Review: Herzel – Unis Dans La Gloire (Impous Desecration 2015 MC)

 I just love those times when you're just aimlessly looking around for new music, and all of a sudden you come across something fantastic, seemingly from out of the vast nothingness. That was the case with Herzel for me, I ordered the tape when I was about 30 seconds into the first sample, and it has basically been on repeat since then.

 What we've got here is an intro and two epic heavy metal tunes inspired by bands like (early) Manowar, Warlord and Manilla Road. I also think it reminds a bit of the more epic songs on their countrymen Lust's classic We'll Never Die. What makes Herzel stand out though is that the lyrics are sung in their native language, French, which combined with the music turns out completely phenomenal. The songs captures your attention immediately, even though you can't understand a word (I actually studied French for a while, so I understand some words, but not enough to really understand the full meaning of the lyrics).

 Herzel has more or less from out of nowhere made their way up to the absolute top of the most interesting bands right now when it comes to epic metal. I want to hear more music from these guys as soon as possible! 8/10

Review: Tarot – The Warrior's Spell (Heavy Chains 2015 CD)

 One of the bands that during the past year made the biggest impression on me as well as many others was Australia's Tarot. Releasing no less than three EP's on tape (Life and Death, Dying Daze and The Watcher's Dream) of epic 70's-inspired proto-metal in the vein of old masters like Rainbow and Uriah Heep, they're simply one of the bands that will come to mind when looking back at 2014 in the future.

 Now these three EP's have been re-issued on this CD compilation, which I think was a brilliant idea. They flow together very well, I almost even imagined them all together as one album, even though they were released at different times. Also, the overall quality of all three EP's is so high that I can't say that one is better or weaker than any of the other ones.

 The CD also features 2 brand new tracks exclusive for this release, Street Lamps Calling and The Warrior's Spell, which indicates that they definitely maintain the high quality songwriting, and instantly leaves you wanting more. If you missed the tapes, that all sold out quite fast, there's no excuse to not get your hands on this CD. 

 Can't wait to find out what Tarot will have to offer in 2015! 9/10

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Don't Really Care (The Exploited Cover)

Review: Entrench – Violent Procreation (War Anthem 2014 LP)

 Well, we're two months into 2015, but before I'll see what the new year has to offer, I still have some reviews of the last years' releases left to write. One of them is the second album by Sweden's finest death/thrash-suppliers Entrench. Their first album was impressive, but kind of left you with a feeling that they had even more to give. That is a fact that's immediately confirmed as soon as One With Agony kicks off. The aggression and violence has simply been taken to a whole new level this time.

 When the first shock starts to settle and you're actually able to focus on the music, it's clear that this is an album that will take a while to get into. Once you've done so you realize how ambitious and worked through the songs actually are. Don't expect to be instantly knocked out by any simple and basic song-writing, this is some super worked through and complex thrash. The total amount of riffs on this record is probably not that far away from Dark Angel's Time Does Not Heal. Taking a closer look at the lyrics also confirmes that they are written with just as much consideration as the rest of the music.

 The only complaint I can think of is that it's a bit long and hard to get into. That could still be seen as something positive though, I haven't yet listened to it one single time without discovering something new that I like. So if you give it the time it needs, the reward is arguably the best thrash-album of 2014. 8/10 /H

New King Malice-tracks.

Two new songs from the upcoming second King Malice-tape are now available for streaming at their soundcloud-page.


The new tape will be out on Lockyard Records later this spring.

Review: Convent Guilt – Guns For Hire (Dying Victims 2014 MC)

 I remember being absolutely blown away by the fantastic demo these guys released back in 2012, still one of the most raw, catchy and brilliant heavy metal tapes that have crossed my way the last couple of years. Now the time has come for them to unleash their first album, and as you can tell by the lines written above, the expectations are great. I went for the tape-version, since the format suited their last release so fine.

 The impression is that it's more polished this time, although the band is definitely still recognizable. I was a bit prepared that it wasn't going to match the demo, since I basically consider all of its four tracks modern classics. For example, Don't Close Your Eyes is a well written mid paced rocker, but compared to the majestic No Dawn In Lucifer's Light from the demo, it just doesn't stand a chance. But despite that, this album is far away from a failure. Songs like Angels in Black Leather, Perverse Altar and the title-track gives you everything you could ask for.

 Convent Guilt delivers a simple, yet efficient album, recalling the likes of Riot and Saxon in the early 80's and, or more recent bands like Black Trip, with some hints of punk, and the spirit of the OZ-gods AC/DC and Rose Tattoo. So, even though the demo remains their finest work to this date, this is still a great album that deserves everyone's attention. 7,5/10 /H

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Punk is love (Pisschrist cover)