CD-R REVIEWS |
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AL
IBLIS (Philippines)
Hasmadat Goyem
Davao Death, 2003
I kept my promise. You will find the interview with them here. In
my hand is the EP which we spoke in the interview. Some bands evolving and
improving from time to time and so did A Iblis. This release is a bit better
than the demo tape. 3 tracks are in this EP-CDr (9+ minutes); "Al Nakbah", "Gulbuddin",
and "Schindler's Lie". The last track is like an outro, with guitar on the
background of the sound of gunfire. I traded my zine to get this EP but the
label didn't give me the cover so I can't tell more about this release.
About the music, they still playing raw sounding brutal death metal. Almost
all vocals are using deep-type growling unlike in the previous tape. I don't
like the sound. They need to use proper studio for the recording.
3/5-Syukri
AL IBLIS (Philippines)
Hasmadat Goyem
Davao Death, 2003
I received another copy of the EP together with the cover. I feel
a bit strange receiving the same release twice. Then I found out that there
are tracks here. Weird though, I guess they have several versions of this
EP? 6 tracks (including the there tracks above) with the playing time of 18+
minutes. "Al Nakbah" starts the CDr (I like when they say "…there's the bomb
in your office…" and also the 'oriental' feeling in it) and continued with
"Schindler's Lie". Track 5 is an interesting grind/death track and so does
the Obituary cover on the last track. About the sound, read the previous
review.
3/5-Syukri |
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ANGUISH (Malaysia)
Promo 2002
I guess the Kuantan scene is quite small and does not have enough talented
musicians. So the line-up in ANGUISH also plays in other bands as well.
Brutal death metal is what they presented in this promo. Only 2 tracks and
an extra live track(a CARCASS cover). The sound is raw but it's not bad at
all. Morbid Angel did influence them a bit besides other US brutal death
bands. Give some time and a proper recording; Malaysia will have an
interesting (brutal) death metal scene.
c/o Syazwan Rokbi, No. 2 Lorong Seri Kuantan 88, 25300 Alor Akar, Kuantan,
Pahang.
c/o Syahrizal Jamaludin, B-2649 Lorong Air Putih 94, Jalan Air Putih 2,
25300 Kuantan, Pahang.
sengsare666@lycos.com
3/5-Syukri |
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ART OF DARKNESS (Italy)
Mind Suicide
DemoCD 2002
Formed in 2000 and "Mind Suicide" is their second demo after the first one
released in December 2001. 4 songs (+ outro), 20+ minutes of death metal
with a decent sound. This is not the most brutal release but they have
presented a quite 'enjoyable' music style. I don't need to elaborate on the
word 'enjoyable' here. You know how death metal heads enjoy their music, do
you? AoD is more in Euro death style that adds a bit of melody and some
progressive elements and effects. Flavio has a good voice. Well, towards the
end of this CD-R, they become more melodic. So maybe this is not for real
death metal freaks.
c/o Caramagna Heber, C.so Roma, 39/T, 10024 Moncalieri (TO), Italy.
art_of_darkness@hotmail.com
http://www.artofdarkness.too.it
3.5/5-Syukri |
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BHELLIOM (Singapore)
Reflection Of Insanity
DemoCD 2002
A new band from Singapore. The scene there is growing in a healthy way. This
five piece band chooses to play power metal. This CD-R delivers only 3
tracks which is a very small amount. With music this good, 3 songs are
obviously not enough. They have all the ingredients for making good power
metal hymns. The solos are great enough to move me and so does the vocals. I
only complain on the sound although a friend of mine did say they are not
tight enough as a band. I don't have any music background so I can't comment
more on that. Personally I don't know how far this band can go and what are
the expectations (or appreciation) from the local fans for this kind of
music in the scene. They played their music well and in my opinion they
deserve to have an album out.
c/o bhelliom@illucination.net
www.illucination.net
4/5-Syukri |
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CATARSIS (Chile)
Paganismo
Self-Released, 2002
13 tracks, 40 min CD-R. The packaging "Paganismo" is professional enough
to compare it with a normal full-length, complete with pro-color booklet.
And the sound is not bad either. CATARSIS chooses death metal as its music
with some grinding parts and the interesting part are the vocals. Jose Ortiz
can sing in both gore growl and also the black metal shriek. Be patient when
listening to this cd-r. Towards the end of this disk you will hear some
traces of black and thrash with cool mid-pace parts in the songs. So most of
the best songs dwell at the end of the disk.
c/o jortizalv@latinmail.com
catarsischile@latinmail.com
3.5/5-Syukri |
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CONTRAGRESSIVE (Germany)
Shellfire
Self-Released, 2002
5 tracks of deathcore music. The overall sound is not bad at all and neither
is the music. 'True' metal fans will freaked out if they know bands that
play 'core music. I couldn't believe I can absorb ContrAggressive music into
my system. But not many bands like this can be in my play list. Maybe
because of that heavy sounding guitar but there are also some guitar parts
that hooked me to the music. Yes, definitely the riffs. The vocals are
varied making the songs a bit more interesting.
c/o Jens Fricke, Harzstrasse 25, 38667 Bad Harzburg, Germany.
nightlord666@t-online.de
www.contragressive.de
www.mp3.de/contraggressive
3.5/5-Syukri |
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CRYFEMAL (Spain)
Escucha…La Muerte Persigue!!
2002
According to the flyers, CRYFEMAL is only two releases old. The first is a
MCD in the year 2000 and the new one is this 4 tracked demoCDr. The songs
are in Spanish and the English translation for the title of this demo is
"Listen…Death Is Coming!!". The demo only comes with a xerox cover. About
the music, CRYFEMAL plays black metal, or he calls it 'brutal black metal'.
Yes, there is no typing mistake. This is a one-man project and probably now
you will wonder whether there's a drum machine in the music. Sadly, there is
but the sound is quite okay so it is forgivable this time. The drum is
overshadowed by the music and the screams. He put Abruptum, Sadistik
Exekution as the reference to their music and I'll agree to that and added
with a raw sound, you can imagine how sadistic CRYFEMAL is. This is quite
okay for a demo but for a 'higher' release, he needs to add more.
Cryfemal, C/Camarena #222 5-B, 28047 Madrid, Spain.
ataud253@hotmail.com
www.cryfemal.cjb.net
3/5-Syukri |
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CRYFEMAL (Spain)
Promo Song
2002
A one track promo but since it is sent in a separate cdr, I'll review is
separately. In the letter sent together with this cdr, they use 'we' to
refer to the band. Oh well, whether CRYFEMAL a one-man band or not, that
should not be the issue. In this promo (new song I assumed) they still have
the machine on the drums but now the song is faster the previous opus. The
hysterical scream is still there and added some synth which gave the right
atmosphere on the song. They are looking for a deal and don't care in what
format it will be. Reviewing a one track (4+ minutes) is hard since we can
guess how the release in full format will sound like but what I give now is
high enough.
3/5-Syukri |
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DIMENTIANON (USA)
Promotracks
Remember the band called The Forgotten reviewed in our second issue? This is
the same band which changed their name to DIMENTIANON due to legal reasons.
In the bio stated that they are preparing for a release titled as "Seven
Suicides" which scheduled to be released early 2003. I guess the tracks in
this promo are probably taken from their upcoming release. I already forgot
how their sound likes last time (like most of the releases today, easily
forgotten…) but I did give a good review. Well, this time there is not much
of luck this time. I hope "Seven Suicides" will offer us more. I guess they
sound like "L'Aldia" and probably there are few changes which I couldn't
detect. The vocals are still hysterical, a bit raw in sound and the rest is
like what I wrote for "L'Aldia". This is black/death for those who are still
asking. Pretty fast at times and they are influenced by Beherit, old Mayhem,
Asphyx.
c/o Mike Z., 1337 Saxon Ave, Bay Shore NY, 11706, USA.
cultm@msn.com
dimentianon@aol.com
www.theforgotten666.zzn.com
3/5-Syukri |
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DIVINE NOISE ATTACK
(Germany)
Soulless Something
Self-Released, 2002
The band was known as Cornucopia and released a demo last year but the band
name had to be changed due to copyright reason. "Soulless Something"
contains 12 tracks (37+ minutes) of brutal death/grind. Recorded at the same
studio where ContrAgressive recorded "Shellfire". A couple of different
styles of vocals are presented to fit the mood of the music. The growling
one is the best. There are groovy parts as well beside the usual brutality
but there is nothing really outstanding here. I assume this is the band
debut album (self-released) and they are looking for possible deal with any
labels. Take note about the age of this band. For sure 8 years of existence
do contribute to the maturity either to the band or the skills of the band's
members.
c/o Christian Bartels, Koslinstr. 40, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
divine-noise-attack@web.de
www.divine-noise-attack.info
3/5-Syukri |
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DRACONAEON (Brunei)
Rivers of Blood, Rivers of Sorrow
Dementia Records, 2003
This is a single promo demo (last for 6 minutes) and was sent together with
Saprosoul's debut demo. So I can't help myself from comparing both of them.
It seems that Draconaeon is a bit interesting musically. This is also a
black metal act with keyboards on the background (almost throughout the
entire song) and some female vocals. The song starts with atmospheric
melodic music accompanied with clear female vocal. Sounds pretty gay to some
but wait until for few moments and you'll hear fast (old) Scandinavian type
of black metal which is raw sounded (and that does not mean it was badly
recorded!). The guitars sounded really good and perfectly match with the
evil vocals. Towards the last two minutes, there are few melodic keyboard
breaks which remind me of C.O.Filth (you know, the usual calm part where
female vocals and keyboards when the metal music stop) which is good but I
don't like hearing that very much.
c/o Izard, No: 146 Simpang:160-2, Kg. Lambak, Jln Pasir Berakas, Brunei
Darussalam.
in_eclipse@hotmail.com
3/5-Syukri |
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ECZEMA (Spain)
Soledad, El Llanto De La Muerte
2002
7 tracked CD-R, almost 30 minutes
of music with pro color booklet. A three-piece band delivering a
professionally played and recorded in this release. The only problem is,
according to my personal taste, this is not my type of music. There are too
many music styles and vocals combined together in their music. Maybe they
can be labeled as black/death metal with a bit of doom or maybe doom with
black? With some thrash and then cool you down with slow doom music. I
really don't like the normal male 'moaning in sadness' type of vocals.
Original? Maybe, but not my style.
Eczema, P.O. Box 51 Rivas Vaciamadrid, 28529 Madrid, Spain.
ivaneczema@yahoo.com
http://eczema.rockmusic.org
2.5/5-Syukri |
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EVIL ANGEL (Finland)
Dark Forces Of Hell
2002
The first touch of new generation of Finnish U.D. metal scene, touch the
gate of hell!! I have heard lots of melodic/folk metal bands from Finland
before I listened Evil Angel... but I asked myself that only melodic shits
from country of thousand lakes? Till 25th Apr 2002, I got a deal email from
Orgasmatron who is a vocal from Evil Angel! He had sent lots of info about
Finnish true metal scene to me, and call back my interest for Finnish metal
by his hard-working! Finally I get their "Dark forces of hell" demo, limted
100 copies only. Boxes bring me into the satanic, blasphemy blackend thrash
metal, and ugly, primitive, and wicked sounding as hell. The first one "Evil
Angel Had No Boundaries" is my favo. More in the vein of black thrash metal,
and little N.W.O.B.H.M. Orgasmatron singing with raw black vocal and
sonorous. I love the after-part of "Sadist's Blood" as well, Headbanging
killer! But what's a pity there are no bands interested in this old way...
there are bound to be obstacles for us to get over. So true as a metal band
play out, I am not much troubled as to its outer appearance. Hails all
ancient metal warrior! Suffice to say Evil Angel will bang your head and the
best way is to play it loud with beer!!!
4.5/5-Wang Xiao |
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FUNEBRE (Chile)
Holding The Covenant Stone
This release is quite strage. Only 1 track (6 minute) cd-r but comes with
pro full color booklet. The band consists of four ghouls; Funebre,
Daalberith, Phantom Der Nacht and Nocturnal and this formation brings you
fast black metal. Decent sound and at times reminds me of Antaeus. Not bad
at all. I don't know the price but try to get a copy if it is cheap.
c/o funebre@hotmail.com
3/5 |
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GRUESOME MALADY (India)
Infected With Virulent Seed
2002
I haven't listened to their grind
project CONFLICTING THEORIES but the reviews on them are quite promising. So
be sure you'll be checking them out! GRUESOME MALADY is a gore/death/grind
band (or project after Conflicting Theories) of the guys in DYING EMBRACE.
The sound of this three-tracked promo is very raw and heavy. Both Jimmy and
Vikram contribute their voice but I guess due to effects used, both of them
sounded the same. Movie samples are put in the songs which I don't have any
clue of what the movie talks about (due to the language). Their debut album
is already planned and I think they have already secured a deal with some
European label.
Vikram Bhat
c/o Ullas Refreshments, Public Utility Building, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560
001, India.
slaytan_666@yahoo.com
3/5-Syukri |
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HONEY FOR CHRIST (UK)
Forging Iron Will
2002
"…to write metal as we want to hear
it.". That line really caught my attention. Claim to be playing heavy metal
and that is exactly what you will hear. 3 tracks, 15 minutes, "Forging Iron
Will" is the band's third output. The first track (demo titled track) blew
me off because of the fast and the intensity that we can hear in death/black
metal. "This is my metal" I said. The same goes to the third track. But that
was before the vocals came in which brings me back to reality. HONEY FOR
CHRIST is heavy metal but surely it is not the kind I use to hear. Music is
great, everything else (sound, CD cover, etc) is just professional but
sometimes I have problems listening to clear male vocals.
Honey For Christ,
32 Magherabeg Road, Dromore, Co.
Down, BT25 1RS, Northern Ireland, UK.
hfc@heavymetal.co.uk
http://www.honeyforchrist.co.uk
3/5-Syukri |
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HYPONIC
(Hong Kong)
Metamorphosis
2002
I got this CD just about 2 weeks
back and was expecting some real good Death/Doom Metal, to my surprise I
found that it contained just one track! Maybe this is a one track demo or
maybe it's a CD made specially to be sent to me, I don't really know. This
track "Metamorphosis" didn't really do much for me. Slow and sludgy it
really isn't the same as their earlier demo. Maybe Hyponic are now planning
to go slower and doomier but I guess they really should stick to their old
style, thumbs up to the recording.
c/o CHAN Chung Man, Room 2, 6/F, Block B, Yee Fat Building, Wo Yee Hop Road,
Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.
deathgothic@yahoo.com
hyponic@asiamail.com
2.5/5-Shahenil |
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IRONFIST (Singapore)
Dragonlore
2002
A 4 tracked demo including an intro
performed by this interesting band. Heavy metal is the style but is a bit
different from what I thought after reading about them in Dark Legions. A
bit original I guess like a fast version of Black Sabbath. Besides the
Sabbath-styled vocal, Alhazred also puts in his growls and shouts in the
songs. I had to listen to this for a couple of times before my system could
adapt to "Dragonlore". The demo comes with a xerox cover (the printing could
have been made better).
c/o Order of the Fist, Blk 45 Bendemeer Rd, #08-1451 S 330045.
http://www.fistfukk.cjb.net
fistfuck@emailaccount.com
3/5-Syukri
IRONFIST (Singapore)
Dragonlore
2002
This is one Power metal band from
Singapore.. nothing powerful though. Real crappy weak vocals and also
"music" (if this is music). They seem to be obssessed by some dragon and
that too a red one I guess. Deep RED logo and red cd cover that just adds to
the anger towards this band. The language in the CDr inlay is way heavy
email=online invocation and shit like that. My advice to them is that
instead of paying attention to these things they better improve their style
or better still switch to pop music. I couldn't even listen to the whole CDr
at one sitting, its just so irritating to hear the vocals and to the crappy
2 paisa worth music. After 22 mins of suffering listening to their boring 5
tracks all I can say is that they really should spend some more time in the
music school and spare the pain of listening to them.
0/5-Shahenil |
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IRONFIST (Singapore)
Tyrannikal Adversaries
2003
"Sixxx sick tracks of pure sex-metal onslaught up your fucking
ass!!!", the flyers says. This cdr-EP contains 6 tracks and now they are
totally different. Forget what I said about "Dragonlore", "Tyrannikal
Adversaries" is a total thrashing madness! The songs, the sound is hundred
times better than "Dragonlore". Alhazred now sings fully in his evil vocals.
I can't read clearly the tracks title due to the type of font used so I
don't want to write them here. The first track is a dark intro, which I
think it is not necessary to make it as a separate track (only 30+ seconds
long). The booklet stated that sexy Elsa of Suicide Solution contributes her
voice in the third track and I hope the voice on the intro of the song is
hers too. The fourth track is a dark track The EP comes with colored booklet
and is hand-numbered (I am the proud owner of #035). If the X-ray-like front
cover disappoints you, the actual, clear version is on the tray cover.
c/o Order of the Fist, Blk 45 Bendemeer Rd, #08-1451 S 330045.
http://www.fistfukk.cjb.net
fistfuck@emailaccount.com
4.5/5-Syukri |
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KHEROW (Malaysia)
Melodramatic Of Raging War
2003
Sarawak has some good bands which I noticed during the three years of my
stay there. KHEROW is one of them. This is their debut, in the form of
promoCDr. On the flyers stated that the promo contains one track but the one
I have got there tracks. Probably the actual promo which is for sale at
RM6/$3 will also contain the same tracks. Actually all are the same tracks,
which the titled as 'Melodramatic Of Raging'. I am not sure why they did
this. Perhaps to use more space in the cd-r? I don't think that is necessary
since my CD player (and most of you too) can play the CD continuously and
non-stop. If there are different version of the songs, I can't hardly notice
any differences. As the flyers mentioned Sarcofago, Possessed, Slayer as the
influenced the bands, you are right if you are guessing KHEROW plays black
thrashing metal, except that they are less insane and sadistic than the gods
that they are admiring. The song clocked for almost 6 minutes, with almost
fair amount of 'calm' moment and chaotic speed metal attack. At times, the
guitars remind me a bit of Immortal. The vocals is good, sounded really
evil! The song was originally recorded in year 2000/2001 for a Sarawakian
metal compilation project, but the label disbanded the project and let the
bands release the songs themselves as demo, etc. It was recorded in a
professional studio track by track but awkwardly the song here sounded quite
raw, which is good for this kind of metal. The promo only comes with the
promo laser color xeroxed cover and no info at all. By only listening to 1
song, you can't make accurate 'evaluation' on this band. But what I hear now
is quite promising and definitely the next release is one of the releases I
can't wait.
c/o A. Shahrizan Julaihi, 38 Jalan Laruh Barat, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak.
3.5/5-Syukri |
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LANGKIT (Malaysia)
Bayangan Langkit
2002
The ex-member of this band bought something from me (I am one of the good
people who are brave enough sending order without receiving the payment
first) and since he is so badly broke, he gave this demo (4 tracks, almost
12 minutes) cdr to settle his debt. This trade is not worth it! The score
given have already described how awful they are. This is really bad! Melodic
black/death metal with raw sound. They got their influences from Langsuyr
and As Sahar like most new Malaysian bands. I have heard some rehearsal
which sounds better this. A bit of credit should be given for making the
booklet in color.
c/o Syukrie Zaiton, P.O.Box 166, 89728 Membakut, Sabah.
1/5-Syukri |
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LARRONG (Malaysia)
Dakan Perana Tana
Knight Records, 2003
The long awaited material. They released a demo in 1996, "The
Eastern Shaman" and this demo rules! Since that I am waiting for their new.
This is the advance promo for their debut EP which scheduled to be released
on April 15, 2003. They already 'inform' the scene that they are still alive
by featuring a track in this year edition of Panggilan Pulau Puaka
compilation but using a different name. The EP will feature 5 songs
including intro. They are playing old style black/death/thrash metal with
some melodic riffs. However I am not really excited with what I heard.
Listening to these songs in the past will be okay but not now. The sound and
the drum machine is what I hated most here. This promo excludes the last
track, the re-recorded version of their demo songs. I do hope this song will
not sound as bad as the rest. This is not yet the finalized release. Perhaps
they might change few things before the release date?
Larrong, 308 Jalan Treng, Sekaan Besar, 96250 Matu, Sarawak.
vayoh@hotmail.com
2/5-Syukri |
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NOSFERIEL (Malaysia)
Berserk Prism Spell
DemoCD 2002
I haven't listened to any band from Terengganu yet (except MODAR). Of
course, the scene does not need new untalented and unserious bands. I didn't
have high expectations on demo releases but NOSFERIEL passed my early
assumptions and still like most bands here, the sound is one thing that the
band needs to look on seriously. 4 decently played black metal which is very
much influenced by the Scandinavian scene. The latest info, they will record
an album in year 2003 which is not surprising because they really are a
promising band. Comes with (laser printed) colored cover and available in
both cassettes and CDr version.
c/o Manan, No 6 Jln Langsat, Taman Maju, Parit Raja, 86400, Batu Pahat,
Johor.
cryptic_winds@hotmail.com
3.5/5-Syukri |
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PYRON (Malaysia)
Promo Tracks 2003
The latest attack from Pyron which I received few weeks before this is
released. Two new songs; "Wounded Pride" and "Yesterday Comes Alive". I
think these songs was recorded for compilation project but I don't exactly
sure. Good sound, I prefer this one than the cassette EP. The songs are
much, much better. Much more intense, brutal, technical and less melodic.
They have destroyed the eastern softness in their DNA (refer the interview)
and now they are in the league of unique eastern brutal death bands!!
4.5/5-Syukri |
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RASPATUL (Singapore)
Menghitung Ajal
2002
The first time I heard of this band is from Storm Of Nebiula compilation.
The same two tracks featured there is in this promo. The other three tracks
are a bit better than the one they featured in that compilation. Overall, 5
tracks with almost 30 minutes of music. If you already read the review of
the compilation, you might already know what to expect; thrash/death metal.
The first two tracks, "Intense Intro /w Breaking" and "Scraped Torn Flesh",
together with tracks number 4, "A.O.D. (Annilihation Of Divinity)" are
probably their best songs and the most thrashy in this release. The other
two, "Menghitung Ajal" and the last track on this release, "Unholy" are a
bit slow and depressive. Whether this promo is for sale or not, I am not
sure but you will not loose much if you try getting this release. The promo
looks great; color booklet with black colored cd-r and with colored sticker
on it. (If you are still wondering, "Menghitung Ajal" and "A.O.D…" are the
tracks featured in the compilation).
c/o raspatul@hotmail.com
3.5/5-Syukri |
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SAPROSOUL (Brunei)
Demo 2003
Dementia Records, 2003
It is strange with Bruneian scene. They are active in mid 90's but then the
scene seems be dead. I don't think the conflict 'Malaysia vs Brunei' have
anything to with this (this conflict thing is quite funny. I spare the story
for some other time). I was very glad when they contact me. There are still
few metal bands there but didn't make much publicity or contact like it used
to be back then. This is the first Saprosoul demo consisting of two tracks;
"Devoted Darkness" and "Empirical…Encroach". They are playing black metal,
mid pace, dark and atmospheric type of black metal. The music is spiced with
keyboards and female vocals. Clean, clear sound except for the drums which
sound really bad. I don't like the first track but the second track is a bit
okay. The atmospheric keyboard parts and the vocals work well but overall
the music really needs something more.
Saprosoul, No: 13 Simpang 490, Kg. Kapok, Jalan Muara BT2328, Brunei
Darussalam.
saprostring@hotmail.com
2.5/5-Syukri |
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SCENT OF DEATH
(Spain)
Entangled In Hate
2001
Self-released MCD. 6 tracks including 2 instrumentals. Not sure
if this is a pro release or not. I have here a cd-r and pro color booklet.
The band was born in 1998 and this is their first release as a band.
American brutal death metal is the style and it is professionally done. It
is amazing to see what band can do without support from label. "Entangled In
Hate" is quite good as a start for the band. While the four tracks are just
good, the instrumentals bother me a bit. The second instrumental act like an outro (calm atmospheric song) and that is okay but not the first one (track
#3). Maybe they are showing their guitar skills like Steve Vai or something
but it does not sound right in my ears. 'Brutal all the way' is much more
preferred.
c/o Nuno Miguel Perez, Ntra. Sra. Do Viso 4, 2° Izq. 32005 Ourense,
Spain.
scentofdeath@yahoo.es
www.scentofdeath.com
3/5-Syukri |
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SHAMBLES (Thailand)
Perish Of God
2 tracks promo demo cd-r. Only 66 copies made. If I am not mistaken the
editor of Pure Holocaust Zine also plays in this band. They release few
demos before and played brutal death grind music. This is my first time
listening to Shambles but in this promo they sound more like black metal
than death metal. Very raw sounding and a bit sucky parts on the drums
because they used the drum machine. They have some grinding parts and also
the double vocals, the type that you can hear in other brutal death/grind. A
real line-up seriously needed for the band to go further in the scene.
Shambles, P.O.Box 25, Udomsuk, Bangkok 10261, Thailand.
shambles666@hotmail.com
2.5/5-Syukri |
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THE MILITANTS (USA)
The Militants
The band is the vein of Korn, Limb Bizkit, etc, etc. You can get the rough
idea of how The Militants sounds like. They use drum machine instead of real
drums. This is not my music and strictly for the fans of this genre. Good
sound though.
c/o http://www.themilitants.com
2.5/5-Syukri |
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THE NO-MADS (Poland)
Promo
2002
This is the band second release; the first was a demo in 2000. But prior
before that, they got some rehearsal tracks released in 1999. This promo
consists of 3 songs, which is taken from their forthcoming album and
hopefully this promo will attract some labels. There's no info about the
band's line-up except they mentioned that they have a female doing the
vocals. She does have a great throat because you will not notice it is a
female if you are not informed. Yes, thrash metal is the style with some
good solos in the songs. They are not yet the best for me, not fast enough
but still are aggressive. They are best in raping song. My condolences go to
the Beatles. Now I know Beatle songs is interesting if they are played in
heavy metal style.
The No-Mads, Ul. Armii Krajowej 289/9, 40-750 KATOWIC, Poland.
thenomads@interia.pl
www.thenomads.metal.pl
3.5/5-Syukri |
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THROCULT (USA)
Hunted
Demo 2002
3 tracks CD-R of firstly-assumed
brutal death metal songs. Although the tracks title as "Hunted" or "Kill Or
Be Killed", this is not as gore as the song's titles would suggest. THROCULT
is more black metal than death metal. The songs are fast, with an insane
growling vocals with keyboards added making the songs even darker. They will
not have to wait long for a debut full-length. "Hunted" shows that they are
quite promising. We will hear more from them soon.
Throcult, PO Box 40667, Denver, CO 80204, USA.
info@throcult.com
www.throcult.com
4/5-Syukri |
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THRONAR (Holland)
Promo 2003
Damn interesting band here. This is
the band's third demo, the first using the new name THRONAR (before, it was
Cerberus). 'Battle Metal' is what they called their music and they really
are excellent in playing it. I called it 'viking metal' with bands like
Einherjer, Fintroll and Enslaved (for the fast part) as the reference. Four
excellent tracks are available in this promo. The only problem is the synth
part, my ears can't adapt to it. Synth/keyboard always cause problems but
that is my loss I guess. I am not sure whether this is available for sale.
If you can't get it, I am sure there will be a follow up of this promo, in
the form of professional release for example an album maybe. It's only a
matter time. They already show the potential to be signed.
c/o Nathalia Hoogkamer, Medemblikhof
55, 6843 BW Arnhem, Holland.
thronar@thronar.com
www.thronar.com
4.5/5-Syukri |
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ZUBIRUN (Malaysia)
Maximum Hell Overdose
Advance 2002
I have been anxiously waiting for the follow up after "Hellfire Generation".
This is advance tracks for their upcoming release and just like I expected
"Maximum…" continues with what they have started in "Hellfire…".
Aggressivegrindeasternmetal is what they claim to play but really, (rocking)
thrash metal is their music. The 4 tracks are well played thrash songs but
with unusual harsh industrial-like vocal style. Also includes a 2 minutes
ambient techno intro and outro. 2 minutes each is too long for true metal
head to take I guess. The king of Malaysian underground thrash metal is
undoubtedly ATHOTORGH and sitting closely next to the throne is ZUBIRUN.
c/o SHBS, 113 Jln Tmn Long Jaafar, Fasa 3, Tmn Long Jaafar, Kg Boyan,
34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
stolol@yahoo.com
4/5-Syukri |
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