RAMI THE REQUIEM - Serial Killer (Review)

Rami has long since gotten rid of the “ex-Aldious” label. Still, five years of hard work were not in vain. But recently she is creating her third project. Such impermanence сauses no respect. Well, I'm primarily interested in the results.

My Rating: 81/100 Best song: Liar Lady

This is the second solo project - initially I would have found it strange. However, when I saw the cover, for some reason it seemed to me that it would be something similar to Raglaia. It looks funny that I, in fact, was not mistaken: this is a stylistically similar project - the genre I can define as Heavy / Thrash / Power Metal. Actually, now it becomes clear why the second solo project was created - the genre of the previous one can be defined as Symphonic / Power Metal.

In the new single, as before, you can see a big bet on emotions. However, the more successful composer's work is noticeable here. The single's structure is as follows. The first track is an abundance of "zeros" and scales combined with thrash metal drums and string synthesizer. The second track is something very fast with an abundance of pinch harmonics and the lower end of the vocalist's range. The third track is a very hooky rhythm section with an abundance of synthesizers. The last track I would call some kind of chaotic, as if it was inserted just for the amount - it's hard for me to highlight anything in it. In short, about the structure, I can say the following words: not a bad idea, although it could have been better.

The vocalist is great again. The vocalist's voice is a lyric soprano. I love high-pitched voices. Interestingly, the whole range is used here: both the top and the bottom. However, this is not just a range demonstration. Here is a quite successful attempt to convey the maximum amount of skill shades. I definitely like it. But she still seems to be losing her unique performing style that can be heard from the early days of Aldious. Perhaps this is not true and in fact the situation looks different. But in this regard, I feel some changes.

Now about the instrumental parts. It's noticeable that the composer had the task of betting on diversity. But the other side is not a very careful choice of methods for solving artistic tasks. One gets the impression that the leader gave roughly the following instructions: “First, something groovy, then something fast and powerful, and after - something”. However, it should be admitted that the composer's work is extremely successful: the instrumental parts sound impressive. The guitarist's sound is also impressive. There are a lot of triplets with "zeros" and scales at a medium tempo (1st track), as well as many "zeros", scales and pinch harmonics at high tempo (2nd track). In the third track, the guitar gets lost in the mix and is therefore difficult to describe in detail. Rhythm section also pleases the listener with its variety. In one song (2nd track) the rhythm section is very fast and powerful, and in the other (3rd track) it's very hooky. Now about additional instruments. Only in the third track can you find an abundance of synthesizers. In the first track, you can hear a small addition to the instrumental in the form of strings. I can't say more.

In terms of rebirth, it turned out even better than Mary's Blood with the Nemophila project. Rami continues to perfect his music, rather than just repeating a successful model. Yes, it should be noted that she still relies heavily on voice and lyrics - the instrumental parts receive less attention. But her behavior has changed and it's nice to know. Hope for more interesting releases in the future.

Trivium - What The Dead Men Say (Review)

As you can remember, I rarely listen to music from USA. However, I recently received a newsletter on my email with a proposal to listen to Trivium new album. Also in some of my recommendations on Youtube there were several covers for songs from this album. Well, this means that today we will have very cool guys from America.

My Rating: 84/100 Best song: Bending the Arc to Fear

Service Yandex Music determined that the song Sickness Unto You is similar to Open the Hell's Gate (EACH OF THE DAYS) - that’s all you need to know about how such algorithms work.

And then we will act. I read a lot of articles on art and culture. And often I notice one point among the authors: a magnificent train of thought, but the emphasis is ugly. Something like this can be said about this album. Obviously, the guys wanted to make a very technical and very complex album, but at the same time still make something attractive to average listener. And just then, with such a desire, some uncomfortable feeling begins. For example, this is noticeable in the album structure: an increasing intro, then three very powerful tracks, and then the 5th track, which seemed to me too difficult to understand. On track 6, I wanted to turn off this album. A pleasant surprise was that the 7th, 8th and 9th tracks were the best in the album. And the last track seemed to have been made just to somehow end the album. In general, the impressions of the album are positive. There is no sense of incompleteness that I usually have after such albums.

The vocalist is flawless. There is a weak variety of vocal techniques - it's noticeable that the idea prevails here, and not the vocalist's skill's shades. However, the voice is very strong, which, coupled with sharp lyrics, gives a tangible effect. However, there is one interesting point. It consists approximately of the following: from the point of view of instrumental parts, it's extreme metal, but there are few extreme vocal techniques. It might look strange, but it looks interesting here.

Instrumental parts: this situation is twofold. On the one side, riffs are very hooky and very groovy. For example, I liked the main riff from Catastrophist so much that I immediately wanted to tune my guitar on Standard A# and play it. It can also be noted that riffs have a very high technical complexity: I didn't immediately understand how this is played and this is a pleasant fact. On the other side, in some segments you can hear stroking the power chords using the simplest alternate picking technique. I think this is a negative point - I didn't expect this from these guys. Now about the rhythm section. Bass has a pronounced upper part of tone. Because of this, the bass is clearly audible in the mix - this is a nice detail, especially when you listen through cheap headphones. However, the bassist doesn't have a lot of interesting parts - I can’t single out one thing. Drums - everything is pretty predictable here. Here you can hear very intense drum loops. However, it's not possible to tell too much about drums - the composer's attention on guitars is noticeably too much.

Usually mainstream rock bands completely disappoint me. Yes, this can be understood: in the modern world, popularity requires far from what experts say. But these guys are one of the very few exceptions. They have such a high skill level that their flaws can only be felt. Specifically, in this album, a big bet on the general idea and on guitars is noticeable: sharp lyrics and difficult riffs. Whether this bet has played or not - perhaps everyone will decide for himself. But I can say that this album is cool.

Lovebites - Electric Pentagram (Review)

Band Lovebites follows the strategy that I expected: if they release new songs, then obviously not in 2019, - they lefted too much strength in 2018. The absence of new albums in 2019 was a justified decision - it's noticeable that they work at the limit of their capabilities. However, there was no need to wait long for new songs: on January 29 a new album was released.

My rating: 72/100 Best song: Dancing With the Devil

The general concept looks like a new attempt to put pressure on nostalgia sense of the post-NWOBHM times. I will explain with a simple example why I don't like this concept. There is a painting by Malevich “Black Square” - it's just a black square on a simple background. This painting was sold for 20 million USD. 10 million USD were spent on advertising. That is, it turns out that anyone can draw a square, spend 10 million on advertising and sell their creation for 20 million. You don't have 10 million? Then this is not your game!

I started my previous thought for a following reason. In the naming you can see something familiar. The name of the second track is borrowed from Megadeth, the name of the fourth from Saxon, the name of the eighth from Breaking Benjamin, the name of the tenth from Annihilator, the name of the eleventh from Pantera. And I really don't want to believe that even the name of the last track is also borrowed (from Symphony X). And this is just what I personally noticed.

Something very similar can be said about composer's work. Composer again had the task of composing something epic - and again it turned out flawlessly. In general, composer again coped with the task perfectly, but again I don't like his means of solving artistic tasks. Therefore, I will not even describe the album structure.

The vocalist is again good: her voice is very strong and interesting. Varieties of vocal parts are quite worth the wait, although an attempt to convey the vocalist’s skill shades is not particularly noticeable here. An interesting game of contrasts should also be noted: sometimes the voice is calm, and sometimes it's emotional. Yes, this is implemented according to the standard scheme. But overall, the vocalist did an excellent job.

Instrumental parts - here the situation is ambiguous. On the one side, the instruments sound great again. On the other side, here you can hear something very familiar. However, there is something to tell about. Guitars sound great. Guitar parts structures are so impressive that I cannot describe it in words. And, as usual, I note that I did not immediately understand how this is played - I see this as a positive point. A high level of skill is noticeable. But I don't like a couple of points. For example, too many pinch harmonics in main riff of 4 tracks. Also in several tracks, through the twin lead guitar and triplets on rhythm guitar, the spirit of Iron Maiden is felt. Now about the rhythm section: it's really powerful and diverse. I’ll even say more: most of the impression is the drummer's work. There is a wide variety of both basic patterns and blast bits, as well as fills. Additional instruments should also be noted. There are not many here - a high bet on guitars is noticeable. But the synthesizers are used very skillfully - they perfectly complement the picture.

Reality is a cruel thing: you do everything perfectly, but there is too much load on one part - and the structure is destroyed. And again, this detail was the general idea: in it you can see the great desire to repeat patterns that are several years older than members. In general, this project is a very revealing example of how far one can go in trying to gain access to a western audience. Speaking directly about this release, I liked the album Clockwork Immortality more. Electric Pentagram could have turned out to be the best album of the band, if not for this increased desire to look like their Western colleagues. Going to your goal no matter what - it's always an honor. But everywhere there are boundaries, after which music is no longer perceived as art. These girls have crossed this border.

Flotsam & Jetsam - The End Of Chaos (Review)

Most of the famous USA metal bands are very predictable. This can be understood: when you see that some scheme brings profit, there is a great temptation to use it again and again (sometimes only by changing some shades). Initially, I thought about Flotsam & Jetsam in the same way - what can a band that has existed for 38 years show what's new?

My Rating: 68/100      Best song: Prepare for Chaos

Unfortunately, I was not mistaken - nothing new can be seen here. The general idea of ​​madness, chaos, strong personality has been exploited by Western metal band for more than 40 years. Needless to say, this has already have a dry mouth? However, this is a rhetorical question. Here you can hear patterns characteristic of thrash metal: triplets on guitar, skank beat on drums. Also here you can see patterns characteristic of power metal, which are not limited to some inserts of something melodic. I can't say that this combination is very common: I can only remember two bands that I constantly listen (Lujaneeza and 1/3 of Aldious songs). Well, this is a nice detail.

Composer's work is also enjoyable. There is a lot of experience here. But composer's experience is used rather trivially: only patterns without attention to shades. That is, the sound is very powerful, but the public has heard similar patterns many times.

Vocalist's job is also good. It's noticeable that vocalist also has good abilities. But the main part of vocalist’s work is aimed at maximum compatibility with the overall structure. Here the vocalist is not a separate person, but just another element of the overall structure. Such shade spoils the impression of his work.

Instrumental parts - everything is very predictable here. Here composer is trying to portray diversity. Keyword is “trying”. Guitar riffs are not very complex. Even during the audition, I realized how it's played (although I am not a professional). But in general, guitar riffs look very powerful. Rhythm section is also very powerful. It's noticeable that bass was given a lot of attention. Unfortunately, not the composer paid much attention to the bass, but the sound designer - only reamping is good here. However, drums are incredible. Here is a high intensity drum patterns. The main part of the impression is drums.

Yes it's beautiful. Yes, it's powerful. But this is just another repetition of successful model. This is one of the reasons why I don’t like famous Western bands - not enough just to drive at full speed, sometimes road can be bumpy. Those who miss the NWOBHM or some mallcore kid can listen to it. But for aesthetic person it will be just another release from the West. Guys did everything right, but the absence of many shades significantly spoils the impression of the album. Album was not even helped by a hint of conceptuality. Well, the review is generally neutral, but I feel sorry for the time spent.

LOVEBITES - CLOCKWORK IMMORTALITY (Review)

Before listening to new album Lovebites, I decided to pretend that there was no misunderstanding called “Battle Against Damnation”. But no matter how I pretend, I cannot change one thing: fundamental mistakes are visible even through a thick layer of talent.

My Rating 78/100   Best Song - Pledge of the Saviour

In album title you can see a interesting oxymoron. Also noteworthy is the album structure. At the beginning - acoustic intro and the most powerful songs. In the middle - middle tempo. In the end also powerful songs. The idea of ​​previous full-length album was slightly changed regarding the album structure. It's also noticeable that not all songs are completely original. Empty Daydream - one of the riffs sounds very familiar (it looks like the riff from song Beat It). We The United - here the idea is copied from Aldious. Also, there has not been without potboiler - Mastermind and The Final Collision. And also M.D.O. - quickie, as well as a copy of song The Apocalypse, but with more complex guitar riffs. The rest songs sound very powerful and interesting affect the emotions.

This time composer's work can be called good and even excellent. Composer had the task to compose something epic - this worked out well. However, this release still shows the desire to repeat successful patterns that are several years older than members. I don't want to say anything bad, but in the fourth release it was already possible to designate something more than the 30 years old patterns.

Vocalist is good. It's difficult to hear a variety here, but vocalist shows his abilities well. Just what I wanted to hear: a fairly wide range of strong voice with different emotional colors. This is not an ideal strategy - emotions can be faked. But vocalist shows himself well in such a frames.

Instrumental parts - everything is very predictable here: standard E guitar tuning does not have much variety. However, in this album the instrumental is more interesting than I thought. First of all, there is a lot of attention to guitars. Diverse and complex guitar riffs are not even half of the whole construction. The main part of attention of guitarists is turned towards guitar solos. They occupy a very large part of basic idea, and their duration is quite high. I did not immediately understand how this is played - this is a good sign. Bassist is again hard to hear in the mix. In general, bassist has something interesting in only one track, and everything else is not worth attention. However, another part of the rhythm section - drummer - look much better. There is not a very large variety of drum patterns, but they are compiled very well.

These girls are very talented and it’s useless to argue with that. But in pursuit of high achievements, they forgot one simple thing - the charm of eastern beauties has passed, and each new attempt to exploit such a model looks pathetic. This is a classic “success trap”: yesterday's successful solution had to be applied yesterday - today there will be less benefit. Here again we see increased pressure on a feeling of nostalgia for the period after NWoBHM. Yes, composer created of a slight complication of guitar parts, a slight increase in the duration of guitar solos and a slightly less standard compilation of drum patterns. However, at the level of shades it seems that the album sucked all the creative energy from composer. And for this reason I doubt that in the future they will released something more interesting. The only thing that will always be large for this band is pathos and costs of promotion.

My favorite riffs on 7 string guitar

Despite the fact that I listen to a lot of music, few of my favorite bands play on 7 string guitars. In this post I will list my favorite riffs on a 7 string guitar. I think this would be a logical continuation of the “My favorite %itemname%” lists. As usual, I will list them in the format:

• Project name - Song title (genre, guitar tuning)

So, let's begin.

• Rie Aka Suzaku - Dreaming Eyes (Heavy / Power Metal, Standard B)

Let's start with something easier. The first experience with a 7 string guitar - and immediately a great song. Excellent talent.

• HETEROGENEOUS ANDEAD - Demise of Rein (Melodic Death / Thrash / Symphonic Metal, Standard B)

I consider the newest album of this band controversial and ambiguous. However, I liked one riff.

• SoundWitch - Suzy the Mouth (Industrial Metal, Standard B)

I categorically don't recommend this band for listening. But I liked one of the riffs.

• Amiliyah - Serpent (Gothic / Industrial Metal, Standard B)

I included band Amiliyah for a very cool overall concept. But most of all I liked the riff of this song.

• Alphoenix - Give Me Fire (Melodic Death Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)

But I have been listening to these guys since the time when they were called MyProof.

• Isao - Gravity Core (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)
• Cube-Ray - Golf (Progressive Metal / Instrumental, Standard B)

Phrase “instrumental progressive” often gives rise to a lot of jokes about “zeros”, especially when the guitarist plays on extended range guitar. But Fujita-sensei is one of the few who really knows how to play such music.

• Levrage - End Of Time (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
• Levrage - Lost Nation (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
• Levrage - Playing With Fire (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)
• Levrage - Life Is Calling (Thrash / Groove Metal / Metalcore, Standard B)

One of the few bands from USA that I constantly listen.

• Inescapable Dehumanization - Dishonored (Brutal Death Metal / Deathcore, Drop A)

“East" is not only Japan. An example is this band from Kazakhstan.

• Nocturnal Bloodlust - V.I.P. (Metalcore / Deathcore, Drop A)
• Nocturnal Bloodlust - Malice Against (Deathcore / Djent, Drop G)

And I could not miss the real masters of their craft.

This time the list turned out to be more voluminous - 13 pieces.

Methane - The Devil's Own (Review)

Southern metal from Sweden - a few years ago I would take it as a joke. But today in my entry a band from Sweden and USA.

My Rating: 75/100

Source - amazon.com

I doubted for a long time whether it was worth writing a review for this album - it would be difficult for me to describe such release, and already a year and a half have passed since the release. Nevertheless, I will do it. Here we hear thrash / groove metal. This is all that can be said about the genre, since it's difficult to find something unique here. Nevertheless, audition left a pleasant impression.

It's noticeable here that the composer did not try to show something very complicated. He just did what he can do. No show-off's, just honest skill. Here is a fairly logical choice of methods for solving an artistic tasks without surprises. Actually, the result speaks for itself - during listening you want to drink beer and shake your head. Also, influence of classical metal bands is very noticeable here. This is expressed in a classic guitar tone - a tube amplifier with skreamer. Someone might say that this has already become boring - in 80s there were enough bands with such sound. But this particular sound has a special charm.

The picture is supplemented by vocalist. In general, vocal parts are performed well - a lot of experience is felt. Yes, vocalist is not always perfect - in 5th track the performance of the vocal parts is somehow too cautious. You can also notice that much attention was paid to lyrics.

Instrumental parts are not very difficult - most of the emotions are caused by the lyrics. Nevertheless, there is something to say about instrumental parts. Guitar sounds cool. It would seem nothing complicated, but it causes great emotions. It's noticeable that there are many tracks for guitar and for each track, the re-amp was done differently (for example, more gain on second guitar). Also in one of the tracks on different tracks the vibrato is performed in different ways. Such pleasant little things leave a good impression of composition as a whole. You can also notice a very intense rhythm section. However, for such music is characterized by a high-intensity rhythm section. But this is not the usual bass drum's grinding in the style of Dave Lombardo. There is a very large variety of drum patterns. Yes, drummer is a cool dude.

Guys know how to do something - they do it. And they do it well. Yes, there are not enough very many shades in composer's work here. Yes, it was possible to compose more new songs for full-length album. But overall, album leaves a pleasant impression. Yes, there are few new songs here. But I hope that in the future this will be more.

Aldious - We Are (Review)

I really respect artistic personalities who perform a lot of intellectual work. But when you put a very high lath, then risk of failure is high.

My Rating: 74/100

First, here an interesting detail is noticeable: this release is formally listed as a EP, but contains 9 tracks. This is a lot - before that was full-length. I was very much afraid that a large quantity would affect the quality. It's very difficult to released more than one release per year, even if it's a single and full-length. There are two full-length albums. Nevertheless, quality is the main. I can't say that album is very good, but it turned out better than I expected.

Composers work at highest level: here we also hear a great variety. But now it's different. If earlier albums contained pop songs, now only a small influence (7 track) is noticeable. In most tracks, we hear a general aggressive pattern in spirit of late Overkill. There are also acoustic inserts. Even one song is completely acoustic (8 track). Also you can notice a very complicated (relatively standard for classic power metal patterns) rhythm section, on the basis of which you can hear many interesting things. I will say more - it's rhythm section makes this album interesting.

Voice is bad again. 15 years of experience - and as a result, indistinct groans. Nevertheless, some abilities are used in an interesting way. For example, use the bottom of vocal range in 7 track. Well, not abilities, so interesting ideas. But interesting ideas end here. Lyrics are pretty simple. If in previous album lyrics could be called interesting, now it's frank quickie. Yes, not all lyrics are written by Rino. But this is the only thing where she could show her abilities well.

Guitars in this release leave an ambiguous impression. It looks interesting, but I can't say that guitar parts are very diverse. Yes, alternation of triplets and pinch harmonics in 6th track is cool, but life does not end there. Nevertheless, guitar melodies are quite interesting. Also noticeable is an flawless guitar tone. About bassist, I can say a little - to discuss such a high skill level is just indecent. But it's worth noting very difficult and very interesting parts. This is especially noticeable in 6th track, which has a very uneven rhythm - all the shades of bassist's skill are noticeable here. Yes, I wanted to hear bass solo. But even without this, bass parts are wonderful. Drummer justifies his famous surname this time. It seems that she heard me. Half of drum parts are an interesting compiled mix of standard structures. But other half is something more interesting. A very complex rhythm section formula with interesting fills - outwardly it's clear, but it sounds very cool. But something late, she began to do something really interesting - it appeared on 6th release. But, there is an assumption that only now something interesting has been invented for it. Nevertheless, the result is good.

Will this flow of interest continue? Or they will be deflated as a balloon, meeting with a needle? Now it's hard to say. But one thing is for sure: don't have to release albums so often. This album could be better if it was released in three or four months. Well, the work is done.

6 japanese metal songs that never officially released

I think many of us have faced a situation where you do not have time to do some things. It's the same with musicians - bands are created, bands split-up, and songs that did not have time to write remain. In this entry, I want to tell you about quite interesting songs that, due to various circumstances, have never been officially released. So, let's begin.

Disqualia - Guilty Of The Crime

Initially, quite an interesting project quickly going to pop. I don't know if it's right to say this or it's a ordinary template, but I think I'll be understood. Of course, then the leader in an interview with Metallion magazine admits that the band did not plan to play metal. Nevertheless, the apogee was EP right NOW, where the pop patterns were compensated only with pathos. So could not last long, after which Ibuki - author of all songs, - go out of this bisness. Of course, this did not happen instantly - the band continued their activity and composed new songs. The most interesting of them - Guilty Of The Crime - is already impossible to find anywhere, since a large number of concerts were not recorded.

Coma Countess - Incitement White

Officially existed only 10 months, band Coma Countess still managed to leave a small, but still a trace in history. Officially, only three songs were released on demo-single, but they performed six at concerts. You can see the fulfillment of the most interesting of them now.



Yes, you are not mistaken, here are two past members from Destrose - Miho and Miki.

Albion - Innocent Lilly

Band Albion - is an attempt to grab the maximum amount of popularity, - this was very lacking for Tengusakura. Attempt was unsuccessful. Yes, for me the album Campanula was the most anticipated album of 2014. But, apparently, it did not turn out as the members wanted, and soon project split-up. Moreover, the project split-up gradually, but this is another story. Now I want to say that a song was written with the name Innocent Lilly, which they did not have time to release.



As you can hear, it's about the same thing you can hear in full-length.

A Drop Of Joker - Liar

A Drop Of Joker - Scream For Me

The next point we have at once two songs from one composer. Period from 2014 to 2015 for the band A Drop Of Joker was the peak of activity: release of full-length album and EP, a large number of concerts and a lot of PR on Twitter. But guitarist Mi-ya, in the end, chose not skill, but popularity and activity suddenly stopped. But Mi-ya left a little material, which was intended for this band. Later these songs found their place in band Lovebites. But the difference is significant: A Drop Of Joker played a melodic death / metalcore (at the last concerts already went djent elements), and Lovebites play heavy/thrash/power metal. Accordingly, the original was intended for 8 string guitar, and Lovebites plays on 6 string guitars with a standard E tuning. Yes, it's better than nothing, but it's impossible to hear the original.

Kanimega - Wake Up

Despite the fact that even a whole MV was released for this song, team split-up due to problems with bassist. So they did not have time to release a new release.



Yes, Kenji has a solo project and I hope that it will be much better.

Do you like my entries? You can make them better.

Lovebites - Battle Against Damnation (Review)

I listen a lot to Eastern metal music and I noticed one interesting regularity: first two releases are done purely on one inspiration. And then, when the inspiration is exhausted, only abilities remain. So it was with many bands: Area51, Albion, Light Bringer, Galmet, Lujaneeza, Deluhi, Undivide, Plasmajet, Aftermath, Sweets Domination - I can go on for a very long time. This bands of different genres, different skill levels, different fame levels. But all of them are united by one thing: first two releases make a big bet on emotions, and the next - a continuous routine. And some even ceased to exist at all (for example, Raglaia or Inherited Truth).

My Rating: 77/100

Why did I remember this regularity? Because in this release the flaws in their strategy begin to emerge. There is already starting to be noticed some pattern. And it was composed after the wave of the first two releases. Coincidence? Yes, this is not an ordinary copy-paste - much has been done admirably. But when you release a lot of songs in one year, then later the creative flow will decrease. Disadvantages begin with an illogical cover art. And this continues on naming - it seems that only first two tracks were unique, and the rest is a slightly modified continuation of second track.

As for composer's work, everything has been done wonderfully, but more stereotypedness begins to appear. Previous releases were aimed at influencing emotions - it turned out perfectly. But now, when emotions are gone, routine begins. Well, creative people are therefore called creative, which can make everything unique and interesting. But the creative reserve was spent last year and now it was not possible to overcome the fall completely after the take-off. No, I don't want to say anything bad - composer is a very talented person. But no matter how talented composer, only one person on Earth possible to consistently produce two and more high-quality and unique metal release in a year (without consequences), - "Iron" Chino.

Vocal parts suddenly became monotonous. If full-length has revealed all vocalist's delights, then now I don't hear anything interesting. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that much work has been done on the errors. It's hard to see progress, but still it's noticeable. Yes, I will be very bored by the emotional cries from first MV.

Instrumental parts are a mixture of tremolo, triplets, fifths chord and patterned scales. That's all. Yes, we hear an interesting melodic construction in first track. Yes, we hear thrash metal in style of late Overkill in second track. Yes, there is a moderate amount of synthesizer, which emphasizes some segments. But in the rest - a continuous stream of boredom, which we heard back in the 80's. Here we again hear a standard guitar / bass tuning - here for more than 20 years nothing new has been invented. Approximately the same situation with rhythm section. Bass parts are standard - these are just the tonic from guitar riffs that create groove construction. Drums still trying to somehow portray diversity - affects the high skill level. But in general, there is nothing interesting in rhythm section either.

What can you say at the end? There is a high skill level. But I'm disappointed. Girls have chosen popularity due to repetition of successful patterns and lyrics on English - it has long been noticeable. But if first two releases put pressure on emotions, then now the charm of eastern beauties has passed. And now their material is just the consequences of routine work. Something early they approached their limit, I thought it would be later. And this is the main mistake of composer and manager - to release quickly and a lot. And I'm willing to bet that if this release was released in September (not in June), then there would be fewer standard ideas. But still it is worth acknowledging that they did right and good, and this is very rare in our time. But in America, where they are so eager to get into, there are already enough similar band - someone would explain it to them. I don't know what will happen before an understanding of this fact comes. Well, the third release is already visible to their limits.

10 guitar riffs that changed my life

Recently saw Jared video, in which he talks about the 10 guitar riffs that changed his life. Today I decided to tell you about it too. So, 10 guitar riffs that changed my life.

1. X-Japan - X (Power Metal/Speed Metal).
2. Slayer - Black Magic (Thrash Metal).
3. Trivium - Pull Harder On the Strings Of Your Martyr (Thrash Metal/Groove Metal).
4. In Flames - Artifact Of The Black Rain (Melodic Death Metal).
5. Lamb Of God - Redneck (Groove Metal).
6. Bullet For My Valentine - Hit The Floor (Metalcore).
7. Bullet For My Valentine - Ashes Of The Innocent (Thrash Metal/Metalcore).
8. Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade (Metalcore).
9. Periphery - Insomnia (Groove Metal/Progressive Metal/Djent).
10. Kino - Peremen (Post-Punk, New Wave)

I will not describe all causes and consequences - this will not be enough for one blog entry. The only thing I notice is that at first the complexity gradually increased, then the notion "genre" ceased to exist for me at all.

LevRage - The Culling (Review)

I rarely listen to Western metal. Modern model of Western metal music gets bored very quickly. Among Western countries, I prefer those in which music is a bad source of profit (for example, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Poland). This makes musicians produce rare, but very interesting releases. In USA it's difficult to find interesting bands because of their large number.

My Rating: 84/100

Source - soundcloud.com/levrage

Nevertheless, it's possible. Today I want to review band Levrage and their new single "The Culling". I really liked album "Lost Nation" and now I wanted a sequel. And sequel appeared recently in the form of a single. Allegorical cover art promises us topics that it's impossible to keep silent - these topics are always interesting. As for music, here we again hear thrash/groove metal with strong hardcore influence. Overall structures leaves a pleasant impression. The single track from this release reminded me of track Pushing Resistance from album "Lost Nation": here listener captures the overall structure, but a few shades are taken into account. I can not say that this release is made better than previous. Well, it's difficult to fly higher every time.

Rather strong voice of vocalist and very honest lyrics is the first thing to notice. Vocalist is good - here we hear harsh, screaming and clean. Voice and combination of vocal techniques is not unique, but I can not remember who it might look like.

But instrumental parts I can not call very interesting. In instrumental parts it's difficult to find anything interesting, except for a few riffs with pinch harmonics (near the end). Even drums - constructions does not differ in variety, although this is typical for this genre. But some shades give a sense of professional work. Here you can feel good composer's work: there remains a good aftertaste.

Well, there's only one track, so I can not write much about it. Good or bad, everyone will decide on their own. But this band had good potential from beginning. And now they again show an excellent skill level. I hope next release will be a worthy continuation of album "Lost Nation".

Kenji Ishimine - Over EP (Review)

For Kanimega 2017 was unsuccessful: member died, and because of the new, serious problems arose. It's unfortunate that one unsuccessful decision has ruined such an excellent work. Nevertheless, this project was too good to just disappear. And now we see his reincarnation in frontman solo project.

Source: kenjiishimine.bandcamp.com

My Rating: 89/100

Sometimes you are surprised that only a few little things have changed, but general impression has changed fundamentally. In the project Kanimega Kenji has already proved an excellent skill level. So I assumed that his music would be better without influence of other members. Although, it would seem, more participants can notice more shades.

Nevertheless, I was not mistaken - I listened to this release with great pleasure. I did not even want to take off headphones. Yes, I don't hear anything fundamentally new here. But general structure looks very cool. Here we again hear thrash / groove metal, but now hardcore influence has increased significantly. For example, we can hear another type of breakdown. Or a more honest lirycs.

It's noticeable that voice became more emotional. Vocal style reminds me of something middle between James Hetfield (Metallica) and Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God). Further discussion of voice is rather difficult, because this element is irreproachably suitable for similar methods of solving an artistic task.

Instrumental parts are quite diverse. A simple basis is felt, but in final version, we hear incredible riffs, which are difficult to describe from the first try. Yes, guitar solo is not perfect. But in general constructions that composer's excellent work is felt. Particularly noteworthy is rhythm section. Prior to this, drum patterns were excellent, but in this release they were slightly different. But there are some controversial points: there is a very intense attack (although, on bass attack a little sluggish), and overall sound is too saturated. Well, the main sound here at the highest level.

Reincarnation of some project is often the reason for disputes. But everything is obvious here: work is again wonderful. Here, more shades are taken into account than in latest release of Kanimega. Well, first powerful mini-album that I want to listen to again and again.

Aldious - We Are (MV)

On November 12, Aldious released a new mv We Are. Album will be released on November 29th.



Release two albums in one year? It's possible, but it's very difficult to do. Writing instrumental parts for one 4-5 minutes song lasts about two hours. It's possible and for 40 minutes, but this will be just a combination of standard patterns. However, this is just playing around with one idea that comes to mind not every day. Processing one guitar track, and them in a mix, a minimum of four, is a minimum of three hours. Bass does't use distortion, but for good sound it's not enough just to remove all useless resonances and overwind the saturation. Nevertheless, it should be written down, but no one can play perfectly from first time - it's one more working day. I no longer mention a lot of bureaucratic subtleties in sales. That is, to compose, record, compile and start selling more than one quality-made metal album a year, one must be God or Iron Chino. But since God does't exist, there are few options. I'm afraid that album will be fast-made and it's released only to be often in field of view of a wide audience. When you bet on quantity, nothing good can be done.

Fears also arose in listening to this song. Here we see a general aggressive constructions - it's interesting. But instrumental seems to me very simple. Perhaps, because I expect a lot from Marina, although previous release showed that this is not necessary. Perhaps, because I expect a lot from overall construction of album. Nevertheless, most noteworthy is lyrics, which consists of several words. It's written in description of video. Yes, we hear anthem-like chorus, but this ends with ideas of songwriter. Rino is bad vocalist, and if she exhausts songwriter's resource, then it will be wasted.

Somehow they did it very cheap. If album is made as I suppose, then score will be 55-60 out of 100.

Kanimega - Noose (Review)

What is the difference between good and bad specialist? Bad specialist learned a few facts and applies them whenever possible. A lot of loud statements with complaints about external circumstances are attributes of a bad specialist. Good specialist has a way of thinking. He sees task and issues a solution. A master of his craft, who does everything so well that it only remains to admire the result.

My Rating: 87/100

Source - metal-archives.com

I did not just remembered it. The top musician's skill is writing and performing of such interesting compositions that critics can only silently applaud. This album can be confidently called so. Here we hear thrash / groove metal with a little hardcore influence. In the 90s-00s this would be a good platform for interesting ideas. But in our time is already a reusable pattern, on which it's difficult to come up with something interesting. Nevertheless, much depends on the composer.

But here work at highest level. You may think that subject of struggles has deep thoughts and such songs can be written by everyone person. However, in methods of solving an artistic tasks, there are many shades that show the difference between professional and easy rider. This composer could see this fine line.

Voice is very sharp and dirty. Vocal style reminded me of James Hetfield. This voice is ideal for solving artistic tasks of this kind. Write about this something else is quite difficult, since this part is composed perfectly.

But if everything is clear with vocal parts, the instrumental parts are something interesting. This can't be called very difficult. On basis of simple constructions, a wide variety of riffs was created. This is definitely a positive moment, because it's hard to come up here something interesting. Rhythm section can also surprises with a relatively large variety. With bassist everything is clear: most of his parts are guitar repetition, creation of a groove pattern. But drums are more interesting. Usually drum parts of this music is standard (for NWOBHM) formula. But here we hear that every song is a unique work of a drummer. In this genre you have high hopes for drums - and here expectations are justified.

I can continue praise for this project for a long time. It's unfortunate that this band will not continue activities. This project could give out many good and interesting works. But members will continue their work in project Dragdown.

Lovebites - Awakening from Abyss (Review)

A short dress, a cute look and a hard image on stage - this combination always attracts attention. And if we add to this a very powerful first mini-album, then we will get an excellent image. Well, now we see full-length album.

My Rating: 89/100

And the first thing we see is interesting tracks location. In beginning there are compositions that are interesting from point of view of instrumental techniques. At the end there are compositions that are interesting from point of view of emotions. It seems that authors read my review for previous release - there I argued that last song creates a good aftertaste. Here all this is carefully thought out - even the listener's emotions are planned from beginning to end.

Therefore, first audition is most emotional. Instrumental parts can't be called very difficult, but first audition is fascinating. Nevertheless, we again see something very "Western". Even the song Bravehearted, which was originally in Japanese, is now in English. Eastern faces, but Western style. No, I don't want to say that they need to be second "Tengusakura". But interesting eastern shades are lost, and new problems are created. For example, when pronouncing letters "C", "W" and "L", the difference is noticeable. Yes, vocalist well hides this shortcoming, but good hearing can't be deceived.

We continue about vocalist. A beginner is noticeable here: she tries to portray a variety of vocal techniques, but it turns out monotony. No, it's good - musician knows about shortcomings and the way of development. Nevertheless, even now it turns out perfectly.

Instrumental parts are something incredible. First of all, this feeling is achieved due to very successful use of keyboard instrument. Gorgeous breakdown in The Apocalypse, general impressive structures in Shadowmaker and Bravehearted - all this would have been impossible without an excellent keyboards. Even frank quickie like Inspire and an unsuccessful Scream For Me with a keyboard instrument sounds very cool. But keyboards is not in all tracks. Where he does not exist, guitars continue to work there. Excellent sound of interesting guitar parts is also a positive thing. A wide variety of interesting riffs and crazy solos - it's only outwardly easy to describe all these wonderful drawings. Rhythm section works so well that it may even seem boring. This pair of bassist/drummer for two years was the basis of a very cool project Destrose. And now they once again confirm their high status. Yes, bassist parts could be more interesting. But performance is excellent.

I always try to guess how much a new musical project can exist. There is noticeable a large amount of work, a great contribution of forces and means. Usually such projects exist for 7-8 years - big expenses pay off very long. Yes, not everything always works out. Yes, we still need to pay attention to many factors. However, second powerful release and no reason to believe that this tale will end soon.

Heterogeneous Andead - Deus Ex MacHina (Review)

"Extreme Metal" - as many associations with these words. This is a very convenient platform for many bad musicians - speed can hide many shortcomings. Yes, when you hit the wall at over 200 bpm, then you will not want to notice all shades. For this reason, I'm very reluctant to listen extreme metal. Usually it can be melodic death metal, for example, Nameless One or Galmet.

My Rating: 70/100

Source - amazon.co.jp

But this band interested me. I listened enthusiastically to this album from beginning to end. Really. I did't miss a single second. But my expectations were justified only partially. I assumed that this release would be more interesting. But this does't negate the fact of having a great talent.

As usual, we start with the general. Here we hear thrash / death metal with a lot of synthesizers. All songs are performed at high speed. Last track is an exception. All parts can't be called diverse. There were high hopes for the ninth track, which lasts 9:44 - I assumed that there will be something progressive here. But I was wrong: here is just a little longer guitar solo.

Vocalist. Here we hear the standard structure of extreme vocalist parts - growl on verse, clean on chorus. And this is on all songs. Structure of vocal parts does't change - this is a negative point. With growl everything is clear, but clean is something interesting. Vocalist tries to portray opera singing. I can't say that it's done well. But this can be considered an adornment of album.

First instrumentalist who meets the listener is guitarist. But first I paid attention to keyboards. A very large variety of synthesizers. The main part of my rating I give for a keyboards. It's makes each composition unique. The only thing that's bad is that very quiet in mix. It was necessary to increase the volume. Such interesting parts for this instrument, but it's hard to hear. However, guitarist does the job well too. But guitar parts are monotonous. Crazy solos perfectly dilute this stream of boredom. Guitarist of this band is a very cool dude. But the bet on guitar did not justify itself.

I also can't call bassist parts very interesting. In the ninth track, bassist has a small melodic segment, but that's not enough. And drum parts are completely monotonous. For a drummer this album is a solid skank-beat. In the fourth, sixth and early ninth tracks, we hear a wide variety of drum parts. On this variety ends, but tracks in album are ten.

On one side, it's cool: higher speed - higher level of skill required. On other side, it's bad: not enough just to drive at full speed, road can be bumpy. Everyone will decide for themselves whether it's good or bad. But I decided this way: band has good abilities, but it's necessary to work seriously on composition structure. They do everything right, but a broader view is needed.

Aldious - Unlimited Diffusion (Review)

Guys, hold on to everything you can grab for. Today we have review on Aldious new album. As you guessed it, impression of the album as a whole is positive. The album is not the best, but this time they are pleased again.

My rating: 80/100

Source: www.metal-archives.com

In this album we hear same thing as in the previous. Really. "Radiant A" you can not listen at all - you will lose a little. Another strange look is the composer's attempt to portray versatility. More precisely, composers - influence of several (three or four) persons is felt. However, usually playing pretty good heavy / power metal, they suddenly started playing pop music in style of Scandal. And tracks Dilemma and Go away are very similar to thrash metal in style of late Overkill, which, incidentally, loves Yoshi. Well, we've heard from them for a long time, for example, in Dear Slave or Luft. But why release songs with low speed and a simple pattern? They break atmosphere of this album.

Emotions, problems and just some shots from life situations - narrating person shows a perfectly understandable picture. I can't say that it's a good lyrical theme - almost everyone can write this. But here you can feel professional work on lyric - it fits well with instrumental.

Vocals are bad again. So bad that I don't want to write about it. No, I don't want to say that Rino is not worthy of this place. But this level of abilities is typical for beginners, but not for a specialist with 15 years of experience. Her beauty is weak consolation. If it were not for Rino - I could put the album an rating of 90-93 out of 100.

Instrumental is wonderful. Yoshi and Toki showed an excellent skill level. Guitar seemed to be specially created for this album - so interesting ideas come true. Sawa also perfectly performs difficulty parts. It's also a good idea to use a upright bass on recording. But she could perform at least one solo on bass for example, as in Other World. Yes, she has a small segment in In This World, but it's hard to call solo. Well, the compositions are very well arranged. Nevertheless, they don't cover Marina's shortcomings. Drummer again acts according to a strictly limited patterns. No improvisation. Okay, no one is perfect. If she had a mother's surname - Yoshimoto - one could say that she plays well. But she has a father's surname - Bozzio. And from daughter of legendary drummer you will involuntarily want to hear something more than a narrow patterns. Senri Kawaguchi, who is about 10 years younger than Marina, performs more interesting without having famous parents. This fact makes you think.

Stable, long-playing projects may seem boring. Unfortunately, this is their side effect - there is always a temptation to repeat previous successful work. Here we see a repetition of previous work, but who said that this is bad? Still need to work on the shortcomings, but this project is in good hands. And I hope that they will release many interesting releases.

What albums I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100

After my first review, I want to tell you which metal albums, released from 2001 to 2016, I consider worthy of rating 100 out of 100. Before starting, I want to clarify: this list is very long. Here I want to talk about music that I listen.

Galneryus - The Flag Of Punishment (2003), Advance To The Fall (2005)

Genre: neoclassical / power metal

Many bands try to make their first work as high-quality as possible. But someone is able to generate interesting ideas, but someone is not able. These guys just have this ability. Someone might say that during this period this band was just a copy of Stratovarius and would be right. But this was just the basis for the beautiful compositions. The result is obvious: they have been giants of Asian metal scene for ten years already. And it all started with amazing albums.




Light Bringer - Midnight Circus (2010), Genesis (2012)

Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal

Someone tries from beginning to make maximum impression on listeners, and someone long searches for the sounding. In 2005-2006 band Light Bringer was a miserable sight with incomprehensible perspectives. But soon they were able to convince the audience of their competence with the help of Heartful Message (2007). From that moment on they understood in what direction to move. And on this wave there are two beautiful albums: Midnight Circus (2010) and Genesis (2012). The result of the 5-year search is impressive. To say that “we hear the usual power metal” means insulting the members of this band.

Yes, there is also a very cool Scenes Of Infinity (2013), but there is already nothing special about it. It is made on the wave of inspiration from two very successful albums. And in it, only echoes of past success are heard.



Alhambra - Fadista (2007)

Genre: symphonic / power / progressive metal

This release is so good that I don't even dare to write something about it.


Gunbridge - Privilege of Ten Thousands (2014)

Genre: speed / power metal

The ways of Galneryus and Yama-B broke up in 2008. Yama-B returned to the projects of Rekion and Gunbridge. And Gunbridge is turned out very interesting. It would seem that the usual power metal with very fast tremolo. But listen to this song and you will understand everything.

In my opinion, over the past 15 years this is the standard of sounding speed / power metal.


Concerto Moon - Rise From Ashes (2008)

Genre: neoclassical / power metal

Initially, they were also just a copy of the western mainstream. But this time, Norifumi-sensei produced a truly great and unique work. Album name corresponds to the content. For a long time they were just a copy of such projects as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dio. After the album Rain Forest (2001) it became obvious: it's a new legend. But it was in album Rise From Ashes that combination of the skill of instrumentalists and composer reached the zenith. However, the first song from the album will say better than any words.

Octaviagrace - Resonant Cinema (2015)

Genre: progressive / power metal

I can explain many things and I rarely have words to describe. Here is a case. Release is so good that I can't describe it in words.


Lujaneeza - Angelic Toxicity (2013)

Genre: thrash / power metal

You will reproach me for this choice for a long time, but I have already done it. It's difficult for this album to put an estimate of 100 out of 100. It would seem that a thrash rhythm section was combined with a general melodic pattern. And result - medium release, which can get 60-70 out of 100.

But

You will not believe me, but it's a very rare combination on metal scene. Yes, you can remember Anchang with his "machinegun" team. But they have too much dispersion: album is played by speed / power metal, and on the next single - thrash metal in Drop C tuning.

But this band purposefully strengthened power metal pattern. Not for nothing that their music they call "New Wave Of Brutal Hime Metal". So here you can put 70 for an excellent instrumental and an amazing voice. The remaining 30 - for an interesting idea.

Lost Eden - Cycle Repeats (2007)

Genre: melodic death metal

Extreme music are known for very high intensity of sound extraction. And as an extremely specific topic. But you can just repeat one note at high speed, or you can draw interesting pictures in listeners ears. For fans of the Japanese scene, Nagoya has gloomy associations. And this band is no exception. No, this is not another groove metal like Oz or post-hardcore like Balalaika. Here charms of extreme style and the composer's excellent work combine incredibly successfully.

Beautiful instrumental parts with interestingly constructed vocal parts create a unique atmosphere of desperation and zeal, forcing listener to ponder over each word. It does not matter what year you listen to it - this album is always relevant.

Lovebites - The Lovebites EP (Review)

Well, this is my first review on this blog. And today I will view on a very powerful thing. It's album The Lovebites EP. Band name Lovebites. Review is timed to the European release.

My rating: 88/100

Destrose spawned so many similar bands that want to titled them all 破壊の薔薇家族 (hakai no bara kazoku, “Rose Of Destruction Family”). Some of them are successful, like Mary's Blood. Some bad like Aftermath. Some successful, but quickly ceased to exist, like Disqualia. And today me considering another band from this “family”. They play heavy/power metal. Band name was reminiscent of Halestorm.

Here there is a bassist and drummer from Destrose: Miho with her sexy instrument hold and two-fingered pizzicato technique and Haruna with her star cymbal. Together they making a very familiar rhythm section. But further more interesting. No, I'm not talking about guitars - guitarists from this band have already proven their excellent skill level. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft, middle-ranged but very emotional vocals.

Usually new bands characterized by DIY-debut releases, from which the ears are bleeding. But these girls got down to business seriously. Not only professional production and work of many people are noticeable here. Impressions from the album are pretty good. It’s noticeable that the work is performed exceptionally qualitatively. But these girls want to represent something very “Western”. When we say “Japanese band”, we mean something very specific, something that is filled with very interesting shades. As it was said in movie “The White Sun of the Desert” - “The East is a delicate matter”. I'm not saying that all Japanese bands should be like Onmyouza, Wagakki Bando, Tengusakura, ect. I mean that many features are lost at the same time. Also the difference in pronunciation will still be noticeable. For example, in band Reasterisk: can hear that the vocalist instead of the letter “L” pronounces “P”. Here too this difference is noticeable. Hiding this drawbacks by using the features of vocal technique - a simple, but good solution.

Twin guitar melody and the lyrics about overcoming yourself (Don't Bite the Dust) is a great solution. But we heard it from Iron Maiden. Thrash metal riffs with a general melodic pattern and high voice (The Apocalypse) - we also often hear, for example, from band Lujaneeza. But we also hear keyboards. Without it, sounding would be boring. Keyboards is very successfully inserted into the construction, completing the beautiful compositions.

A sad picture in “Scream For Me”. Sad is not only the lyrics, but also the action of composer - they are too cheap. This composition can't be appropriate for this band. But in the end, we hear what we're listening to power metal - affective “Bravehearted”. Completion of the album was chosen very successfully - this album leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

The brighter the fire, the faster it goes out. Destrose released their first masterpiece only 8 years after start. But this band immediately produced a powerful work. We already seen this with Disqualia: a very powerful first single, then the second single, which was not understood. And it all ended in a fail mini-album. Yes, you can lead a long discussion about the fact that there was a completely different situation. But I don't say something bad. If they can even produce another 6-7 years of powerful releases and conduct stunning performances at full-length's duration, then we are present at the birth of a new legend.