KEVI METAL’S 26 INCHES OF PLEASURE AND PAIN
…in which one Kevin Stewart-Panko passes his shaven-and-slanted-head judgment on three slabs of vinyl courtesy our good friends at various record companies. And a-way we go…
Starring Janet Leigh/ Mortify/ The After Chapter/ That Boy Ain’t Right @ Absinthe, Hamilton ON, January 6, 2011
There aren’t many bands around here with the talent SJL has and with everyone splitting off and pursing new projects maybe some new great bands will rise from the ashes but there won’t be a better tech jazz band around here for years to come.
Avantasia – Angel of Babylon
Angel of Babylon is exactly what you’d expect from Avantasia, world class songs, performances and production. If you’ve been on board so far, you’ll love this final installment in Sammet’s Scarecrow Saga. This is a must have.
Todtgelichter – Angst
Longtime fans of Todtgelichter’s more frostbitten back catalogue may not altogether be pleased by such an auspicious turn from a band formerly known for grimmer output (although allegedly there were hints of a more avant-garde direction on 2007’s Schemen). But for those who can embrace a hearty dose of melody, progression, and evolution alongside their black metal – how can a change like this be a bad thing? Highly recommended.
Serpent’s Knight – Silent Knight…of Myth and Destiny
Prior to Nevermore, Warrel Dane cut his chops in Sanctuary. But prior to Sanctuary? Well, there was this band called Serpent’s Knight, of which remarkably little is known…until now. Shadow Kingdom, in conjunction with guitarist Brad Poland, released all of Serpent’s Knight’s material in remastered form. Accompanying the release are liner notes which seek to set the record straight on what actually went down with this, Dane’s formative band.
Album review by Tate Bengston
Greber – Hometown Heroin
Right from the ‘Intro’ you can feel that Greber are not going to take you on a normal ride: this is going to be fun, heavy and maybe a little rough on your tender bottom!
Postcards From Natalie Zed, Set #9
Hey Hellbound Readers, welcome to the first Postcards From Natalie Zed for 2011. We met Natalie just about a year ago now when she won our big year end contest, taking home more than 50 CDs, records, posters and t-shirts. In a surprise move, Natalie then asked us if she could review her winnings for us. How could we say no?
Well, Natalie is all done with her original batch but has decided to keep on doing her postcard sized reviews for us. So, without further adieu, here is part nine of her ongoing series which we like to call “Postcards From Natalie Zed”. This set includes reviews of DAWNBRINGER, CASTAVET, KYLESA and more.
Eclectika – Dazzling Dawn
Straying away from being genre-specific, Eclectika tackle the many traits of what it means to be an experimental metal band, but is it too much of an attempt? Though obscure, the band is not out to lunch but certainly eclectic and only for the open-minded.
Graf Orlock – Doombox 10″ EP
Doombox, the new EP from movie grindmasters Graf Orlock is coming to remind us all of the obscure and not so obscure movies with great lines complimented by great fucking music. With a new lead vocalist that is hilarious and brings an old punk vibe to the music, Graf Orlock is bringing the grind, old school style
Twisted Sister – Live At Wacken: The Reunion
My complaints about this disc are few (I would REALLY like a straight through version of the show) but my praise is high. This is a great watch for fans new and old and the accompanying live CD has some great rare live 80’s tracks as well.