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6/29/2005
Axenstar return with their third release The Inquisition.
For those who do not know, Axenstar plays power metal in the Helloween mold, combining catchy melodies, some nice riffing,
some keyboards, double bass drums, catchy choruses and a safe mid to high range vocalist and a production that is
top notch. So, is there anything that sets them apart than the tons of other bands that sound like this?
Let me think.
Not really. Some of the songs are really cool and have a good amount of
variation and tempo changes but overall, it just starts to sound repetative. It is well done and I do like it (save
for the ballad), I just don't think it will have any staying power past a few weeks. If this is your cup of tea, you
will love this, revel in it for a long time and ordain this in your top 20 releases of 2005... I won't.
Top Songs: The Fallen One, Run or Hide, The Sands of Time
72 / 100
Leave's Eyes (Liv Kristie and Atrocity) latest is
a journey, twofold. The first general story tells of the journey of Lief Ericson and the 'discovery' of America, the
second tells of a husband and wife separated on said journey. Personally, I think that is pretty cool. Usually,
you get some grand concept story, but here you get a little something extra storywise.
Musically, I guess you could classify it as goth-rock/metal but there is a good
variety of stuff on here. There are a few tracks that are rather epic and have a heavy Within Temptation sound (which is
not a bad thing). Other songs are atmospheric, soft and folk oriented which off set the rest which fall comfortably
into the goth-rock world. On some of these you get some grunts and growly vocals from Alexander Krull (used at a minimum)
which off set the angelic vocals of Liv Kristie.
The extra stuff on the limited edition are an interview, a making of Saga and
the video for Elegy. These are done well, but you have to watch them in this tiny picture on the middle of
your screen (go Quicktime!!)
Overall a good listen.
Favorites: Elegy, Solemn Sea, New Found Land
81 / 100
I have been sold on Pain since I heard "Suicide Machine"
on their first album Rebirt and saw them live at Wacken 2000. I find this a little strange since I don't generally
like this style of music. What style is it? you ask...let me try to explain.
The music itself is, of course, heavy metal but has some different twists.
We have some heavy and addictive riffing and some very catchy melodies via guitar and keyboards all set to a 'processed' sound
and production. Vocally, Peter (Tagtgren) is not going to blow anybody's head off, but he does have a decent middle
range voice who occasionally like to scream (all of which is also 'processed'). The drums appear to be from a drum
machine and there are some dance beats woven into some of these songs...not that I dance of course :)
Overall, it makes for an interesting listen. If the production doesn't bother
you, check it out.
Favorites: Don't Count Me Out, Same Old Song, Dancing with the Dead, Bye/Die
84 / 100
Paragon - Revenge
Paragon comes charging back with their new release
Revenge. As many of you know, Paragon plays a solid brand of heavy/true German power metal. You've got
your heavy, double bass rumblers, the mid-paced chuggers, the long epic tracks (over 9 minutes for Masters of the Seas)
and the Manowar cover, The Gods Made Heavy Metal. To top it all off, you've got Piet Sielck producing the album
with his trademark power metal sound and boomy choruses.
The album kicks off with a couple of blistering, double bass track...then they
kick you over the head mith a mid-paced thumper followed by a track of epic proportions. The rest of the album is of
equal quality with a mix of faster and slower songs (no, I do not mean ballads). It doesn't get redundant
or monotonous and just, well, rocks.
The vocalist has improved so much over the years. What used to sound unstable
and odd has turned into a strong, throaty heavy metal belter. At times he even treads into Chris Boltendahl's (Grave
Digger) territory of rough vocals. If that turns you off, don't worry, it is not throughout the album.
Overall, it is a great album for this style and right now almost lives up to
their masterpiece (at least to me) Law of the Blade. Time will tell.
Favorites: Impaler, Assasins, Traitor, Beyond the Veil, Empire of the Lost ...
none of the songs on this albums are bad.
89 / 100
Asperity - The Final Demand
Asperity's debut release from 2004 on Arise Records is one of those records that just doesn't get enough pub. It came
out about a year ago and I am sorry to say I did not get it until June 2005. What we have here is a nice slab of melodic
power metal with some catchy songs and some incredibly catchy choruses. The singer is in the upper-mid range and to
me has some character to his voice. Musically it is mostly mid-paced chuggers, nice drumming and you can hear the
bass! In the faster, double bass parts I am reminded a little of recent Nocturnal Rites. So if you like this style,
definitely check these guys out if you have not already. Also, check out the song in the MP3 section.
Favorites: The Pray, I'll Never Understand, Rebellion
83/100
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