Review: The Dahmers – Terror On Wheels (Lovely 2015 7”)

 Following up the brilliant LP from last year, here's the new 7-inch EP by The Dahmers. Musically, it doesn't really contains any surprises, the vintage garage punk rock sound is still intact. The tracks on the A-side, The Ripper and Hit 'n' Run are two typical Dahmers-tunes sound wise, and when it comes to hit potential, I doubt either of them will leave anyone disappointed.

On side B though, I think the first song Howling stands out as one of the most calm and laid back songs they've done. Not band in any way though, it rather adds some overall diversity to the release. The video they did for it is absolutely fantastic as well. And just to make sure no one thinks they've become to soft, this seven inch is rounded off with a total killer in form of I Spit On Your Grave, which in contrast to Howling is rather one of their fastest and most aggressive songs so far, almost a pure punk song. So, in conclusion, a great effort by this splendid band that shows some signs of development and still keeps up the winning concept from their LP without repeating themselves too much. 8/10

Review: Absolut – Hell's Highest Power (D-takt & Råpunk 2015 LP)

An album that has been spinning a lot recently is the second album by these Toronto-punks. To take the easy way out, it could be described as a hell of a raw d-beat assault, which is never quite wrong. But it also contains some interesting elements that makes it stand out a bit from the thypical rawpunk standards. Hints towards metal and some surprisingly melodic tinges here and there makes the songs leave a more memorable impression. The B-side is rounded off in a nice atmospheric way with the instrumental Shadows, which gives you the chance to catch your breath for a moment, before the madness continues again.

 Adding the very high qualitative and constantly innovative riffs that feels very worked through, as well as the unified layout, and you've got a very nice release. Their side of the split LP they released quite recently with some shitty Swedish band can also be recommended, check that one out as well! 7/10

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Too Old Too Cold (Darkthrone cover)

偏執症者 (Paranoid) - Satyagraha, 12" OUT NOW!

Order at: pndftw@gmail.com

US-press available at Konton Crasher.

Review: Zodiac – Stone Command (Heavy Chains 2015 MC)

 Time for a bit of doom from down under. Zodiac's second demo starts of with a characteristic slow intro before, about a minute into The Noose, the most crushing and intense riff I've heard in a long time reveals itself and hits you like a battering ram. Once you've recovered from that, what awaits is three tracks of finest quality doom metal. Which might not say that much, since it's a very wide musical genre with many different approaches. 

 But to give you the best idea of Zodiac, I'd say that it sounds very British. Bands like Witchfinder General and The Lamp Of Thoth constantly comes to mind while listening to this tape. Some hints of Saint Vitus can also be found, and the final track Legacy reminds of more epic bands like Candlemass and Solstice. The observant people have probably noticed that I just mentioned five of the best bands of all time, so if that doesn't make you want to check this band out, I don't know what will. 

Give it a listen and buy yourself a copy. 8/10

Review: Ironsword – None But The Brave (Shadow Kingdom 2015 MC)

 Portugal's metal warriors Ironsword are back after a few years of slumber with their fourth album. For me personally, this is the first of their albums that I've bought, but judging by the cover and album/song-titles, I was quite sure what kind of music I expected. And very well, the heaviest and most epic of metal in the vein of the eternal masters Manowar, Omen and Manilla Road is what Ironsword spends their time making. Rough, barbaric and only for those who think they're tough enough.

The songwriting is overall great, most songs are memorable. The biggest strengh is that it's a very consistent album, which means that it maybe not reaches the highest of mights, but doesn't really have any actual lows/fillers either. The downside is that sometimes it just get too derivative of their obvious influences. In the title-track they have even borrowed some lyrics from Omen's Battle Cry. Sure, that may have been intended to be some kind of tribute, but it feels a bit unoriginal, if not a even a bit sacrilegious, to re-use the lines from such a monumental classic. Also, the opening Forge The Sword is almost on the borderline of stolen from Necropolis by you know who. Some of the backing vocalists are actually very reminiscent of Mark Shelton in an almost uncanny way. I think that's pretty cool though, since he doesn't really sound like that anymore. If Manilla Road needs a new frontman, this backing vocals-guy would probably be the man for the job. To wrap it up, original or not, Ironsword delivers a great heavy metal album worthy of none but the brave. The rest of their discography is added to my “check out” list. 7/10

Review: Funeral Circle / Gatekeeper – Hades Triumphant / Bell Of Tarantia (War On Music 2015 7”)

 This split 7” contains one track each with two epic and superb Canadian acts. What I was most excited about with this release was definitely to hear the new track by Funeral Circle, whose self-titled debut album was one of the strongest releases of 2013. 

 When I heard the news that their vocalist had quit the band I was a bit worried, but that went by quickly when they announced that he would be replaced by JP from the magnificent Borrowed Time (RIP(?)). A match made by the gods, and the first taste of the new Funeral Circle, Hades Triumphant, is nothing but an outstanding anthem. Compared too their earlier material, it draws a bit more towards epic metal rather than doom, which I don't mind at all. Too many mediocre doom bands out there, and even though they earlier stood way above mediocrity, I think that this new chosen path will take them to all new levels. We need a new LP as soon as possible!

 Gatekeeper is a new acquaintance for me, but the opening riff of their side of the split, Bell Of Tarantia, is just brilliant. Not much to complain about when it comes to the rest of the song either, epic and grand heavy metal just the way I love it. Definitely deserves its place on the same wax as Funeral Circle, really need to check out their split with Eternal Champion as well. I'll post a review of that here as well when it happens.