New Reviews 1/29/2011...


Fen & De Arma-Towards the Shores ofthe End-CD (Nordvis)
This project is one of the more interesting I've heard in a while the mix a lot of th Post/ Avant Black metal that has always impressed. It a mix of Manes, In the Woods and Borknagar with some elements of Monumentum and Ved  Buen Ende . I love the more ethereal / Sweeping moments that then come in to a full on Post Black metal jazzy dissident guitar, guttural vocal and epic rhythmic style. Fen & De Arma are a chilling example of what can be done when the Bleak Occult sounding metal, Industrial ideals and Avant music merge at a crossroads of taste, creativity and originality . The Synth and very prog Bass lines make the undertaking all the more massive in achievement. They really have the full on In the woods sound esp from Omnio period. I don't say this much but I love this fucking release and think this maybe the album of 2010, 2011 and beyond. I was not ready for what I've gotten here. I've gotten chills like this when I heard Arcturus. Ulvers (themes), Therogothon and Swans the 1st time  and this is what is happening to be now. Nordvis this album is beyond fantastic .. I hope it stay my dirty little secret for my pleasure but it done right the world will know who Fen & De Arma are very very soon.
http://www.nordvis.eu/

Beehoover- Concrete Catalyst-CD ( Exile on Mainstream)
If you like your rock dirty, heavy with a backbeat and groove that doesnt bridge on stoner then you have found the promised land my friends. This is for us sick mothers out there that love Melvins, Mr Bungle, Clutch and Lungfish. If like this bands then you will know the point I'm coming across with. There is a left of center approach going on with this duo that is just so Discord Records to me . They remind me of a lot of the Touch and go and Amrep stuff from the 90's as well like Surgery and Hammerhead and Cows. The guitars are so in your face and the drums are so tastefully done which is very hard to present most of the time. I swear Beehoover are channeling King Buzzo (Melvins) on vocals its frightening how much this vocalist sounds like him. Beehoover is another reason for me to still want to seek out new bands.
http://www.mainstreamrecords.de

WIVE-PVLL-CD (Exile on Mainstream)
I know nothing of this band in anyway other then listening to them for the 1st time and after just a few songs this band has a vision in the Indie Rock/ Jazzcore scene. They have elements of The Beatles, Rein Sanction (Sub Pop), Low and Rachel's in there sound and vision. I love the strings, guitars and very loose drumming. Wive have a strong love of  bands like Sunny Day Realestate and Sense Field in what they are recording and production. At times this feels more like Indie Rock Hymns then songs. Love the off kilter vocals and the loops and layers of other non musical sounds. WIVE is something all there own yet having that sound you swear you have heard before too. If Post rock was more laid back as more showtune based I would say they could fit into that genre at well. All I can really say is this band is all over the place and love it. There are even some noise rock moment but never full on...  Another very impressive band from Exile on Mainstream..
http://www.mainstreamrecords.de



EKTOMORF-Redemption-CD (AFM Records)
Man this band sounds like a strong mix of Hypocrisy, Messuggah and Strapping Young Lads.. You know the sound Bombastic with a Death and Power metal mix and that Industrial and very cutting edge production and technical sound that if not done right it sound horrible will my readers EKTOMORF have this sound down and are mastering it with every note. This album is hands  down punishing is sound and delivery. Love the throaty vocals that verge on full on Death metal but always stay on this side of melody and sung. Bands like EKTOMORF in the 90's use to have the most brutal of pits as both the hardcore and metal kids could respect it. Throw you horns in the air for  " Redemption" as it maybe just that the revival of this amazing sound. This with new Fear Factory its a piece of brilliant work.
www.afm-records.de
Jag Panzer- The Scourge of the Light-CD  (SPV Records)
This is what US Power metal is all about if you have not heard of them before where the hell have you been? This is everything Nevermore, Iced Earth, Armored Saint, Angra, Kamelot etc all are and more. I know they have never been given the respect of the others I've mentioned but they saint toe to toe with them and legends like Saxon and Blind Guardian. Jag Panzer is Metal they bleed  and breathe it and this is just another example of how well and powerful a melodic metal band can be with a singer that has the pipes to push it through. Check this out or you will be missing a lot my metal brothers and sisters...
http://www.myspace.com/spvmusic


Roger Miret and the Disasters-Gotta Get Up Now-CD (People like You)

The man the myth the legend ... The voice behind Agnostic Front is back with is other project. This to me hold all of th Hardcore swagger that Mr Miret has always given but mixes in the punk element that hads melody and a noisy side to is work think if bands like Nofx, H20 and Social D all came to him and said lets make some music then you would have this stellar really. There are some songs a swear Face to Face could have writting and given to Roger. There is a snarl to his vocal on this that has never been heard before. This album is just down right fun and kick ass all at the same time. Love the sing along choruses and the straight out street punk vibe that you can hear bands like the Kinks and Clash just screaming out of the speakers. Roger for me and tens of thousands of others I know I can say this without fail please never stop making music sir.
http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com/ .

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