Weekly Round-Up: Jan 26th 2014

Tengger Cavalry

The brilliant Tengger Cavalry are back with their second album in as many years. What makes this band special, above all else, is their employment of traditional Eastern instrumentation, rhythms and throat singing. This is Folk Metal like you've never heard before. We have heard the Celtic, Eastern European and Scandinavian Folk Metal bands in their droves, but now it's time for the East to rise (much as it is in the "real" world). This band really is excellent and armed with their exhilarating and energetic take on Folk Black Metal, they are well placed to make the leap to the upper echelons of the scene. They are influenced by Mongolian Folk Music, Buddhism and Chinese Folk Music and the end result is truly unique.

Truckfighters

Next up we have Sweden's own Truckfighters who come tearing out of the blocks on this, their fourth album, with the track "Mind Control". Clearly influenced by Kyuss, Fu Manchu and the likes, this is classic Stoner / Fuzz Rock, but with a modern twist. This type of 'retro' Rock is huge in Sweden and has been for some time, so of course there have been a great deal of chancers attempting to get famous by strapping on a guitar and releasing generic 70's influenced Hard Rock records. Thankfully, Truckfighters are something a little more special. They have the songs, they have the swagger and they clearly have the support of the media and their peers. When former Kyuss / current QOTSA mastermind Josh Homme refers to your band as "the best band that's ever existed", you know you are doing something right. If that wasn't enough for you, here are some other qoutes:

"Putting more rock energy into a single performance than a good proportion of bands do in a career's worth of shows" - Terrorizer Magazine.

"...the power and charm to make society grind to a halt" - Kerrang! Magazine.

"Truckfighters blast your ears with their unique take on modern rock" - Metal Hammer Magazine.

Simply put, you NEED to hear this band.

Primal Fear

If Power Metal is your thing, then you will find it hard to resist this, the 10th album from Germany's Primal Fear. The formula hasn't changed much, if at all, but that is what people want / expect from this style of music. They still, much like fellow Germans, Sinner (with whom they share at least one member), sound very much like a Judas Priest tribute act at times, but with the camp factor turned up to 11. This isn't cerebral music, but rather it is a fun, catchy collection of songs that will get you singing along and make you grin from ear to ear...and sometimes, that's all you need from music.

Throwdown

Hardcore / Groove Metal heroes, Throwdown return with a beast of an album. Absolutely full of huge stomping riffs and grooves to die for...and pleasingly, they haven't forgotten to write songs, as so many bands do. Yes, this is very much based in the Hardcore scene, both in mindset and musically, but the Metal influences clearly shine through.Thankfully, they have all but dropped the Pantera-tribute act that marred the previous couple of album(s) and have, instead, delivered a heavier, more in your face Hardcore Metal album - blending obvious influences such as Pantera, Terror, Hatebreed, Sepultura and DevilDriver to great effect. I've included a link to a new song below.

Throwdown - Avow

Caliban

I wasn't exactly overjoyed to see that Germany's Caliban are back with yet another album. Would it be the same derivative, tedious dirge that they have released time and time again or would they actually surprise me with some individuality and imagination this time? The album opens with a riff reminiscent of  Soulfly / Roots era Sepultura which is promising, but then in come the latter-day In Flames vocals, electronics and Deathcore riffing and very much over-used Hardcore-style "Gang vocals". I'm sorry to say that, as predicted, this album hasn't changed my opinion, in fact it has reinforced it. In all fairness to them, they have tried to experiment a little, but for the most part it falls flat. You might find it worth listening to for a couple of songs, but I can't see it holding your interest for any longer than that. There are a lot of other bands out there doing this Metalcore / Deathcore / Modern Metal thing and doing it better. Judge for yourself.

Within Temptation - Hydra review

Band: Within Temptation

Album title: Hydra

Label: Nuclear Blast

Genre : Symphonic Metal

Country: Netherlands
Release date: 31st Jan 2014

I feel it only fair that I say from the off that I don't really go for this whole female-fronted "Gothic" Metal schtick (early Lacuna Coil being an exception), but as I have found Within Temptation's recent cover songs ("Somebody You Used To Know" for example) interesting, I felt that I should give the new album a fair chance. Besides, it's been nearly a decade since this particular sub-genre has been even remotely relevant, so maybe they have moved forward, pushed themselves as a band and found their own niche?

Or maybe not. This could have been released 10 years ago and I'd have hated it then. I am genuinely struggling to see why this band is even classified as Metal. Now, I am very much of the belief that Metal is a wide-reaching, multi-faceted genre, but it does have certain defining characteristics - all of which are missing from this radio-friendly, commercial Pop/Rock album. From the clichéd pianos and strings to the "soaring", vocals and the cringe-worthy and horribly dated songs, I am finding it difficult to find anything of merit here. OK, so that isn't entirely fair. The cover art is nicely done and I will grudgingly admit that vocalist Sharon Den Adel does have a powerful voice with a superb range, but sadly neither of these are anywhere near enough to save this turgid waste of plastic, bandwidth or hard drive space (depending on your chosen medium). If you want to hear this style of music done properly, listen to the most recent Nightwish album "Imaginaerum".

Not even the wide variety of "guests" (Soul Asylum's Dave Pirner, Howard Jones and more) can save this, in fact they often make it (even) worse - Xzibit's appearance on "And We Run" being particularly horrible. It could be that the second half of this album is complete, unadulterated genius, but as I stopped listening half way through track 4, I will never know. And for that, I can be truly grateful. In this writers opinion, this is one to avoid, but I'm sure it will sell by the thousand so I suppose there really is no accounting for taste. Besides, opinions are subjective and this is merely mine.

Overall: 4/10 (being generous for the 3.5 songs I heard)

Tracklist:

Let Us Burn
Dangerous
And We Run
Paradise (What About Us?)
Edge Of The World
Silver Moonlight
Covered By Roses
Dog Days
Tell me Why
Whole World Is Watching

* there are a number of different versions available featuring a variety of bonus tracks.

Official website: http://www.within-temptation.com

A Thank You Is In Order

It appears that blogging is a little like joining a gym...you need to put time and effort into it to achieve results and to expect an instant return is näive.

I first started my little blog for fun, back in 2011 and at first I just received a handful of visitors a day. In the ensuing couple of years, I've lost interest twice due to frustration and lack of inspiration.

I restarted the blog in December of 2013 and since then the number of daily visitors (viewers) has grown and grown. I have also started contributing to external blog pages and a group on Google+.

All of this is thanks to you. Yes, YOU. It is thanks to all of you who have visited my blog page and/or liked, commented and shared my updates.

Music has been a constant and undying passion of mine since I discovered metal at the beginning of the 90's. Since then, my tastes have broadened and expanded, but the passion has remained. In fact, I listen to more music now than ever before and go to as many shows as possible - which often involves a long round-trip and great expenditure - so isn't as often as I'd like.

My initial aim with the blog was just to share the band's I love and my latest discoveries with like-minded people. I feel that I have achieved this and so much more. Going forward, my goal is to keep going with it, increase the reading figures if possible and to hopefully keep it fresh and interesting.

Thanks again, from the very bottom of my heart for the support.

Legion Of The Damned - Ravenous Plague review

Band: Legion Of The Damned

Album title: Ravenous Plague

Label: Napalm Records

Genre : Thrash 

Country: Netherlands
Release date: 3rd Jan 2014

Dutch thrashers Legion Of The Damned return with their latest offering, "Ravenous Plague" and it is quite the revelation. The band have definitely upped their game on this record. If you find yourself yearning for the halcyon days of Thrash and have yet to discover this band, this might just be the album you are looking for.

After the obligatory intro track, the first proper song on the album "Howling For Armageddon" comes tearing in at a breakneck speed and doesn't let up for the 4:15 duration. This pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the album. The musicianship is tight and the songs well constructed, if predictable and a little dated. On first listen the sound sits somewhere between Slayer and Arise-era Sepultura, but with its potent blend of Thrash riffs and hints of Black Metal atmospherics "Ravenous Plague" is a more interesting prospect than it might initially seem. The more you listen to this beast of a record, the more hidden depth you will discover. 

Whereas it is unlikely to challenge you as a listener and is lacking in real originality, it makes up for this with speed and sheer ferocity. "Ravenous..." is yet another decent, if not great, release from LOTD and where it probably won't change your world and it is unlikely to make anybody's end if year list, it is an enjoyable, if vintage sounding, Thrash record. From the opening moment to the very last second, this is a whirlwind ride of high-speed riffs and howling, technically proficient solos. It doesn't let up for a moment and with a total playing time of just 45:01 it never has time to overstay its welcome.

Overall: 7/10

Tracklist:

The Apocalyptic Surge

Howling For Armageddon

Black Baron

Mountain Wolves Under A Crescent Moon

Ravenous Abominations

Doom Priest

Summon All Hate

Morbid Death

Bury Me In A Nameless Grave

Armalite Assassin

Strike Of The Apocalypse

Official Website: http://legionofthedamned.net

Musical Musings is now on Google+: 

google.com/+MkhanisbentBlogspot666

Weekly Round-Up: Jan 18th 2014

Chrome Division

Shagrath (he of Dimmu Borgir 'fame') and his bunch of merry bastards return with another collection of motorcylce riding, hard rocking and hard drinking, classic-rock anthems. The first few seconds of the first real song "Endless Nights", with it's blatant, cheeky nod to Bon Jovi, pretty much sets the tone - this is all about the vintage, with its potent blend of 70's Hard Rock, 80's Metal and 90's Grunge. If you want intelligent lyrics, cutting edge music or technical expertise, look elsewhere - this is a group of guys having fun in a good, old-fashioned rock band. It'll put a big grin on your face as it takes you back to the hazy days of your youth (providing you are 30+).

Mustasch

With frontman, Ralf having become a Swedish media darling over the last couple of years  - as a TV personality, fashion guru and even an entrant in the Swedish Eurovision heats - have Mustasch still got their edge or is this a toned-down, cynical attempt at commercial success? Well, the answer is that it is certainly different from the older Mustasch sound, coming across a bit like Abba meets Thin Lizzy via Judas Priest at times (see/listen below). Fortunately, that is NOT a bad thing. This is a fun romp through an instant and catchy set of Pop Metal songs that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head - even just for a while.

Iskald


Straight from the old-school and from the 'ice cold' (it's the translation of the band name) heart of Norway, this offers nothing in the way of surprises, but it certainly does deliver a dose of rhythmic, frosty Black Metal which should appeal to fans of the genre. I find it rather reminiscent of mid-era Dimmu Borgir, if that helps!?

Nilfgaard

The debut album from this Polish Melodic Death Metal band is nothing you haven't heard before, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for with some good, if not particularly memorable songs. They have a long way to go musically and the vocalist is a bit ropey, but given time and experience, this could well be a band to watch within the genre. Fans of the likes of "Heaven Shall Burn", "Dark Age" and "Before The Dawn" should give this a try. Where it may never become a favourite, there are worse ways to while away an hour.

Skull Fist

Ah, Skull Fist, you ridiculous bunch of 80's Metal throwbacks, you. This is ludicrous in just about every single way, although I suspect that they take this very seriously indeed. This is a passionate, heartfelt and genuine homage to 1985. From the ridiculous soloing to the high-pitched vocals, this is very much as acquired taste, but if you like White Wizzard, Enforcer, et al, then this is probably one for you. I have to admit that I find this to be an enjoyable album, albeit one to file under "guilty pleasures".

Skindred - Kill The Power review

Band: Skindred

Album title: Kill The Power

Label: DoubleCross Records

Genre : ....

Country: Wales
Release date: 27th Jan 2014

First off, this isn't the belter I was expecting. No, in fact it is way beyond my wildest expectations. I genuinely thought that Skindred had reached their creative zenith with previous release "Union Black" and it is a true delight to be proved wrong. Skindred deliver the goods here with all of the swagger of a band completely confident in their ability to write great songs and safe in the knowledge that they are not bound by such trivialities as genres. If "Union Black" was the band's breakthrough album, then this should be the one that propels them to the very top of festival line-ups in the UK and across Europe. Whether it does or not, remains to be seen.

Skindred are, without a doubt, one of the most interesting, fresh, exciting and innovative bands that Britain has to offer today. The songs are almost offensively catchy and set up camp in your brain instantly and refuse to leave. They prove, yet again, that they are absolute masters of their craft. This is easily the band's most accomplished album to date and the effortless genre-hopping takes yet more one step forward, making each and every song feel the musical equivalent of acute schizophrenia (I imagine). If you've ever played the game DJ Hero, then you might have an idea of what to expect as you would be forgiven for thinking that you're listening to a 'mash-up' compilation rather than an album recorded by just one band. With styles ranging from Metal, Reggae and early 90's Techno to Ragga, Northern soul, old-school Hip-Hop and even that most modern of trends, dubstep, it is abundantly clear that Skindred have no interest in limiting themselves as artists.

All of the aforementioned genres are blended seamlessly and with apparent ease to create the masterpiece that is the finished product. Electronic beats and scratching sit comfortably alongside 8-bit computer bleeps and the smooth Reggae vocals sound completely at ease with crushing Metal riffs. That they can pull all of this off while managing to never sound contrived or forced, is absolutely astonishing and is one of the things that makes this band unique. As if this all of this wasn't enough on its own (what more do you want?), the lyrics walk a line between politics, social commentary and personal empowerment. I defy you to listen to the entire album without it putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Such is the power of music - and music just doesn't come with much more energy, positivity and passion than this.

Overall: 9/10

Tracklist:

Kill The Power
Ruling Force
Playing With The Devil
Worlds On Fire
Ninja
The Kids Are Right Now
We Live
Open Eyed
Dollars And Dimes
Saturday
Proceed With Caution
More Fire

Official Website: http://www.skindred.net

Arceye - At First Light review

Band: Arceye

Album title: At First Light

Label: Hostile Media

Genre: Groove / Thrash / Melodic Death Metal

Country: UK

Release date: 5^th Aug 2013

The second full-length release from UK Melodic Death Thrashers, Arceye, sets the tone from the very first bars of opener and title track "At First Light" - easing you in with a melodic instrumental passage which then leads to some powerhouse drums, a neck-breaking riff and a stunning guitar solo, reminiscent of the mighty Judas Priest. This really is a masterclass in modern metal and the musicianship on display here is, quite frankly, staggering - from the instrumental "Sirius" complete with acoustic guitars and beautiful strings to the Pantera-esque groove of "The Storm" and the early-90's Sepultura style Thrash attack of "I Silently Wait", there isn't a weak moment to be found.

Musically, an initial, obvious point of comparison would be Lamb of God, but there is a lot more diversity on offer here as the album encompasses a wide spectrum of styles - from occasional Black Metal atmospherics and Thrash riffing to crushing Death Metal, Trad Metal melodies and Groove Metal, er, grooves. The sharp, clear mix, courtesy of Scott Atkins (Cradle Of Filth, Amon Amarth and more) only helps to further emphasise the band's strengths. In short, as a metal fan, you need to hear this album. It is a near-perfect example of what the genre has to offer in 2013. With its effortless balance of heaviness and melody, this album deserves a place in your record collection and I suggest you make a space in your "A" section for it right now.

Why this band aren't better known is a bit if a mystery to me, although I suspect that the lack of attention paid to the band by the UK media and the sheer number of great bands from all over the world vying for the attention of a finite number of fans, certainly both pay their part.

To paraphrase the Spice Girls "...'Light' up your life!" Ahem.

Overall: 8.5/10

Tracklist:

At First Light
The Storm

The Longest Drive
I Silently Wait

Sirius

Brother Disarmed
Prey Forgiveness

Damage Done
The Thirst
Dusk

Official Website: www.arceye.co.uk

Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon

Band: Iced Earth

Album title: Plagues Of Babylon

Label: Century Media

Genre :Heavy Metal

Country: USA

Release date: 6^th Jan 2104

Plagues Of Babylon is the new album from veteran metallers, Iced Earth and it is the second to feature current vocalist, Stuart "Stu" Block following the departure (yet again) of previous singer Matt Barlow, and it has to be said that the man is an absolute revelation. His confidence has grown in leaps and bounds since his first appearance with the band and this confidence, along with his awe-inspiring set of pipes, banishes all but the most stubborn thoughts of his predecessor. This time around, however, there have been yet more line-up changes and this album sees the band breaking in a new rhythm section, which only seems to have ramped up the energy level of the already revitalised metal giants even more.  Mainstay – and chief song writer -  Jon Schaffer is on fine form and has clearly been creatively inspired by this injection of new blood (and youth) into the veins of his baby.

This is all fine and dandy, but I’m sure the question on your mind is “but is it any good?”  Well, I am very pleased to say that “Plagues…” finds the band continuing the blistering return to form that began 3 years ago with the release of “Dystopia”. This is the sound of a reinvigorated Iced Earth, scaling the heights that many thought they were incapable of reaching again, and I’d even go as far as to say that this is a career-defining record for the band. They really have never sounded better. The riffs are razor-sharp and delivered with precision and the vocals ebb and flow along with the perfectly-paced, beautifully crafted songs. If you are familiar with Iced Earth, you will know what to expect, but if you're not, musically this is classic Trad Heavy Metal, influenced by the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Queenrsyche and their ilk, but with a harder, modern edge.

“Plagues…” has everything you could want from Iced Earth or from any modern metal album. All in all, this is a classy, solid and intelligent metal concept album in the vein of such classics as Iron Maiden’s “Seventh Son…”, Queensryche’s “Operation: Mindcrime” and Nevermore’s “Dreaming Neon Black” and I don’t think there is any higher praise than that.

Overall: 9.5/10

Tracklist:

Plagues Of Babylon

Democide

The Culling

Among The Living Dead

Resistance

The End?

If I Could See You

Cthulhu

Peacemaker

Parasite

Spirit of The Times

Outro

Official Website: www.icedearth.com

Weekly Round-Up (Jan 11th 2014) Part 2.

This is the second part of this week's round-up and focuses solely on music released this month.

The Unguided

The Unguided finally return with the follow-up to 2011's Hellfrost and judging by the single, it's going to be another classic Gothenburg sound album with the same Pop sensibilities that the members mastered in previous band Sonic Syndicate. Essentially, The Unguided are doing what Sonic were doing back before they became poster boys (and girl) for Monster Energy Drinks and any integrity (and heaviness) was flushed away with any credibility they had. Roger and Co. clearly saw what was coming and had the sense to get out before it was too late. This won't be to everybody's tastes - indeed some of you will find it offensively poppy - but if you've you've not heard these guys before, click on the link below for new single "Inception" and judge for yourself.

Legion Of The Damned

Dutch Thrashers, Legion Of The Damned are back...and they haven't changed the formula one bit. Whether this is a good thing or not depends on your opinion of Thrash, really. This is a straight-forward pedal to the metal, neck-breaking attack in the vein of Slayer and Arise-era Sepultura. Although the album offers little in the way of variation, fans of the Thrash genre should find this enjoyable, even for just a few songs.

Hail Spirit Noir

What in the merry name of fuck IS this? Absolutely one of the weirdest and most unpredictable bands I've ever come across....Opeth, Alcest, Sigh, Rakoth, Ihsahn, Black Sabbath, Black Widow, Mastodon and much many more besides could all be referenced here along with weird tribal rhythms, carnival music....This is actually far to hard to describe, but if I had to try I'd go for Psychedelic Experimental Prog Post Black Metal? Yeah, I know. But if you can come up with a better description, I'd love to hear it. I couldn't get this video to work, so I linked to it instead.

Hail Spirit Noir - Demon For A Day


Alcest

At long last, this new album finds Alcest shedding themselves of any pretentions of being a Black Metal band anymore. Now firmly entrenched in Post-Rock territory and all the better for it. Music this beautiful and ethereal doesn't need harsh vocals to spoil it. Just revel in the musical majesty on offer and let Alcest take you to "Un Autre Monde".

Lvcifyre

Last up this week is some Death-tinged, meat and potatoes Black Metal. Is it original? No, not at all, but this is as full-on and brutal enough  to keep fans of the sub-genre happy. You will probably have already made up your mind by this point, so there is no need for me to waffle on, but there is a song on the album called "In Fornication Waters" and I'm really not sure that song titles get better than that.

Weekly Round-Up (Jan 11th 2014) Part 1.

This week still finds me attempting to get through my backlog of 2013, so I've done this week's round-up in two parts - 1 with the remainder of 2013's music and one with new stuff from 2014.

I still have far too many bands from 2013 that I'd like to share with you all, but I think rather than keep posting them 5 at a time, it would be better for me to create a nice double CD (if anyone remembers those) sized compilation of the very best of 2013 and put up a Dropbox link here.

So, here's the last part of the 2013 round-ups...To infinity and beyond (2014).

Datura Curse

Up first this week we have a pretty decent Melodic Death Metal act. On the first, cursory listen, you might think you've heard it all before, but there are some interesting vocal harmonies going on here. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in the songs. Reminiscent of the excellent, but sadly defunct The Duskfall and fellow Aussies, Be'Lakor, there is much on offer here for those willing to give it a fair chance.

Dead End Finland

Another Melodic Death band and again they deliver a stylish if mostly unoriginal take on the genre. Similar to...well. just about any band from this genre to come out of Scandinavia in the last 10 years (Deals Death, etc), but with the occasional nod to the heavier end of Nu-Metal (Slipknot and the likes). If Melodic Death is your thing, then click on the link below and judge for yourself.

Benedictum

I first heard this band 5 or 6 years ago and thought they had their moments, but other than the "novelty" of having a female lead vocal to match the most powerful male Metal vocalist, they were really nothing special. Fast forward to 2013 and things are very different. The vocals are still as impressive as ever, but this time the music actually does them justice. Think Testament meets Queensryche and you won't be far off. Yes, this sounds very much like it could have been released in the mid-late 90's, but with songs this good, who cares?!

Chimaira

Most of you will remember when Chimaira had their moment in the sun back in the early-late 00's, but I'm sure that you will be much less familiar with the band's later offerings (unless you are American). That would probably be due to the fact that they were not well promoted and were, for the most part, pretty much forgettable. The new album finds the band back on the same dynamic form as the earlier releases, but as far more proficient musicians. Only remaining origínal member, Mark Hunter is on fine form, vocally...ranging from the more familiar roaring and growling through to hints of the Grunge-esque vocals from "The Impossibility..." era. This is easily the best collection of songs Chimaira has put together in a decade.

Death Ape Disco

Last up for 2013 is a band I championed on Facebook early last year, Death Ape Disco. Strange, but brilliant name aside, this was an unexpected Stoner / Grunge / Hard Rock gem. The band couldn't sound more 90's if they tried, coming across as a mix of AIC / COC / Down / Kyuss and Monster Magnet. If it's modern, cutting edge music you're after, move along...there is nothing for you here.

Detta är bara ett test!

Så, här är det. Mitt första försök att skriva ett inlägg på min blogg på svenska språket. Det är min framtids plan att skriva två-språkiga recensioner, men det beror på hur det går. Detta är något som Linda föreslog att jag skulle göra när jag först bestämde mig för att starta en blogg men jag har blivit lite lat.

 Jag är inte helt bekväm att skriva på svenska, men jag måste går vidare med språket. Jag ser verkligen fram emot att göra det här, så hoppas att det går bra för mig och för er.

Weekly Round-Up (Jan 4th 2014)

The eagle-eyed among you - or those who remotely give a toss - might have noticed that there wasn't a weekly round up last week. The reason for that is...well, I forgot. Sorry. I sincerely hope that this week's edition makes up for my little oversight. These are the highlights of the last 2 weeks. Some of the stuff here is likely to be a few months old as I am currently working (trawling) through a backlog from last year.

Slegest

If you are familiar with Vreid and or ICS Vortex then you should find this of interest. The new project from former Vreid guitarist, Ese. The band is treading a path well worn by the aforementioned acts and the likes of Chrome Division and even to a certain degree, Entombed. A catchy, instantly accessible blend of Death, Black, Doom and good old Rock and Blues....Black 'n' Roll if you will (spoken in the style of Dusty Rhodes).

Katakylsm

Veteran Deathsters, Kataklsm return with a new album, chock full with a veritable feast of neck-breaking riffery and stomping grooves. It's very unlikely that you'll find anything here that you haven't heard before, even from Kataklysm themselves, but sometimes the old adage fits: If it ain't broke...

Oranssi Pazazu

An altogether stranger beast is Finland's Oranssi Pazazu. Experimental, Psychedelic Black Metal is their thing and I can all but guarantee that you've not heard anything quite like this before. Although they might sound like a lot of other "orthodox" Black Metal bands in places, with the hypnotic, cold, repetitive guitars, the keyboards add a whole new depth and help to elevate this to being something genuinely special. There is an 80's Goth vibe throughout, the vocals are grim and old school (a la Darkthrone and their ilk) and the keyboards have an element of Ozric Tentacles about them. Listen, take this in and love them.

The Polygon

If you can imagine a Modern Groove / Melodic Metal act with Death and Post-Hardcore flourishes, then you are somewhere close to describing the musical feel of Russia's, The Polygon. The new EP features the powerhouse vocals of Soilwork's Björn "Speed" Strid, which together with some excellent and interesting lead guitar work, only helps to elevate this above the rest of the Melodic Death Metal hordes. I've added a SoundCloud link below (Under the pic).

The Polygon

Senser

British Rap Metal Pioneers, Senser are back into the fray again with their new album "To The Capsules". Often overlooked, but always consistent, this is definitely worth a few minutes of your time if the likes of RATM or One Minute Silence are your pint of beer. Combining Punk, Thrash, Rap, Metal, Electronica and more, they are as interesting and unique as ever. Intelligent, politically-charged lyrics aren't for everyone, but if you like your music a little more cerebral then Senser could well be the band for you. Although the following snippets are taken from the official website, they are certainly accurate:

"the band sound more vital than ever...in an increasingly 'safe' world Senser are still playing with matches" - Kerrang!

"the world needs this band more than ever" - Metal Hammer

"riffs Metallica would eat their own arms off to reclaim" - Rocksound

Best Of 2013

Although I have posted the top 20 in 4 parts with short overviews and videos, I thought it would also be a good idea to post the list in its entirety, for those who have a short memory or just don't want to read through all of my inane wafflings. Well, here it is. Feel free to share your thoughts. What are your favourites from the year? Do you agree / disagree with my list? Do you think there is a glaring omission?

20. Clutch - Earth Rocker
19. Alter Bridge - Fortress
18. Månegarm - Legions Of The North
17. Sepultura - The Mediator...
16. James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance
15. Trivium - Vengeance Falls
14. Finntroll - Blodsvept
13. Bifröst - Tor In Eine Neue Welt
12. Newsted - Heavy Metal Music
11. Polkadot Cadaver - Last Call In Jonestown
10. DevilDriver - Winter Kills
9.  Black Sabbath - 13
8.  Falkenbach - Asa
7.  Deicide - In The Minds Of Evil
6. Die Krupps - The Machinists Of Joy
5.  Korn - The Paradigm Shift
4.  Killswitch Engage - Disarm The Descent
3.  Thyrfing - De Ödelösa
2.  Carcass - Surgical Steel
1.  Hell - Chapter And Curse

Best of 2013: 5 - 1

5. Korn - The Paradigm Shift

After a 20 year career that has seen the band go through many ups and downs, both musically and personally, 2013 saw the welcome hatchet burial / return of prodigal guitarist and original member, Brian "Head" Welch - and it is instantly noticeable. Gone, for the most part, is the weak, directionless songwriting from "See You On The Other Side", the horribly transparent attempt to recapture their "glory" days from "III: Remember Who You Are" and the divisive Dubstep crossover of "The Path Of Totality". What you get instead is a confident, positive album delivered with all the swagger and self-belief you would expect from a band whose distinctive sound was the voice of an entire generation (albeit almost 2 decades ago). Far from being a cynical attempt at re-creating their 90's sound, instead, all of the pieces have fallen into place and the end result is frankly, staggering. This band has never sounded so good. This really is the definitive Korn album. It has everything you could ever want or expect from a Korn record and a whole lot more besides. A new beginning for these old dogs.

4. Killswitch Engage - Disarm The Descent

Another "comeback" album, this time from the kings of Metalcore, Killswitch Engage. After bursting onto the scene and capturing the attention of the Metal world with their Roadrunner Records debut "Alive Of Just Breathing" in the early part of the 2000's, the band parted way with vocalist Jesse Leach and went on to greater commercial success with his successor, Howard Jones. For some of us, however, Jones just didn't cut it. Yes, the band released a number of hit albums and singles, but there was something missing. The sound was too polished and lacked the raw edge of the "Jesse-era". A little glimmer of hope appeared at the beginning of 2011 when Jesse got together with former bandmate and KsE mainman, Adam Dutkiewicz to release the album "Hymn of A Broken Man" from their new project "Times Of Grace". The band was having publicised issues with Howard and Jesse was clearly 'back in the game'. We didn't have to wait long. Soon after, KsE announced the return of Jesse as their vocalist and this album, my friends, is the result. A jaw-dropping statement of intent by a band clearly ready to step back into the fray and reclaim their postion at the top of the Metalcore pack. Mission accomplished.

  

3. Thyrfing - De Ödeslösa

Sweden's Viking Black Metal masters stormed back in 2013 with an album which silenced the critics who had been left unimpressed by the lacklustre "Hels Vite" in 2008. This, the second album to feature vocalist Jens Rydén, is a massive step up in just about every conceivable way. The band has clearly found their feet with Jens and he with them. This album exudes confidence and the songs are absolutely phenomenal. From start to finish, there isn't a weak moment to be found - not a single chord of filler. As soon as the opening bars of "Mot Helgrind" kicked in, I was hooked, almost trance-like by the sheer power on display. The album flows beautifully, the songs perfectly paced and flawlessly arranged, managing to sound folky and melodic in a genuinely ancient and primeval way and completely avoiding the usual Viking Metal cliches and "hey nonny nonny" twee folk of other acts in the genre. As for Jens, his vocals have the gutteral rasp meets clean howl of his predecessor, but are even more passionate and vicious. The jewel in the crown of the Thyrfing catalogue. Essential.

2. Carcass - Surgical Steel

The triumphant return of Carcass is finally complete. This is the album we were all hoping they would release...and so much more. I knew this was going to be good. After 17 years it had to be. I wasn't expecting them to blow me away with the finest album of their career. Jeff's rasping growl is better than ever and the riffs are as sharp and as vicious as ever. Surgical Steel, indeed. A very apt title. This is precision metal delivered with ferocity by the masters of their craft. The ultimate 'comeback' album.

1. Hell - Curse And Chapter.

This album is nothing less than a masterpiece. Often lumped-in (lazily) with the NWOBHM crowd, the truth is that there is so much more depth to Hell. The songs are often very Progressive in style with complex signature and time changes as well as keyboards and digital samples. Musically this is as brilliant / ridiculous as this brand of Heavy Metal should be. Dave Bowers sings with passion and his voice conveys all of the theatre you might expect if you have ever seen the band perform live. You can almost "see" him stalking the stage and gesticulating as you listen. I have always said that Painkiller is the best 'pure' Metal album ever released, but I may need to revise that opinion.

New Year, Old Habits.

Here it is, people - my first post of 2014 - and it finds me, fittingly, putting the finishing touches to the final part of my best of 2013 list. Saying goodbye to yet another amazing year in Metal and ushering in what is promising to be an equally exciting one. I'm already sat here with my obligatory cup of coffee, listening to my first new release album of the year: Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon (released: 6th Jan).

Pleasingly, Plagues Of Babylon finds the veteran band continuing the blistering return to form they started with Dystopia in 2011. It also finds them breaking in a new rhythm section, which has only helped to ramp up the energy level of the already revitalised Metal giants. Mainstay and chief songwriter, Jon Schaffer is on top form, clearly creatively inspired by this injection of youth and vocalist Stu Block is an absolutely revelation - his confidence and awe-inspiring set of pipes banishing all but the most stubborn thoughts of previous frontman, Matt Barlow.

This is Iced Earth back on the form that many thought them incapable of reaching again - precision, razor-sharp riffs, soaring, powerful vocals and perfectly-paced and structured songs, complete with the anthemic choruses the band is known for, all brought together perfectly to create a classy, solid and intelligent Metal concept album.

What a positive start to 2014 - listening to some arse-kicking new metal on the first day of a blank musical slate.