Audio by year 2009

Just last week, the sixth studio album and follow up to “Deliver Us” ("The Eternal Return") for D.C. natives Darkest Hour dropped at the 104th spot on U.S. popular music charts. Darkest Hour has done quite well at staying fresh and reinventing themselves enough but not too much. Usually anything these guys touch is gold, but this new album fell a little short for me.

DevilDriver is back again with the new album Pray For Villians (2009). The album contains most of the pieces you would find in a DevilDriver album. All the band members pieces are there, but there's something missing in the DevilDriver Pray for Villains album.

I spent the better part of the weekend reading Harry Potter and listening to various new albums from several different bands. Born of Osiris's sophomore release, "A Higher Place" didn't have a ton more to offer than their first album--that's not to say that it was bad. I quite enjoyed it, I just couldn't escape the feeling of "been here before". The whole crew are all talented at their instruments and I was happy to see the addition of more riffs as well as a remake of some older stuff. Here's "Exist", the seventh track of of their latest release.

The Kris Norris Projekt

Not too long ago, I reviewed Darkest Hour’s newest CD and was left wondering where all the metal went. Well, fear not, I was able to find it. Recently departed, and arguably the metal of the band, Kris Norris, just released a solo album under the name, The Kris Norris Projekt. (Read Kis Norris Projekt)

 To date Oceano only has one full length studio album but it garnered enough attention to earn them a spot on the Thrash and Burn Tour. Along side legends DevilDriver and Despised Icon, Oceano has toured the country this summer kicking ass and taking names along the way. Here is "Disgust For Your Kind" off of their freshman album "Depths."  Click the link to check out Ocean Tour Dates.

In note worthy news The Black Dahlia Murder have a new album on the way, "Deflorate."  Set to be released September 15th, "Deflorate", is the first album to feature new guitarist Ryan Knight, who replaced John Kempainen.  Singer Trevor Strnad has stated in an interview that the album has more of a "classic feel" and that the drums have more of a "live sound." Today is your lucky day kids, because we have an exclusive track from that album for you to feast you ears on.

Here is a brand new song from Scar Symmetry that has leak out to the internet for all of us to hear called The Consciousness Eaters.  This song is part of their new album entitled: Dark Matter Dimensions.  There is a small change to this album, from their past ones,  their old singer Christian Älvestam has parted ways and has been replaced by two singers Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist. 

Next month on September 15th, Buffalo natives Every Time I Die will release their fifth studio album "New Junk Aesthetic" on the world. According to a recent interview with Kerrang!, singer Keith Buckley said that through out the album is a sort of big brother/hidden camera/watcher motif..... creepy. We were able to snag a little taste test and we are passing that sweet chocolate milk shake to you. This is "Wanderlust" the fourth track on the album.  You can also watch a crappy video with a download link here.

Enjoy Kids!

Behemoth Ov Fire And The Void is a new song off of their new album "Evangelion."  Behemoth has been known for their deep black metal with heathen lyrical content.   And not much has changed in this new album.  The only thing that has changed is Behemoth has moved up a level of quality in this album more than any of their other albums.  So for you Behemoth death metal fans, here is Ov Fire And The Void.

3 Inches Of Blood Battles and Brotherhood is a new song from their new album coming out September 8th 2009 entitled Here Waits Thy Doom.  This song has everything you would expect out of 3 Inches Of Blood.  Fast riffs, beats and classic rock vocals.  Oh there will be "Blood Shed, Death and Vengeance is Glorious."  Watch for 3 Inches of Blood on tour with In Flames, Between The Buried And Me and Faceless.

Well I've got to give credit to the swamp monster wrestling, scorpion kissing boys of Collin Creek for one thing... They have stumped me.  Usually a man never short on words, I have probably tried to sit down to write this damned review for a week and I still haven't been able to put into words this style of music. 

(Read More Collin Creek)

Arkaea is a new developed band with familiar members. Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar) and Raymond Herrera (drum) from “Fear Factory” and Jon Howard (vocal) and Pat Kavanaugh (bass) from “Threat Signal” have joined forces to create album entitled Years In the Darkness.

Cleveland, OH deathcore band Salt The Wound just announced their new album "Ares". "Ares" is the second full-length album from Salt The Wound due out September 15, 2009 through Rotten Records. Or if you are luck enough to catch them playing in Cleveland at the Grog Shop on August 29, they are giving out a limited number of their new CD two weeks in advance.

Insomnium is a Finnish melodic death metal band, who with their fourth studio album have further proved that they are a band that will not be going anywhere for a while. "Across the Dark" offers the same melancholic, symphony of life and loss fans have come to expect from Insomnuim with enough fresh material and progression for the band to have a truly stand out album. Clocking in at just over 45 minuets , "Across the Dark" is an absolute delight from spacey, ethereal beginning to epically punishing ending.  Recommended for fans of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity. 

Ensiferum’s new album “From Afar”, dropped today and it has rock our world and speakers over here at Metal Call-Out.  Mixed by H.I.M producer Kai "Hiili" Hiilesmaa, and featuring a Normad cover (special edition only), “From Afar” is a heroically solid and all around enjoyable folk metal release. In support of their new album, Ensiferum will be hitting the road in November with Ex Deo, Blackguard, and Swashbuckle(!). Go pick up this record today! 

Click here for tour dates.

 The new Despised Icon album, “Day of Mourning” dropped today, despite reading three times over that “they made a leap towards traditional metal” I really just don't hear it. If a few less pig squealed “breee’s” and a few more riffs means that they are a not a death-core band anymore than sure, I just don't foresee this album winning the band over very many new fans the way Job for a Cowboy’s “Ruination” did them.

Blackguard is just good, I really don’t know what else to say about this Canadian Folk Metal outfit than that. Blackguard is able to blend elements of death, power, and Scandinavian folk metals to deliver a record (Profugus Mortis) that redefines the folk metal genre.  Being their first major label release, I am excited to see what the future holds for this outfit. Here is “This Rounds on Me” from their album Profugus Mortis. Be sure to check out Blackguard on tour this winter with Ensiferum, Ex Deo, and Hypocrisy. Dates here.

Due out in November, Nile’s sixth studio album “Those Whom the Gods Detest” (Nuclear Blast), is posed to be the bands best and most epic work to date. Formed in 1993 in South Carolina, Nile has been hard at work ever since perfecting their Egyptian themed metal with blistering riffs and Middle Eastern inspired melodies. According to a post on the band's message board, they are planning to release a "making of" documentary covering the rehearsals, preproduction and studio sessions of the “Those Whom the Gods Detest”. Take a listen to the third track on “Those”, "Utterances of the Crawling Dead" and be sure to go pick up the album November 3rd. 

I found out an interesting fact today; Hypocrisy’s lead songer/guitarist Peter Tägtgren owns a village called Pärlby, three hours north of Stockholm. Random, I know, but interesting none-the-less. Hypocrisy has been making music since some of you young readers were in diapers. They are good, and if you don’t agree you are wrong. Their 11th studio album “ A Taste of Extreme Divinity”, finds the band coming around to more melodic elements and mature lyrical content. “A Taste” is due out October 23rd in Europe and November 3rd in the US so start saving your pennies. Just because I’m cool like that I am going to let you have a little listen to one of the new tracks “Global Domination” well before you can get the album in stores. Enjoy. 

I told you Megadeth’s new album was awesome , and  the world agrees. MEGADETH's, "Endgame", has registered the following first-week chart positions around the world:

Sleeping in Gethsemane
From: Fargo, North Dakota, USA

Albums: “The Great White North” (2007), “Burrows: (2009)

Sleeping in Gethsemane is an experimental, instrumental band featuring Brandon S. on Bass, Shane H. on Drums and Brandon L. on Guitar. Sleeping in Gethsemane has released two albums as of April 7th, 2009. The first being “The Great White North” in 2007 and the latest 2009 release “Burrows” available  through INIT Records.

SIG is a wonderfully diverse and talented post metal/hardcore band in the vein of Mouth of the Architect and Pelican. “Burrows” is an album that needs to be listened to from beginning to end to grasp the full scope of the bands diversity. 

Links: www.myspace.com/sleepingingethsemane

Greta Knights
From: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Albums:  “Trance Formers” (2009)

A melodic "Techno/Nintendo" deathcore band, Greta Knights is a 3 piece with Remi on Vocals, Shawn on Guitars/Synthesizer, and Pat on Percussion. Greta Knights has one album “Trance Formers” self-released in 2009

Greta Knights is a wonderfully fun, if not some times over the top band that not only created a genre, but cornered it. For fans of 1000 Dead Rabbits, Sky Eats Airplane, Horse the Band, 8-bit and Nintendo.

 Links: http://www.myspace.com/gretaknights

Disarmonia Mundi
From: Turin, Italy
 
Discography:  “ Nebularium” (2001),  “Fragments of D-Generation” (2004), “Mind Tricks” (2006),  “The Restless Memoirs” (2009), “The Isolation Game” (November 2009)
 
Disarmonia Mundi is a melodic -death metal band that has its roots in progressive metal. DM was founded in early 2000 by Ettore Rigotti.  The Band has gone through numerous line up changes its current members are:
 
Ettore Rigotti- Guitar/ Drums/ Clean Vocals/ Bass/ Keyboards
Cladio Ravinale- Gothic Vocals/ Keyboards
 
In November of 2009 the band will release its fifth studio album “The Isolation Game” on Scarlet Records. 
 
Disarmonia Mundi is an ever progressing, ever evolving group with more talent packed into their two bodies than far too many bands have in their entire line up. Their albums shift and change with every turn making them enjoyable and attention grabbing releases, each more so than the last. For fans of progressive death metal, Blinded Colony and Scar Symmetry.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/disarmoniamundi

 On October 27, 2009 Chicago natives, Pelican will release their fourth studio album "What We All Came To Need". We got an advance copy and can only say that Pelican is well intact and still making their excellent blend of doom/post-metal and rock with pop sensibilities. While the band probably wont make any new fans with this record, old fans will be pleased with the light progression and as always über-creativity of the band. Take a listen to "Ephemeral" from the album "What We All Came To Need".

Eternal Tears of Sorrow
From: Pudasjärvi, Finland

Discography: Sinner’s Serenade (1997), “Vida Mannu” (1998), “Chaotic Beauty” (2000),  “A Virgin and a Whore” (2001), “Before the Bleeding Sun” (2006), “Children of the Dark Waters” (2009)
 
Eternal Tears of Sorrow is a melodic-death metal band with roots in gothic metal heavily influenced by romance and loss. The band was formed in 1994 and after a series of line up changes has the following members:
 
Altti Vetelainen- Vocals/ Bass
Jarmo Kylmanen- Clean Vocals
Jarmo Poulakanaho- Guitar
Mika Lammasssaari- Guitar
Janne Tolsa- Keyboards
Juho Raappana- Drums
 
EToS is currently signed to Finish record label Suomen Musiikki.
 
Eternal Tears of Sorrow is an all around great melodeath band made for those gloomy days in life. Without their bruiting and and somewhat depressive, gothic-ized take on the genera, they just wouldn't be the same. This is for fans of Kalmah and Insmonium, and yes i did make up the word “Gothic-ized”, you own me money if you use it. 
 
Links: www.myspace.com/eternaltearsofsorrow

Ahab
From: Munich, Germany

Discography: “The Stream” Demo (2004), “The Oath” (2005), “The Call of the Wretched  Sea” (2006), “The Divinity of Oceans” (2009)
 
Ahab is a funeral doom metal band founded in 2004. The band takes its name and lyrical themes from the legendary Captian Ahab of Moby Dick. Ahab is currently signed to Napalm Records and features the following members:
 
Danial Droste- Guitar, Vocals
Christian Hector- Guitar
Stephan Wandernorth- Bass
Cornulius Althammer- Drums
 
Ahab has immensely talented song writers both lyrically and musically. Their new album (“The Divinity of Oceans”) has pretty much been on repeat here, and with the winter months ahead everybody needs a little doom metal on their ipod. For fans of 
Evoken, Asunder, and Mournful Congregation.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/ahabdoom

Viatrophy
From: South Reding, United Kingdom

Discography: “Viatrophy” (2009)
 
Viatrophy is a death metal/core band that formed in 2005. They are currently signed to Candlelight Records and tour relentlessly. The bands line up is:
 
Gavin Thane- Bass
John Jones- Guitar
Gurneet Ahluwalla- Guitar
Adam Mayers- Vocals
Craig Reynolds- Drums
 
Viatrophy is a metal band with something to prove, and a welcome change from the norm in the genre. One thing that struck me was the bands ability to stand out with the use of atmospheric elements that helps release you from the otherwise awesome grip of unrelentless music. Check them out if you like The Black Dahlia Murder, Bleed From Within, or The Eyes of a Traitor.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/viatrophy

Hypocrisy
From: Sweden
 
Discography: “Penetralia” (1992), “Osculum Obscenum (1993), “The Fourth Dimension” (1994), “Abducted” (1996), “The Final Chapter” (1997), “Hypocrisy” (1999), “Into The Abyss “(2000), “Catch 22” (2002), “The Arrival” (2004), “Virus” (2005), “Catch 22 (V2.0.08)” (2008), “A Taste of Extreme Divinity” (2009)
 
Hypocrisy is a death metal band that was formed in 1990. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast Records and have twelve albums, four EPs, and numerous tours under their belts. The bands lyrics have typically dealt with aliens and abductions, however in 2005’s “Virus”, the lyrics took to a more “death metal” direction with songs about death, war and emotional struggles.  Current line up is:
 
Peter Tagtgren- vocals, guitar, and synthesizer
Mikkael Hedlund- bass
Reidar Horghagen- drums
 
What could I possibly say about Hypocrisy to do them justice? They are a classic and like a fine wine, get better with age. The death metal genre would not be the same with out Hypocrisy’s influence, and ability to stand the test of time. Their latest album, “A Taste of Extreme Divinity”, is a brilliant work of art, for fans of At the Gates and Bloodbath.
 

Links: www.hypocrisy.tv

Such Vengeance
From: Orem, Utah
 
Discography: “The Time Is Now” (2009)
 
Such Vengeance is a death/thrash metal band formed in May of 2008. Their debut album,“The Time Is Now” was self recorded, produced and distributed. SV is:
 
Ian Eskelson - Vocals
Derrick Dennert - Guitar
Conor Papineau - Guitar
Josh Hone - Bass
Eric Watson – Drums
 
Such Vengeance really surprised me when I first put their CD in. I have a really nasty habit of not expecting much when it comes to local (Utah) bands, and this is the second time I have had to pull my foot out of my mouth. SV ‘s album is one that comes from a group who’s dedicated is to music and not “the scene”. SV is a stand out act amongst a plethora of bands that seem to only have it in their mind to be the next ____(whatever). Such Vengeance is the next Such Vengeance. If you live in Utah, go pick up one of their CDs at a Greywhale location, if you are from out of state, there is a link at the bottom.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/389800008  

CD: www.cdbaby.com/cd/SuchVengeance

Exivious
From: Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
 
Discography: “Exivious” (2009)
 
Exivious is a fusion-metal band featuring members of Cynic and Textures. The band released their first album “Exivious” independently in digipack limited to 1000 numbered copies with their own unique artwork. Exivious is:
 
Tymon- guitar
Michel Niehuis- guitar
Robin Zielhorst- bass
Stef Broks- drums
 
I never heard of “fusion-metal” before Exivios- in fact I imagine they made the term up to suit their newfound hybrid baby. Not smoky enough to be jazz, not lazy enough to be lounge, not aggressive enough to call themselves metal, and yet they are all of the above. Exivious isn’t on another level - Exivious is another level. This is for open-minded fans of progressive metal, or those that enjoy the sounds of Animals as Leaders.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/exivious

Seawolves                              
From: Switzerland
 
Discography: “Dragonships Set Sail” (2009)
 
Seawolves is a Nordic influenced death metal band. Founded is 2004, Seawolves is currently signed to Heavy Horses Records. There are only two listed members as of now:
 
Roman Friedrich
Sebastian Jehle
 
Information on Seawolves is pretty scarce at the moment, what we do know is that in 2009 they put out a kick-ass record that sounds like early Amon Amarth with the added depth of a violin. We will bring you more information as we have it.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/seawolves793
 

Be’lakor
From: Melbourne, Australia
 
Discography: “The Frail Tide” (2007), “Stones Reach” (2009)
 
Be’lakor is a melodic death metal band with symphonic elements. Be’lakor takes their name from a daemon in the Warhammer Fantasy tabletop game and explores themes such as nature and paganism through their lyrics. After the release of their first album Be’lakor took to the road and toured across Australia. Be’lakor is:
 
George Kosmas- vocals/ guitar
Shaun Sykes- guitar
John Richardson-bass
Steve Merry- keyboards
Jimmy Broeck- drums
 
On my first listen to Be’lakor I was hooked. Their latest effort “Stones Reach” is a giant undertaking, expertly executed and utterly unforgettable. Far too few bands could pull off an album as inspired and daring as “Stones Reach”. Go get this album immediately. Be’lakor will appeal to fans of Insomnium and Skyfire.  

Three's new album, "Revisions" dropped yesterday sans much fanfare. Last month was marked with great metal releases a-plenty and though this month wasn't quite so marked, we saw the release of both Three's and Between The Buried and Me's anticipated albums. I am not going to bother  mentioning   Atreyu's, "Congregation of the 'Wankers'" and Between the Buried and Me's release was just 'ok' for me so I decided to give the much under appreciated, Three, a top spot. Go buy this album, Three is on top of their game and you wont be disappointed. 

Forest Stream

From: Russia
 
Discography: “Tears of Mortal Solitude” (2003), “The Crown Of Winter” (2009)
 
Forest Stream is a symphonic black / doom metal band. Signed to Candlelight Records in 2007, Forest Stream’s style is heavily influenced by the harsh Russian winters as well as Norwegian black metal. Forest Stream is:
 
Sonm the Darkest- vocals
Wizard Omin- guitars
Tyrant Moloch- bass
Berserk- guitars
Elhekka- keyboards
Kir- drums
 
Forest Stream’s depressive “doom and gloom” style is cold enough to chill you to the bone. Their second album, “The Crown Of Winter” is what ultimately sold me on this band. Choosing a departure from the doom/goth metal “norm”, “The Crown” incorporates elements of experimental metal- a testament to the bands creativity. If you like Wine From Tears or Forest of Shadows, give Forest Stream a listen. 

Amorphis
From: Finland
 
Discography: “The Karelian Isthums” (1992), Tales From the Thousand Lakes” (1994), “Elegy” (1996), “Tuonela” (1999), “Am Universum” (2001), “Far From The Sun” (2003), “Eclipse” (2006), “Silent Waters” (2007), “Skyforger” (2009)
 
Amorphis started as a melodic death metal band, but in more recent years their style incorporates elements of progressive and doom metal. Formed in 1990, Amorphis recorded four studio albums with vocalist Pasi Koskinen. In 2004 after recording “Far From The Sun”, Pasi left the band. Vocalist Tomi Joutsen of Sinsthra then joined the band and aided in the bands increasingly progressive shift into more diverse styles. The most current line up of Amorphis is:
 
Tomi Joutsen- vocals
Esa Holopainen- guitar
Tomi Koivusaari- guirar
Niclas Etlavuori- bass
Santeri Kallio- keyboards
Jan Rechberger- drums
 

I love Amorphis because its kind of like getting two bands in one. From 1992-2003 you have a very progressive, hateful, melodic death metal band that showed steady betterment through the years and helped define a genre. Then from 2006’s “Eclipse” on you have a more defined, groundbreaking, Kalevala inspired work of progressive metal awesomeness. Got out and get “Tales From The Thousand Lakes” then “Skyforger” then everything in between. Amorphis will attract fans of Sentenced, Katatonia and Insomnium. 

Skyfire
From: Hoor, Sweden
 
Discography: “Timeless Departure” (2001), “Mind Revolution” (2003), “Spectral” (2004), “Esoteric”(2009)
 
Skyfire is a melodic death metal band that has roots in other styles such as symphonic and progressive metals. Formed in 1995, Skyfire was signed to Dutch label Hammerheart Records until 2008 when they signed to Pivotal a three record deal the first being 2009’s “Esoteric”.
 
Skyfire’s first three albums really stand out to me as solid, no muss records. From “Timeless” to “Spectral”, the band offered their listeners consistency and showcased their skills at creating albums as whole works of art. 2009’s “Esoteric saw both a change in line up and style for Skyfire. The new vocalists style is reminiscent of that of Dark Tranquility’s Mikael Stanne, while the instrumentals take on a more symphonic and slower approach. To be honest and risk being cliché- I prefer Skyfire’s old stuff, but I think “Esoteric” will not disappoint fans.

Links: http://www.myspace.com/skyfiremusic 

Finsterforst
From: Germany
 
Discography: “Weltenkraft” (2007), “…zum Tode hin” (2009)
 
Finsterforst, meaning “Dark Forrest”, is a epic folk metal band formed in 2004. In December 2006 Worldchaos Production signed Finsterforst to their label and released the bands first LP. Finsterforst is:
 
Marco Schomas- vocals
Simon Schillinger- guitar
David Schuldis- guitar
Tobias Weinreich-bass
Cornelius Heck- drums
Sebastian Scherrer- keyboards
Johannes Joseph- accordian
 
Finsterforst showed great promise from the start of their career as, posed to be the ‘next great folk metal band’. 2009’s “…zum Tode hin” was a highly anticipated by the horde of folk-fanatics I know, and did not disappoint. Clocking in at over an hour, “…zum Tode hin” is a five track melodic, folky, mash up, masterpiece. I don’t know what else to tell you- go buy their discography.  For fans of: Wolfchant, KromleK, and Finntroll.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/finsterforst

The Black Dahlia Murder
From: USA
 
Discography:  “Unhallowed” (2003), “Miasma” (2005), “Nocturnal” (2007), “Deflorate” (2009)
 
Formed in early 2001, The Black Dahlia Murder after releasing one demo and one EP, signed to Metal Blade Records in 2003. Battling numerous line-up changes and session musicians through out their eight years, the only remaining original members of The Black Dahlia Murder are Trevor Strnad- vocals, and Brian Eschbach- guitar. Rounding out the line up is:
 
Ryan Knight- guitar (ex- Arsis)
Ryan Williams- bass
Shannon Lucas- drums (ex-All That Remains)
 
Honestly I’m a sick of the ongoing debate about just what kind of metal The Black Dahlia Murder is. Upon first hearing them years ago, I thought they were a melodic death metal band and my opinion remains un-changed. Lets hear it from the man himself though, Trevor Strnad relates to pyromusic.com: "I've always said that we're melodic death metal. We are mostly influenced by Swedish bands and Carcass. The heavy end of our sound is the American style creeping in, with some Floridian influences like Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation and that kind of stuff. We've been labeled more often because of our look than our sound, which is dumb, and speaks volumes about what kind of geniuses are out there!"
 
There you have it.  For fans of: The aforementioned bands, At The Gates, (new) Job For a Cowboy, Entombed.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/blackdahliamurder            

Mulligan
From: Chino Hills, California
 
Discography: N/A- album due tentatively summer 2010
 
Mulligan is a one-man alternative metal band from California that I came across through his myspace page. I would relate his music as sort of a throw back to older groove metal bands, likening it at first to early Korn and later picking up elements of thrash, gothic and industrial sounds. Mulligan is responsible of everything on his recordings drums, bass, guitar, vocals, samples, mixing, and mastering.
 
Make no mistake abut it- what Mulligan does takes talent and drive virtually unknown to me. A labor of love, Mulligan’s recordings are all unique and progressive. I think most of you will join me in being excited to see what a full-length brings. If any of you readers see SparksFury or I at shows hit us up for some free stickers provided by Mulligan, or head over to his myspace where he gives them out, and help spread the word about this California musician.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/mulliganmusick

Gwynbleidd
From: NY, USA
 
Discography: “Nostalgia” (2009)
 
Gwynbleidd has a really annoying name to type out and plays a mix of progressive death and black metal, with obvious folk influences. Signed to The End Records, Gwynbleidd is:
 
Michal- guitar/clean vox
Maciej- guitar/growling vox
Jakub-bass
Adam drums
 
There has been quite a bit of media attention for Gwynbleidd, namely because “they sound so much like Opeth” or ‘they sound European” or whatever. While I cannot deny the similarity with Opeth, Gwynbleidd betters the group’s formula with more metal than prog. Not to mention, and I hate to say this, but Gwynbleidd’s ‘metal’ is somehow much more convincing than any I have heard from Opeth since “Blackwater Park”. Their ‘prog’ is fresh and diverse, not overbearing and without doubt is not the main attraction. So don’t get too hung up on the similarities or you might miss out on what a truly talented band, and great album have to offer. For fans of… well you know.

Links: www.myspace.com/gwynbleidd 

Astral Winter
From: Australia
 
Discography: “Illustrations of Death” (2009), “Winter Enthroned” (2010-expected)
 
Astral Winter is a two man black-metal band formed in 2008 attached to the Immortal Frost Productions label. Astral Winter is:
 
Josh- all instruments/programming/composition
Phil- Vocals
 
I first stumbled across Astral Winter by way of their myspace page, where they were giving out their EP for free download. This young bands self-described ‘epic black metal’ immediately impressed me, and within the first few moments of listening they hooked a listener for life. Josh, who is responsible for composing and recording all the instruments displays the prowess of a seasoned songwriter, while vocalist Phil hatefully spits over the melodies accompanied only by a choral back track. Astral Winter is a must listen for fans of Gravsorg or Summoning.
 

Links: www.myspace.com/astralwinter0

Nastrandir

From: Germany
Discography: “Zwischen Horizonten” (2007) “Prayer to Earth” (2009)
 
Formed in 2006 Nastrandir is a six-piece, pagan-metal band currently signed to Twilight Vetrleb.  Nastrandir’s lyrics typically revolve around Norse-mythology and Viking-lore. Nastrandir is:
 
Grimnir- vocals/bass/guitars
Jjoelnir- guitar
Nordavind- guitar
Vidir- keyboards
Grummbuts- bass
Ragnar- drums/violin
 
Raise your heathen fist to the sky, Nastrandir is a pulsing, lo-fi Viking good time. Their use of choir backtracks and violin melodies to accent their blend of epic folk metal is in the same vein as Seawolves, yet original and all their own. 2009’s ‘Prayer To Earth’ saw the band heading in a new direction experimenting more with elements of progressive metal and spiritual themes lyrically. Impressively mature for such a young band, ‘Prayer’ is their best album for me and the first 1000 pressings come as a limited digipack with a Bathory (!) cover bonus track. Nastrandir has good things in their future.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/nastrandirmetal

When Synestesia’s Feeniks dropped earlier this year I hadn’t so much as heard of this band--let alone have been able to predict how much I would enjoy this album.

Though the lyrics of this album are in Finnish, I am told it is a concept record about a man unhappy with himself who decided to recreate himself from the ashes of his old self.   ...read on

Disarmonia Mundi is an Italian band that pound for pound has consistently released solid albums and ‘The Isolation Game’ (due out December 9th) is no exception.  Having not seen much new material from the band since 2006’s  ‘Mind Tricks’, fans will be please to have something, anything new to plug in. But don’t get too excited—while ‘Isolation...’ is a stable record here I sit, three tracks into my second listening and I am board. There is a collective of bands ie; Soilwork, Scar Symmetry, Blinded Colony and Disarmonia Mundi that since the 90s and despite the fact they boast some very talented musicians and song writing- just keep releasing the same stuff. I don’t mind checking it out- however, there are just so many innovative, groundbreaking melodic-death metal bands out there, that I am left to question, why should I listen to this album? Well, I probably wont.

Swallow the Sun
From: Finland
Discography: “The Morning Never Came” (2003), “Ghosts of Loss” (2005), “Hope” (2009), “New Moon” (2009)
 
Swallow the Sun is a melodic death/doom metal band currently signed to Spinefarm Records. Swallow the Sun is:
 
Matti Honkonen- bass
Markus Jamsen- guitar
Mikko Kotamaki- vocals
Aleksi Munter- keyboards
Juha Raivio- guitar
 
Apparently, Swallow the Sun is huge in Finland, with their single “Forgive Her…” peaking out at number 4 on the Finnish Top 20 singles charts. Here stateside, there is significantly less fanfare, which is a crying shame being that Swallow the Sun is a band worthy of much more American appreciation. 2007’s “Hope and 2009’s “New Moon”, are shining examples of simply great records. Impressive production, composition, and musicianship brew strong- and what culminates is a band with longevity and purpose, not to mention a very happy Deathscript. Fans of melodic metal rejoice, Swallow the Sun is here, and has been for sometime.
 
For fans of: Novembers Doom, Hanging Garden

Gama Bomb
From: Ireland
 
Discography: “Survival of the Fastest” (2006), “Citizen Brain” (2008), “Tales From the Grave In Space” (2009)
 
Gama Bomb is a thrash metal band currently signed to Earache Records. On Earache they released their latest album completely free to download on November 5th.
 
Gama Bomb is:
Phillly Byrne- vocals
Joe McGuigan-bass
Luke Graham- guitar
Domo Dixon- lead guitar
Paul Caffrey- drums
 
Gama Bomb makes pretty straight up fast and furious thrash in the vein of old school acts like Municipal Waste. Go download their album you have nothing to loose… except becoming a raging ‘thrashaholic’! Lame joke, I know, I saw the opening and I went for it. But if you like the thrash revival scene- theses guys wont disappoint.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/gamabomb  

Album Download: www.earache.com/gamabomb

Wrapping up an eight-hour day of plowing through a sonic swamp of music, I received an EP from Jeremy Mauney, (one-half of the electro-black metal outfit Nutrition) “Hyperdimensional Awakening”.  Nutrition was birthed in early 2009, when ex-Detritum’s vocalist and songwriter Jeremy Mauney and video game composer Roland La Goy, exchanged ideas about a band utilizing elements like 80’s sci-fi synths, lyrical themes of extraterrestrials and conspiracies coinciding with a healthy dose of classic, hateful black metal.  As far-fetched as this project may seem, it’s still not nearly as far-fetched as it actually sounds.  ...read on

Formed in Germany in 1994, first known as Gloyfication, SuidAkrA changed their name by spelling the name of their vocalist (Arkadius) backwards.  Shortly after they released their demo 'Dawn' in 1995.  While hipster journalists would have you believe folk metal is a ‘fad posed to die out soon’, fast-forward 14 years to present day and SuidAkrA stands strong with eight full length albums and a ‘greatest hits collection’ they show no sign of slowing down.  Their latest work, Crógacht, is a concept record.  It's a musical tale of the hero Cuchulainn, and his journey to the Isle of Sky where he seeks to know the art of war. Big as the story sounds, the record captures the essence of a Celtic journey and a battle tale to mythical proportions… read on

Aeternitas
From: Australia
 
Discography: ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ EP (2009)
 
Aeternitas is a symphonic metal band formed in early 2008. In late 2009, the band released their debut EP ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ recorded at Studio Anders Debeerz. Aeternitas is:
 
Sam Phillips- vocals
Nathan Riedel- guitars
Mitch Ketter- guitars
Jay Coulter- drums
Phil- keyboards
 
Aeternitas took it home when we asked our last.fm group members what  their favorite album of 2009 was. As a fairly young band, Aeternitas, since their inception, wowed audiences and open-minded critics alike. While I can’t pinpoint what it is exactly makes ‘Holocaust Of Reason’ so special, other than that it is refreshing... I can tell you that its worth more than the quick brush-over it has been given for the most part. This year’s ‘Best of ‘09’ lists were no more than underground popularity contests that, despite their contradicting nature, were pined over too long and suspiciously  bands like Aeternitas were absent. Despite not having the backing of a multi-million dollar label, Aeteritas put out one of the best albums of ’09.
 
Links: http://www.myspace.com/aeternitasmetal

Not too long ago I was able to get in touch with Simon of Germany's own folk masters Finsterforst, to ask some questions about the new record, touring and being down a singer. We will post the interview sometime next week, probably Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled.  In the mean time enjoy the track 'Urquell' from Finsterforst's latest, '...zum Tode hin' and have a great weekend!

I like the idea of it, but I have never really been able to get behind Epica. I am not much of a clean vocals fan, except when used as accents or in doom. So, when Czech symphonic-metal band, Arch of Hell came recommended to me from a good friend, it was a heaven (or hell) sent. You see, Arch of Hell takes all the epic-y goodness of Epica, strong female vocals and symphonic keys then adds a healthy dash of harsh vocals, tones down the pop-production and leaves the rest of the commercial crap behind them. I couldn't ask for more. They are not shy, however, about their affinity for drawing influence from Epica, stating them as one on their myspace page.

 I have been listening to a lot of Arch Of Hell lately and believe me when I say they will silence all the gothic/symphonic (whatever you want to call it) doubters. They certainty worked their magic on me. Arch of Hell's 2009 album, 'One Day' is available here.

How good are Sundays? Would you call them Nile good? Or maybe just Karl Sanders side project good? For this Sunday's Stream I am going to pull out all the stops and say it's going to be Nile good. So, from Nile's 2009 album 'Those Whom The Gods Detest', enjoy 'Kafir' then get out there and enjoy the last day of the weekend. 

 I can finally scratch While Heaven Wept off my list of "bands to check out" today, thanks in part to the urging of a reader who I talk music with, and them slowly climbing to the top of said list. The album I started with was the one I heard most about, 2009's 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'. Traditional and artfully packaged doom, 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose', took absolutely no getting used to and its listener friendly, approachable styling doesn't seek to alienate fans of the band and genre alike, but reenforce them. While Heaven Wept was the perfect "hump-day buster" for me, so I share. Press play to hear 'Vessel' the fourth track on 'Vast Oceans Lachrymose', available here for just $9! 

 Most people would not categorize Germany's Neun Welten as a metal band... and they would be right. Still, Neun Welten has appealed to the heavy metal community since their inception in 2005. Perhaps best described as instrumental folk music for metal-heads, by metal-heads, Neun Welten, whilst keeping in tact metal sensibilities offers listeners a break from the day to day sensory overload we sometimes put ourselves through.  Their latest album, "Destrunken", is for the most part exactly what fans  have come to expect from the band, which is not at all a bad thing. If you are suffering from 'beingstuckinarutitis', overloaded with sub par, filler bands you can't tell apart- then Neun Welten is just what the doctor ordered. Similar artists: Kauan, Tenhi.

Opeth has all but given into being just a progressive band and in their wake, some fans are left scratching their heads.  Their recent contribution to the ‘God of War’ soundtrack--one where most bands involved are releasing some of their heavier material (see Trivium)--was lacking... to say the least.

So when the dust gets swept off and artists and fans have gone their ways, where will Opeth lay?  And who will fill the void they left?  In my humble opinion I believe most people who are fans of Opeth (especially the die-hards) will follow that band to the grave, even if it is with less intensity as before.  I think fans looking for early Opeth-ish metal material can find it in Gwynbleidd, a New York band that stormed onto the scene in 2009 with the release of their debut album 'Nostalgia'.  Gwynbleidd has been compared to Opeth up and down.  Truth be told, the reason for this is because.....they really do sound like Opeth.  That is not such a bad thing, especially right now with some fans feeling alienated from them and searching for something new. 

So, If you like Opeth, give Gwynbleidd a try.  To say they sound ‘exactly like Opeth’ or that they are ‘rip-offs’ would be a grave injustice to both of the extremely talented groups of musicians.  Similar as they may be, both have their merits.