Alice In Chains

www/myspace.com/newmanicspree

Ronny North - Light
(S/R - 2010)

Orange County Boy Ronny North unleashes this fascinating instrumental epic onto us with his green guitar that he loves so much.

I've known this cat a bit and he's always friendly and full of life which is very much like his incredible virtuosity on the six stringer. He's like a cross between Joe Satriani and Steve Vai thrown into one and then some...

Highlights on here include the brightly brilliant 'Minute Of U'; title track 'Light'; 'A Call To Arms'; 'A Day In The Moment' and closer 'Permission To Land'. Take note of this guy because his tunes are such a positive revelation in guitar playing.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

NEURONIA - Follow the White Mouse
(Metal Scrap Records - 2011)

With East Europe doing a decent trade in top rate extreme metal racket these last two years, there seems to be an expectation placed on each and every band.

Sadly as we know, the occasional act, including today’s unlikely offenders, Poland’s Neuronia fall short. In spite of some wonderfully precise soloing and welcome interlude from a sitar of all things, everything else across these eight tracks soon mutilates into a sped up mess that can’t decide whether to be death, thrash,hardcore, prog or goth.

Although there is the sufficient aggression to sell it, a fair portion of the songs start with promise only to drown in a cobbled t-together wreck and while they have progressive tendencies, progress is seriously slowed until diverted towards its own backside.

One mouse best left for the cat to chase.

4.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.neuronia/pl

NOLoveLost - S/T
(S/R - 2012)

Melidoc Hard Rock band from Winston Salem, NC, USA who remind me of Mr. Mister, House Of Lords and other bands of that style with their big bombastic cavernous arena sound.

Highlights of the album include the opener '(Eternal) Miles Apart' with the Jon Lord like organ wails, 'Sign Of The Times' that's pure late 80's hard rock and reminds of bands like Kiss Of The Gypsy,the later Rainbow like 'Back On The Streets', the ballad 'Closer To Home' and 'Little Things' especially for the strong guitar riffery and the marvellous anthemic chorus.

Very like many of those bands that you hear on labels like Z Records or Frontiers who are pure perfection in both the musical and high vocal dept and always appear at festivals of that ilk.

Decent although very typically generic of the genre.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Heather Nova - 300 Days At Sea
(Saltwater Music Ltd - 2011)

Can't say I'm a fan of her to be honest. It's not that she's not a good artist - she is but I just find her so radio friendly, middle of the road and mainstream - so if that's your bag then go for it.

Saying that, highlights include 'Stop The Fire' is a great song though that's powerful, fresh and bouncy; the building up and beautiful 'Do Something That Scares You'; the ballad 'Burning For Love' and the closing 'Stay'.

Okay but not exactly grabbing your attention much since it's very tedious and more like wallpaper I'm sorry to say.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

9 CHAMBERS - S/T
(Ear Music - 2011)

New band, old name - theres the way to sell it. Vinnie Appice, one of classic metal’s golden drumming goliaths rises from the ol’ obscurity shadows with another mighty new hard rock machine, proving even the passing of his great leader Ronnie James Dio never keeps one down for long.

Fourteen tunes of notably old-fashioned trad rock take you by the throat and hurl you, letting impressive guitar performances of Greg Hampton and Ed Mundell hold you up for the journey in front. Good solos of strong seventies vintage are in their much-demanded abundance as is a grittily diverse lead vocal performance from Hampton himself that places a modern air through the musical tubes.

‘Life Moves On’, ‘Majick Number’, ‘One thing Missing’, ‘Know Your Enemy’, ‘Bury Yourself’, ‘Can’t Turn Your Back’, ‘Indeed The Sun’, ‘Use U Up’ and ‘Darker Side Of Sunshine’ don’t do the same one thing a dozen-plus times over despite initial impressions, adding grunge angles along with occasional emo, nu metal and grunge deviations to otherwise blues-driven hard rock that remains very much in the Rainbow vein.

Awesomely tight playing throughout from Mr A himself, some of these tunes may need a repeat play for warming but it’s a sign that this legend, far yet from laid to rest is well into his second coming.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden & Van Halen.

www.myspace.com/9chambersmusic

NITOWSKI - Stay In The Home You Love
(Function Records - 2011)

Experimental metal is often and should be fun, shouldn't it kids? Well now Nitkowski want to do it as well.

Why not? Well that question springs sadly to mind as there are several precautions to take… one being that to ensure that your music retains at least an ounce of commercial accessibility. Sadly, while evidently talented in their instrument handling, this trio fail heftily on that score and I while quite often a fan of things done even-more-than-differently am so almost forced to skip through each of these heaps of tuneless mess after just half a track. Randomly placed industro-core vocal interludes sometime resembling the pleads of an over-prolonged torture victim only ruin it even more.

Despite some pleasantly Primus-like funk lines, ‘Stay…’ otherwise barely makes for listenable in the long run.
One I’d rather stay away from.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

NEONFLY - Outshine The Sun
(Rising Records - 2011)

Likelihoods are you may have crossed paths with these five chaps already in your life… at least if you own a copy of Rock Band on your PS3 console.

Or also if you saw their name and mistook them for a so-so power-pop excuse… but let me assure you, if its not too late, Neonfly are neither of those two things, in actually fact a damn fine melodic metal band like not many I’ve met in my time on planet rock‘s vibrating earth. The London lads make a familiar enough sound on first entry with German names aplenty on the edge of one’s teeth but then instantly proceed to whip the rubber out and erase in favour of their own lines.

'Broken Wings', 'The Enemy', 'Ship With No Sails', 'The Revenant', 'The Ornament', 'Reality Shift', 'Spitting Blood', 'The Messenger' and the incredibly unexpected seventies-glitter-tinged finale of 'I Think I Saw a UFO' bravely explore extensive fields of technique on the boundaries of what the style accepts and enjoys swaggery vocal work from excellent singer Willy Norton.

Dropping in lush melodies unsparingly, more than a few AOR diversions spread their safely not-too-sweet aroma in and amongst the rest of the sturdy elements and add some creamy-smooth choirboy -esque backing harmonies across the mix. Fredrick Thunder and Patrick Harrington’s mouthwatering twin guitars take this on to the highest level and leave it there, tinting it with a truly Maiden and then some sensation that will unite the appreciation of all old or young.

Being kind of in the middle here at 34, I was raised on traditional metal and whiel there are traditional components inside the Neonfly package, the rest is their own brand and boy do we hear it. A phenomenally fresh contribution to a scene sadly taunted daily by fasion -instigated ridicule and accusation of staleness has just seen its mould spots inexplicably vanish without trace.

Neonfly, you boys are professors!

10/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Edguy, Helloween, Gamma Ray & Magnum.

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

NERVECELL - Psycho Genocide
(Lifeforce Records - 2011)

Now this is what I call interesting- a death metal act out of Dubai of all places.

Metal being often received about as warmly in the middle east, as Mike Tindall’s latest photo collection was by Zara, it seems fascinating to find out what this part of the world takes to producing such a music. Despite it, frankly landing on the largely predictable, these three guys get it spot on nonetheless with some nice tasty oriental overtones. Rhythms bounce up and down, back and forth amidst fast, slow and stampy progressions that keep it good fun and the choruses are actually clear.

'Upon An Epidemic Scheme', 'All Eyes On Them', 'Psychogenocide', 'Imprint', 'Taste Of Betrayal' and 'Nation's Plague' come through with plausible panache and some good old fashioned driving guitar that demonstrates their influence as drawn right from the early chapters of the scene’s history onwards.

An unlikely belter from this unknown new band, Nerves are going to twitch if this starts Cell… I mean sell-ing. Nice start, lads.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nile, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse & Obituary.

NET: www.myspace.com/.nervecell

NOT TOO LATE - S/T
(S/R - 2011)

Advise when grabbing a copy of girl-fronted foursome Not Too Late’s superb debut album, is simply anyone expecting some Evanescence/Anansie-inspired alt metal grinder to kick out spitting across the woofers is lined up for a negative surprise.

Those open-minded, left alongside me who know that not all female led outfits specialise in such wares …stay around please. All having been quiet on the Christian rock radar in recent years, another burgeoning blip in the form of these part-ladies-part-lads tradsters is welcomed straight into our field. Singer Dawn Shaffer’s style ping-pongs its way from sassy to seductive and back again in putting the message across and generates a few tasty hooks along the way with it. Suitably, tracks like ‘My Jesus’, ‘Weeping and Gnashing Of Teeth’, ‘Big God’, ‘Oak Tree Root’, ’Baptize Me’ and ’Refiner’s Fire’ play out as moulded, more circa 1981 than century #21 on the sound front with swish classy production and sharp guitar lines, either wired or acoustic.

As with those others turned in their lifetime by Lordly dealings, its Never too Late to convert… let this disc entice you at least a good half of the way if not further.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Fleetwood Mac, Girlschool, Pretenders & Extreme.

NET: www.myspace.com/nottoolatemusic

NOCTUM – Oblivion
(Rising Records - 2011)

Spanish black metal vets celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut with their lucky seventh long player.

Luckily for their fans it’s a seventh sledge through the sound that’s kept them in business all of their decade plus. Unluckily, for those wanting something more than heard-one-song-heard-the-all extreme metal by numbers, this one might probably bludgeon you into the same boredom-related death. Nothing ventured and nothing probably gained other than respect of the scene’s readily established fan roster, Noctum robotically rip and shred through another scream-infested speed fest to the usual predictable-as-f**k max.

Saving their own skin by some nifty lead harmonies that themselves last too briefly to love forever, a lot of these lovely eleven numbers will become more succulent live set meat without saying Going not too harshly now, seeing as I don’t want gullible fans to dread disappointment, ‘Oblivion’ is however not going to see amateurs see astonishment either.

Acceptable stuff but best on stage.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Nitroville – Can’t Stop What’s Comin’
(S/R/Tijuana Brothers Records – 2011)

Excellently tight and hot-rockin’ and rollin’ blues based band from North London with an amazing frontlady in the Anne Wilson sounding, ‘Tola Lamont’ who will grab you very easily with their Southern sounds of the USA for sure.

There’s plenty of swamp-lovin’ guitar work on here such as gutsy songs like ‘Cuts To The Bone’; the slow AC/DC’ish ‘Let It Roll’; ‘Dust Devil’; the second to none ‘Twist In The Chain’; the funkyish slipper-stomping ‘Got What It Take’ or the closing and cooking ‘Coming On Strong’.

London? More like Louisiana when they got a vibe like this happening for them.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Nazareth - Big Dogz
(ear Music/Edel - 2011)

The Old Scottish Guyz are still blistering the speakers out with their rock soundz from up north - so how does this latest release of theirs fare?

Well someof it is great and some of it not so great Good songs on here like the opener 'Big Dog's Gonna Growl'; .No Mean Monster' which jokes that his friends call him fred; the retro-autobiographical 'Time And Tide'; 'The Toast' about the guys having a good night down the local boozer with spoken word from the landlord, the gorgious but sad and looking back to times gone by with lost loved ones in 'Butterfly' and the excellent closer 'Sleepwalker' but others like 'Lifeboat', 'Claimed' and 'Watch Your Back' sound a bit strained and more like stocking filler in comparison.

An average to good album for Nazareth.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

New York Dolls - Dancing Backward In High Heels
(Blast Records/Gobal Music Group - 2011)

This sees the New York Dolls in a totally different light because insted of going for an easy sleaze it all out for every song they have gone for a more interesting approach and incorporated a wide range of music which totally decategorises them from being pigeonholed into a particular musical genre.

Her you get a wide selection of styles throughout the 12 tracks on offer with highlights including the reggae of 'End Of The Summer'; the retro bounciness of opener 'Streetcake'; 'Fabulous Rant' that couples with 'I'm So Fabulous' about what is hated by the band of New York with some cookin' sax playing on there; the Teddyboy 50's rock of 'Round And Round She Goes'; the gorgious quiet percussive ballad 'You Don't Have To Cry' and the boogy for defoness of 'Funky But Chic'.

Outstanding venture and definately worth buying.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

NEVERSIN - S/T
(Heart Of Steel Records - 2010)

Neversin are a young five-piece haling from Italy, as one instantly guesses alone from reading their names although they appear happy to be known simply as ‘Ben’, ‘Skench’, 'Sgana', ‘Hurt’ and ‘Albertino’.

The Padova outfit press melodic metal, prog, alternative and hard rock together into a dozen pretty ditties that instantly gel on their simplicity. There is no pretentious prog experimentation to brace for, just straight ahead verse-chorus moulded- machines with sweet melodies and swirly lead lines stuck in at all angles round it like forks into a fondue.

The twin guitars take a by the book line with style and unrelenting passion, playing the chords and solos with their eyes closed and still getting it nailed good. Maintaining loyalty to their influences, ’Jail’, ‘Fairyland’, ‘The Stranger’, ‘Trust’, ’October‘, ‘Long For Love‘ and ’Southern Cross’ absorb true classic rock juices and remain delightfully tight at the edges. Excellent album of melodic rock innovation without having to sound anymore than straightforward. Neversin are a sin not to give a try, themselves.

Good stuff.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Europe, Dream Theater, Tyketto, Harem Scarem & Queen.

NET: www.myspace.com/neversincom

NOISE CONTROL - The Room At The End Of The Hall
(S/R - 2010)

Something these young men have difficulty maintaining, Noise Control need more restraint over the influences than their volume, but boy do we love them for what they’ve done here?

This Canadian trio sound to have made a straight ahead guitar noise as if they’d just put everything out of sight and got on with it , trying everything at least once but without feeling under force. ‘Severed‘, ’Breathing Lies‘ ,‘Priss’ and ’Shine’ are four amongst a mixed seven-strong bunch of brilliantly knocked off numbers that while in need of possibly clearer hooks are the product of totally honest songwriters.

Grunge, metal, blues and funk vibes sink in on overlapping shares of occasions with some neat jamming and Reggie Hache’s voice trained to suit all styles and its sells itself to those chasing the substance they want in this sort band.

A great, effortless assault on the smaller minded of senses Noise Control unashamedly demonstrate their rights to versatility without looking over their shoulders.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: myspace.com/noise control www.noisecontrolmusic.com

NOTORIOUS - Radio Silence
(Angel Air - 2010)

At the same time that Brit guitar maestro Robin George reissues his acclaimed debut also comes this frankly superior slice of classic rock from 1985 which Angel Air have kindly finally decided to give a lease of shelf life.

Formed between Robin and Sean Harris fresh from an at the time disbanded Diamond Head, there is less of likely Metallica cover fodder here, concentrating on a commercial hybrid of both their parent styles. Softer than DH yet more Def Lep and less electro-vocalled than Mr Georges’ solo material, this star-studded combo still never reached the heights of high-profile stardom they deservedly had it shaped for, even in the midst of the biggest decade for traditional hard rock. The signs are great from the start of the opening title number and probably my favourite chorus of the whole combo. As with everything else these two fellas were already reputable for, you get just what you are promised and better, as Robin lets rip with his razor-sharpening solos and incendiary melodies.

‘RS’ inevitably comes predominantly loaded with straight ahead hard rockers like ’The S’Walk’, ‘Arianne’, ‘Losing You’ ‘It’s All Energy’ and ‘Eyes of The World’ and AOR cuts such as vaguely Simple Minds-like ‘Better the Devil You Know’ and the ballad ‘You Need More’ that bands like Heartland are easily to reverse engineer by here. Obviously on one-trick ponies, Mr George takes welcome delves into neighbouring territories, bringing us other favourites like funky bass driven likes of 'Do Like A Man' and ’Touch’, soft blues of ‘I Believe in You’ and sax-layered ‘Soul On Fire’ to name the best while a precariously Bad Company-esque ‘ moment with the intro The Game’s Up’ is forgiven with an awesomely sussy blues cut coming right behind it.

Both those who were my age 25 years back down the line, and today’s younger generation of classic rockers duly recognise the importance of a fresh second opportunity to hear this stormer. A fantastic album, whether its quarter of a century or quarter of a week in the coming, it should have Robin George springing deservedly back to the forefront while Sean Harris himself still active with full voice could ideally do with teaming up once again for a handful of live dates to mark the occasion.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey, Magnum, Dokken, Gowan, Virginia Wolf Heartland, Robin George (solo)

NET: www.angelair.co.uk

NECROGRINDER - Mangled Foetus Injection
(S/P - 2010)

I have to admit to being delayed a little by laughing at one or two certain track titles on this first offering by Sheffield deathsters Necrogrinder.

Hoping not to laugh at how amusingly tedious the content within may probably turn out to be, no such misfortune actually awaits - these chaps are seriously quite decent most of their trek, even if you wouldn’t think it with names like ‘Chainsore Brainsore’, Bummed By the Bin Men’ and ’Vegetable Soup’ on the sleeve. Fast, guttural and unremittingly brutal all the way as to be expected, they manage not to keep it all one speed treating one in fact to a generous amount of leaping between rhythms and plenty of swing-a-long -your-sledgehammer sections guaranteed to pacify most Slayer fans listening.

Their solos are short but don’t disappoint being spread quite well amongst the vocal lines and come with fast-fingered precision we enjoy. Though to win them zero awards in the originality stakes, their production is the main downside but still they’ve got it off to a promising start with this selection. AS a live outfit, Necrogrinder look to be frightening , so it is advised to make sure you’re familiar with their sound before you attend.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy, Napalm Death & Morbid Angel.

NET: myspace.com/necrogrinderuk

Neuronspoiler - No One's Safe (E.P.)
(S/R - 2010)

A five tracker who remind me of classic metal a la Dio & Iron Maiden with singer JR having a voice that reminds of Ronnie with elements of Hetfield & Mustaine. Good stuff.

Highlights on here include the adventurous fast pacin' instrumental 'Cataclysm'; the setting the standards starter 'The Outcry' and the closing 'Words, Words, Words' with it's spoken word intro putting me in mind of the kinda thing that Axl did on the GNR Illusion albums - 'Get In The Ring' in particular.

Nice intro to a very promising Heavy Metal quintet from London and the South East of the UK. It's also well worth mentioning that they dedicated the EP to the late, great Ronnie James Dio.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

THE NEW UP - Gold
(Evil Cherise - 2010)

Last time a five-piece girl-fronted Californian act came our way it was the horrendous No Doubt - thankfully on longer in situ. Hopefully newcomers TNU amend the crime and give us something genuinely exciting.

They succeed to some extent here, I’ll have to say that. The guitar lines are a lush blend of electro punk and indie with a prog over-structure that supports most of the eight numbers along their way , with infectious moments very much intact.

The serious obstacle is frontwoman ES Pitcher’s so-called singing which sounds like it at the start but slides precariously fast into a tone-deaf drawl that makes even the Cranberries sound great by comparison and almost sends me scuttling to the ‘skip’ button after about a minute of each number. Thus an otherwise great first taste of this quite impressive unit is seen ruined .

What a shame.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Skunk Anansie, Sonic Youth, Garbage

NO BOUNDS TONIGHT - Rock & Rock HxC
(NBT Records - 2010)

I don’t get the opportunity to hear old classic old-school sleaze punk nowadays being mostly into things more Journey-like but I still do sport a loyal respect for the scene when I know its done properly.

No Bounds Tonight live literally up to their name from one sense of the expression , sending us on a who’s who through all the styles ever exploited by the genre’s great names. Yet despite their sound mainly tailored to please every purist alive, they don’t leave diversity dying in the stream , adding some pleasantly Motorhead and Agnostic Front moments and punchy seventies solo lines made with wrecking your bedroom floor along to in mind and are ruined only by a couple of unnecessary sounding scream core treks towards the end of the listing.

Filling in only 28 minutes of listening time frees up many more an hour to enjoy testosterone- basted bruisers like ‘N.B.T.’, ‘Hard To Believe‘, ‘Faster‘, ‘Til The End‘ , ’Worker’s Song’ ‘ and the old school hardcore surprise ’Think By Yourself’ and that’s only to warm you up for a live show by these chaps. It’ll hurt but in all the right ways.

Great.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: myspace.com/noboundstonight

Roy Philip Nohl - Arcadia
(S/R - 2010)

One of those undiscovered sensations once more turns out to be sensational for ….well mixing irritating screamcore racket with occasionally listener-palatable parts sums it up pretty well.

R.P.N' starts to sound promising going into most tracks only for another pass at another poor man’s Bring Me The Horizon to send me almost diving for the skip button - as if the Sheffield outfit aren’t bad enough already).

I heard so many good things said about this disc only for it to turn out another tedious slice of student metal with vague progressive moments that either just saved it from disappearing up its own backside or there to annoy the Kerrang-hugging majority who’ll inevitably flock to the shops for their copy.

Quite why they let their few pleasantly lush melodic interludes be over shadowed by practically intolerable din, is baffling at least.

I’d have given them much more time if tracks like ’Because of You’ were their speciality.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Nutz – Tightened Up – Live In Nottingham 1977
(Market Square Records – 2010)

A hard rock band with plenty of keyboards who may be long forgotten now but were a sought after getting big noise back in the 70’s. This CD sees Nutz live at The Grey Topper Club, Nottingham, England on March 1st 1977 and was recorded from broadcast by Radio Trent.

Their singer David Lloyd later did the vocals for the Flake and my old fave, The Yorkie advert with the truck on it, while their late drummer, John Mylett turned down the chance to take the stool for Ozzy Osbourne because it wasn’t his thing! Even Peter Grant wanted to manage them!

Anyways, back to the point – this gig features 12 songs in all with the crowd wanting more at the end too. Highlights include a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘One More Cup Of Coffee’; ‘Loser/Pushed Aside’; ‘Sick & Tired’; ‘I Know The Feeling’; ‘Changes Coming’ and the closing ‘Living On A Knife Edge.

Pity they never made it massive but they had fun along the way but stop press as the band are reforming!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

NAIL - Power And Greed
(S/R - 2010)

Canadian four-piece Nail are formed not of another brooding gang of young whippersnappers hoping to make their mark on the rock n’roll industry but a group of veteran musicians originating from prolific acts in their own right.

Guitarist, Rainer Weichmann spent a couple of years in native legends Helix as did sister Cindy who fronts this project with her classy, near punk like, throat and the chemistry looks good from herein. Looking for an album of hair-rock revival attempts will leave you nowhere I have to warn you right now, much as a fan of the scene as I am myself, but the melodic pop metal/ punk sound they explore instead make the album just as much of a treat with the strong and less-than overcooked contemporary vibe the steam gives off. Why these guys haven’t got a deal is a mystery ,especially with Rainer, a veteran Canuck producer of two decades past behind the helm.

I recommend it gets sorted sharpish as apart from a couple or so draggy moments, its an impressive first piece from a new machine and stands poised to do pretty healthily for their following to come.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Siouxie and The Banshees, Skunk Anansie & Joan Jett.

NET: www.nailtheband.com

New Riders Of The Purple Sage – Very Best Of The Relix Years
(Retroworld/Floatingword – 2009)

Classic rodeo country band whose music certainly wouldn’t be out of place on ‘The Dukes Of Hazzard’ that’s made up from 3 different albums on this here double set.

There’s rootin’ tootin’ great in concert material from ‘Live On Stage’ from gigs at The Beacon Theatre, New York and The Keystone in Berkley, California (both from 1975) that include highlights such as ‘Instant Armadillo Blues’ – now that’s a cool f*ck*n’ title if ever I heard one; the gorgious ‘Singing Cowboy’; the excellent ‘Panama Red’ and an almost unintelligable vocalled cover of Chuck Berry’s ‘Nadine’.

We then get the studio album ‘Keep On Keeping On’ with some real great numbers here such as ‘Bounty Hunter’ (not the ‘Hatchet number either); the amazingly voiced ‘Barbaric Splendor’ and the acoustically incredible ‘Big Ed’ with jawharp, harmonica and Dobro – killer laid-back country blues!

Other highlights on 2nd CD include the album version of ‘Henry’ & Last Lonely Eagle that are to-die-for killer country tunes from ‘Before Time Began’ as well as ‘Taking It Hard’; ‘Diesel On My Tail’ (about a truck getting too close to you on the highway) and the live in Japan rousing acoustic closer ‘Ripple’ (that’s very CS&N) that all appeared on the ‘Best Of’ Album.

There’s only one mark for this 2cd set and that’s the top mark.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Excellent.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
(apart from Iron… You-know-who) Queensryche, Scorpions, Diamond Head, Sinner, Dokken, Europe, Judas Priest, Y&T, Gamma Ray & Edguy.

NET: myspace.com/ninthcircleworld & www.ninthcircle.us

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Faster Pussycat, LA Guns, Warrant, Cinderella, Every Mother's Nightmare

6/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

For an unsigned band, I don’t think guys will be left on the shelf for long. Good luck

8/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

A very enjoyable listen.

8/10

By Tony Watson

A very energetic band with a sound that will be applauded by all that hear.

9/10

By Tony Watson

Both CDs are exceptional in their own right and both provide the listener with good solid rock.

9/10

By Tony Watson

4/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Tony Watson

5/10

By Tony Watson

5/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Tony Watson

Naughty Boys - R U Naughty Enough
(N-Records -2007)

A Swedish Melodic Rock band who originally formed in 1989 with the final lineup complete in 1992 and sound very much like White Lion on this here platter.

The songs are put over really well both musically and vocally and highlights include the opening number 'Only God'; the classic fly your ciggy lighter in the air type anthem that is 'After the Rain'; the rockin' 'I Will', the positively reckoning 'Nothing Can Bring Me Down'; the strong riffing, diggin' lyric of 'Stay' and the closing 'Something To Believe In'.

A band worth checking out if you love well-played Rock that is fresh with plenty of quality clear vocals then you can't go wrong by spending a few quid, dollars or euros on this 'ere album.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Nex – A Clockwork Heart

Every so often a band falls under the Metalliville radar that, from their albums first spin, leaves us jumping up and down with excitement like schoolchildren on Red Bull. Be it their attitude, their songs, or their sheer machismo; these bands possess that ever important x-factor required to force any and all before them to bow down at their feet in sheer adulation of their greatness.

Said band in question here are Huddersfield quintet Nex. Who, since forming in 2002, have been winning over crowds nationwide with their symphonically-tinged hard rock. Now, with a record deal firmly in hand, Nex look set to make 2008 the year they wave goodbye to murky venues and take their first steps towards becoming stadium flattening Demigods.

But “Why the praise” you ask? Well, from the opening ivory twinklings of ‘In Pieces’, through to the head-crushing ‘The Revenge’, it quickly becomes evident that Nex offer something far more intriguing than the talentless streaks of piss largely encompassing the British Rock scene.

Combining the melodic sensibilities of Avenged Sevenfold and the metallic power of Sweden’s Soilwork with cleverly intertwined orchestral dabblings; Nex have taken a tried and tested formula and remodel it to suit their own twisted ends, with astounding results.

With songs such as ‘Tinkerbell’ and ‘Phantoms’ wielding the finest anthemic choruses this side of Foo Fighters and stomping powerhouse ‘Dansylvania’ destined to batter even the sturdiest of listeners into submission with its bruising grooves and Ed Dickinson’s stunning vocal prowess. While sombre acoustic number ‘Ashes & Embers’ serves as a fine precursor to the moshtastic allure of ‘Before The Storm’, a vicious whirlwind of punishing Guitars and lightening-fast drumming, both caustic and brilliant.

Fact is; ‘A Clockwork Heart’ is easily one of the finest British rock records to be released in years. Ripe with bludgeoning riffs, strong melodies and masterful songwriting, Nex have quite possibly just given us our first contender for album of the year.

8/10

By Tom Brumpton

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

NATION BEYOND - The Aftermath Odyssey
(Burning Star Records - 2007)

Sweden are at it again as another promising new vehicle drives out onto the metal highway. Amongst those at the wheel here are ex members of other familiar names on Scandinavia’s map, including one geezer from sadly defunct 90’s thrash faves Face Down.

Venturing a slightly less heavier road now, Nation Beyond are a dual vocal symphonic metal combo with one voice male, the other being that of a lay-dee, and hell do they work well in their role. Astonishingly more so, in spite of their heavily Dream Theater influenced produce, they lack a keyboard player in their ranks, opting instead for the twin guitar approach of Queensryche, to fans of whom this debut album will also appeal hugely.

Tate and co in the mentioning, this conceptual piece begins not unsimilarly to ‘....Mindcrime’, kicking of with two small numbers including an instrumental, afore the full length cuts commence, and what beautiful cuts they are at that. Sara and Niels (seems we’re only allowed first names this time) share the mike as well as alternate in accordance with the direction of every tune and the lush silky string-meistery of their two axemen in both electric and acoustic form leaves both eyes and ears watering.

‘In The Ashes’, ‘New Eden City’, ‘The Council’, ‘Soulmates’, ‘war of The Wastelands’ and ‘Point Zero’ are six of the best but none of the twelve even hint at bad. A stunning mix of melodic metal and strong poetic feel that holds me in all the way through without letting go, N.B.’s first time out sets the standard for their second and all beyond.

Superb.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NUCLEAR BLAST ALLSTARS - Out Of The Dark
(Nuclear Blast - 2007)

Following in principle what Jeff Waters did with his toasting new Annihilator disc ‘Metal’, the entire Nuclear Blast label’s roster now have a swipe at celebrating their 20 years in business, honouring the word of the genre by assembling an elite entourage of luminaries from across planet metal’s surface.

These ten cuts are penned by former Soilwork guitarist Pete Wechers and some may consider the style a little too contemporary at times, given the duration of the illustrious career being spanned. In Flame’s Andreas Friden, Death Angel’s Mark Osogueda and Anthrax/Armoured Saint legend John Bush are undoubtedly the three names people are most likely to latch on to as their initial basis for lending this album their attention.

All three sound great for their time, Bush and Osogueda in particular but placed on the same disc space as relative ‘recruits’ like the chaps from Wintersun, Kataklysm and not to mention Wicher’s Soilwork chum Bjorn “Speed” Strid, there is a notably even more meaningful air to it all. Sadly a one-off get together for these fellows, the racks turn out very well composed and surprisingly versatile, offering a blend of modern extreme and alternative metal that the old school men fail to ruin.

The lion’s share of latterday troupes in representation on this combo have been subjects of Metalliville press (mostly positive) over the year hereto and it is hoped these impressive treats on the side will tempt you to check out their day trades. A severe Blast from the past ... and the present .... , for the Nuclear people - here’s also to the future, just to complete the set.

Get this belter on and get the drinks in.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

Erik Norlander – Hommage Symphonique
(Think Tank Media – 2007)

This ebony and ivory extraordinaire guides us through some of his favourite progressive rock pieces by some of his idols like Rick Wakeman (Sir Lancelot and the Black Night); ELP (Pirates); King Crimson (Starless) as well as a jazzman called Chuck Mangione (Children of Sanchez Overture).

Kelly Keeling provides the faultless vocals throughout with another well known notable being ex-David Lee Roth Drummer ‘Greg Bissonette’. If you love your old 70’s cosmic classics then this is the one for you for defo.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

(S/R - 2006)

Oh dear… I believe this band and I have had the misfortune to meet before. Nostrodamus 0014’s brand of sixth-division Strapping Young Lad –like screamcore didn’t quite do it for me last time round so I’m hoping things have pepped up a bit three years on. Well they have, thank f***, though just so.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

5/10

By Dave Attrill

Picture a more subdued Devin Townsend fronting Rammstein and you should have rough clue. Oh, by the way, lads, that does still mean it’s good.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
A run in between Napalm Death, Earth Crisis, Madball, Pro Pain, and Strife but with ,as mentioned already, Metallica-style guitar work.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

NFD - No Love Lost
(Jungle Records - 2004)

It's dark, it's gloomy, it's gothic and it's 100% attention capturing with enough guitar for the rockers out there and deepness to suit all you goths. NFD feature members of Fields of The Nephlim, Sensorium and Nefilim.

Throughout this album shines, well not shines - I guess it should be tarshishes in this case and stands out from beginning to end with its moody, encompassing music with highlights including 'Omen'; 'Turbine' and 'Enrapture'.

This is essential 'Gothic Rock' listening.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Track 2, 'Rant' has a strongly notable eighties new wave vibe and stands out the easiest from the three accompanying selections and 'You All Ignore Us' sees a band actually trying to do the Beatles thing with feel. One to chase even for a few of the doubters. Don't ever say they give you….. nothing.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

Though Devin Townsend's puke-inducing shrieking of his earlier produce earned him legions of fans the world across, he didn't lean it overnight and this lot sound just like some half-baked attempt to cash in on Strapping Young Lad's laurels, despite some promising opening riffage at sporadic intervals.

One of the later tracks sounds like taking off to somewhere at last but they're going to have to come up with some tunes that sound more like. tunes to succeed on any commercial circuit, even within their genre.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

By featuring a couple of lads from the legends Fields Of The Nephilim, it's a good start to the roll of appeal, but the opening title cut of this EP leaves more to desire. Nothing to-o-o-o naff, just a rather directionless plodder of a tune that had not even the remotest of extra attractions. Then 'No Love Lost' takes off with a bang and a very 'Two Tribes' -ey feel to it.

Goth rock sounds its greatest at this tempo and so it is sustained for 'Unleashed', also a worth selection for when/if we get any live work out of this promising new combo. First impressions are the most important as always and NFD have sailed merrily through the auditions.

7.5 /10

By Dave Attrill

The name Nexx has been of knowledge to me from reading the line-up for the Gods 2001 - which I was forced to miss - and all I've known up to acquiring this, their first album is that they are a female-fronted five-piece melodic rock act from Spain. Z Records have recently become host to hot new lady-let Swedish outfit Shiva with their stunning 10/10-rated debut offering so competition is called for from Z's rival label.

Musically they bear passing resemblances for other reasons than just those obvious, to label-mates Dante Fox and Haven, the finger aimed almost straight at the latter. Silk- made melodies, woven by Patricia's stunning voice, and the band's tutored musicianship allows tunes like 'Arches of Faith', 'Get Fire', 'Indifference', 'After The Storm' and 'Good Time Comes' amongst numbers to sit in the front of the shop window with pride.

To put you in the picture, think of Honeymoon Suite, Danger Danger, Whitsnake, Street Talk, Naro or also fellow Spaniards 92 Suite, albeit with a woman behind the mike stand, and there's little doubt you'll understand what Nexx's business deals in. Smashing.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Narcoze - Genoma
(Cruz Del Sur Music - 2003)

A power metal band from Brazil that basically sound like all the other power metal bands. It gets tedious and the sound quality isn't remarkably good - there's far too much high end and it ain't the best vocally either - croakly and bawly.

Stand-out tracks are 'Promised Land' with its keyboard intro and bashiny drums; the Jazzy opening on 'grains of Sand' and the strong 'Signs of the Night' that races up when the vocals come in.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

So who's gonna end up getting speared by the Damn Yankee - well basically any Animal in hunting season or any human that gets up Teds back. Anyway, enough of taking the michael out of the simple cover - ye old strangleholdin' wango dango'd catscracher fires out a belter of an album that sees his greatness rub shoulders with drummer, Marco Mendoza and 21 year old Bassist, Tommy Clufetos.

The T.N.B. give ya a fine old helping of new numbers such as the bellowing 'Klstrphnky' that's classic Ted gone Black Label Society - think he's been listening to a bit of the Wylde man myself and good on him as well. Ted, you've hit the nail on the head - even the kids'll dig this track.

A lot of the album though is Nugent's classic style from the late 70's - good old rock - meat 'n' potatoe style with cracking guitar licks that the man is famous for. Good examples of which are 'Damned if you do', 'Roadogs and Warhogs'. There are also a few numbers though that are very Alice Cooper in his 'Constrictor' or 'Raise your fist and Yell' period like 'Change my Sex' or the in-your-face 'Pussywhipped' - what a video that'd be.

The album buzzes with testosterone and ready to explode at any given second, especially on 'My baby wants my butter on her gritz- yet another track that's make an exceptional video - destinned to give the Washington wives something to moan about.

All in All - a typical Ted Nugent album - just the way you'd want it to be.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Skid Row's Swedish equivalent - that's 'Nasty Idols' with a dose of Shotgun Messiah plus a tad bit of Dangerous Toys creepin' in there - you get the musical picture, Dude? or is that Dudess?

They were formed by Andy Pirre and bassist Dick Quarfort. This is a collection from three albums and there's tons of highlights to lift yourself up on. Do you fancy a bit whore house ranting then unlock the door of 'House of Rock 'n' Roll' or the cock rocker complete with female moaning at the beginning titled 'The Way You Walk'. The essential crackin' of the cowbell is there in 'Dance of the Wicked' and then there's the gutsy, fast paced 'Alive 'n' Kickin' or the acoustic 'I can't get you off my mind' (well I presume it's called that as it's been left of the title sheet) with cool harmonica playin' goin' down. The bass led 'Do ya want another?' is a corka of a sex squarka with an warm welocome back return of the cowbell - it can't be beaten.

The album only goes negative once and that's during 'Trashed 'n' Dirty' which concerns bad drug addiction. Overall, this album is a must from Glam fans the world over.

8/10

By GlennMilligan, BA Hons CS

Nebula - Dos E.P's
(Meteor City - 2002)

This CD features the 2 E.P's that got Nebula noticed in the first place - the self-titled 'Nebula' and 'Sun Creature'. The songs have been jumbled around a wee bit and another 3 new tracks added that open up the album - 'Rocket', 'Long Day' and 'Bardo Airways' - recorded December 2001 at Donner and Blitzen, L.A. California, USA.

If you've never been graced by the offerings of Nebula before then enjoy your first tastings of their slightly psychedelic blues-tinged Stoner Rock. Dos E.P's is a collective carnival of killer cuts including some real cool stuff like 'The Flight of Icarus' with nifty left to right panning effects, reminding me of Hawkwind's 'Silver Machine'.

Looking forward to hearing the new studio album.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Ted's gone totally different for this - coming across more like the Sabbathesque soundings of Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society with hard shouting vocals. Who'd have thought the Nuge would have come up with something like this - funky, dirty but very heavy with a few false starts.

The kids will love it but I don't know what his fanbase will think of it - there's a fine line between love and hate - it's a case of sitting on the fence and seeing what happens. I reckon it'll get quite a bit of airplay (well apart from Britain - but they play hardly anything anyway) - because it's so cross-over.

This number has you thinking - so what's the new album, 'Craveman' gonna be like - add it to the wait and see pile. I think it's preety awesome myself.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Bisons beware, mere mortals beware because Ted's back in town delivering the dirty hard red-neck rock all the way from the swamps of Redford. Captured live on New Years Eve on 31st December 2000 at the Palace of Aubern Hills, Detroit MI, Nug-head provides the answer to why the electric guitar was unleashed on this planet in the first place - quite frankly to provide us with the great sounds of Rock - nothing more, nothing less. We are told that it's '100% live with no overdubs' - the way it should be.

'Snakeskin Cowboys' is earth killing - well to be honest the whole damn gig is - if only he wouldn't keep reminding us how good he is - "Ted there's no need to continually brag - you're the King of the Riffs' on your side of the pond and have been for many years - the US equivalent of Angus Young, so shut up and get on with it".

Anyway, back to the point, reviewing the CD or Gig should I say - many of the hits are here, the dirty power blues-rock of 'Free for all' the sleaze lyrical salute of 'Yank me, crank me', the legendary 'Cat Scratch Fever' or the screamin' 'Stranglehold' where Ted says to the audience "watch how simple it is - as long as you got the f*ckin' attitude" and he's got that alright.

I best give the old f*cker a good mark or he'll be over the large pond, trackin' me down with his huntin' bag of tricks in hand ready to stick an arrow in my ass !! - well that'd be one way to get him across and while he's here - how about some gigs ? - what do mean we can't afford you ?? Stop press, he's playing London Astoria in June.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Obscurity is a fascinating thing, one knows. You dig deep, you come across a disc by a new act, hardly anyone, let alone yourself has heard of, and when you dung it into the deck, their music more often than not, kicks your arse good and proper. That's very much the case with Spain's 91 Suite, and not just because they share part of their name with that of a certain Canadian act. I had a sampler CD from the Fireworks magazine last year which contained a track by this very promising young band and from then, haven't looked back so much as once.

Granted, they don't quite push any parameters in rock, apart from the somewhat over-pop second track 'Down To You', and maybe one or two later cuts in the thirteen-strong listing. Within their own circle, 91 Suite are quite free to roam as their likely inspirations look down on them. Melodica, Danger Danger, Winger and Tyketto are but just a few. Stand-outer and aforementioned sampler track 'Time To Say Goodbye' vaguely nods at Hardline fave 'Everything' and 'The Day She Left' is to say the least picked from the 'Poley's Finest' handbook. 'All Is Gone', 'Give Me The Night' and 'Chance Of A Lifetime' rate amongst the golden nuggets but give me the night, and several more afterwards, I'll still be listening to an album like this practically non-stop.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

I must admit I have never purchased a CD at a gig until seeing Number One Son, I would say they come across between Korn, One Minute Silence, the heavy side of Incubus and Drowning Pool because of the distinguishing base lines the rhythmic vocals as well as the tight, but at the same time loose rhythms and pounding drum beats. 'Majority Of One' is probably one of the better CD's that are available from an underground band.

Number One Son have released a CD that is full of excitement, energy and anger through hard heavy metal rapping vocals and simple beats which pounds through your speakers harder than a nuclear bomb. From the first track 'Contrasts' to 'Hourglass' through to 'Insert' and the mellow track of 'A Moment' Number One Son express themselves as a band with the talent, attitude and professionalism to make it big.

I know very little about the band and or what they stand for but I can't wait to hear their next CD, If it is as exciting as 'Majority Of One' then we will have a band that will be around for along time, releasing music that will be enjoyed by millions.

10/10

By Tony Watson

‘Get Away’ is about an unwanted women and I especially like the line, ‘Off
my dick bitch, this ain’t no show’ that turns up in the middle of the song –
how can you be more straight forward and to the point? Going from sleaze to
full on metal is a skill that Naughty Naughty can pull off very easily –
there’s obviously a varied amount of influences judging by what’s on offer
on this album. ‘Only a Dream’, (where in the liner notes it’s claimed to be
a song inspired by Evil Ernie and Lady Death from Chaos Comics) is
top-notch, especially during the instrumental section that shifts swiftly
from acoustic guitar to full-on electric Megadeth’ish soloing. It’s pure
metal that makes the hair stand on end needless to say, a number that Dave
Mustaine would’ve been proud to have been the creator of. There’s even
three instrumentals included on ‘Secret Hiding Place’ a notable example
being ‘Signed with Love…(For Lori)’which is both electric and acoustic and
is a beautifully crafted technical number at ballad tempo – this piece
gracefully melts you into a happy relaxed mood and gets you ready for the
beginning heavy but soon to mellow out love ballad ‘Here Forever’.

I’m quite astounded that Naughty Naughty aren’t on a well-known label like Music For Nations, Metal Blade or Eagle/Spitfire Records because they deserve to be – a band that have it all to give – and could be extremely successful with large label backing and full-on promotion. For more details check out the bands web site – www.naughtyevil.com

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

It's like I'm listening to the same death metal album for the third time today (after checking out the bands 'Coronach' and 'Epoch of Unlight'), but this album has an increase in length and melody. These Russian metallers Nokturnal Mortum can't be faulted for a single iota. Songs are back to being more epic in duration but retain the complexity in riffage. We also have another ingredient this time round - keyboards - which account for a far more interesting if not soothing listen to the cheese-grater-lodged-down-gob vocals that come as standard on black/death metal records.

Some tracks herein contain hooks so musically brooding that you'd think they could have only written by Type O Negative only to be robbed by this lot in a dark alley one midnight. Paradise Lost wouldn't have minded one or two of these riffs either lads, but they just got there a bit too late to steal 'em. 'Tears Of Paganism', 'Perun's Celestial Silver' and 'Return Of The Vampire Lord' (predictable title or wha-a-at?) are top of the ten and the cover of Celtic Frost's 'Sorrows Of The Moon' is also worth your ears but the CD as a whole is a corker even if not exactly a million miles away from other stuff of its ilk.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

This album has the affect any (good) punk band should have, it near on made me wet my pants. Main man, Fat mikes out of tune childhood brat singing wail is enough to do this alone, but when this is combined with some of the lyrical masterpieces only Nofx could produce its stunning... mom and dad 1 think you ought to quit smoking so much pot, Pure Genius!

If you've ever heard Nofx you'll feel you already know this album. Nofx has good all round stupidly amusing songs, that take the pi** out of the music industry, the general public and most importantly themselves. They know they suck and they make the most of this, in their own words they 'aint no musicians', but to be honest this is where Nofx shine ? being so bad their good. In short if you don't like laughing, men that can't sing or accordions avoid Nofx you've been warned!

As far as lesbian obsessed fat men go - Nofx rule 9/10
By Caroline Landrygan