Pandemonium From: Sweden   Discography: ‘Emotions…’ (1998), ‘… to Apeiron’ (1998), ‘Twilight Symphony’ (2000), ‘Insomnia’ (2002), ‘The Autumn Enigma (2006), Whispers (2008)   Pandemonium is a blackened death- metal band formed in 1997 from the ashes of the old Swedish death-metal band, End. Pandemonium is: Lahmu- lead vocals Lugal- guitar Martu- bass Nirah- keyboard Enlll- drums   Pandemonium caught my attention by way of (you guessed it) last.fm-where a friend of the site suggested them to us. I was enamored with Pandemonium almost right away. ‘Whispers…’ being the first album I listened too has remained my favorite, but there is plenty of other work from the band to choose from. Sadly, despite Pandemonium’s plethoric catalogue, they don’t seem to garner the support they really deserve.   As quantity isn’t everything, the quality is there to boot, and then some.  Check it out.   For fans of: Be’lakor, Skyfire   Links: http://www.myspace.com/pandemoniummetal  http://www.pandemonium-metal.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pandemonium/20525129179

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 

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.  

Earlier today I plugged in Swedish melodic death metal band, Skyfire’s 2004 album “Spectral” on the  recommendation of a friend.  Upon first hearing the album, I couldn't really pick out anything all that special or that stood out enough to set the band apart from the plethora of melodic death acts that come to us from across the ocean every day. However, I found the more attention I payed the music the more it gave back to me.

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