Reviews

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

Nightbringer – Apocalypse Sun

“Black metal, if it is to be effective, must be capable of forming an expression that provokes in both music and ideology. In fact, it is a mistake to speak as if the former is discrete from the latter; the expression itself, if it is effective, must make the music ideological and the ideology musical.

Nightbringer, with its esoteric lyrics detailing the present-day shadows cast by ancient and forgotten gods, does precisely this.”

Album review by Tate Bengston

Hellbound.ca’s TOP METAL DVDs Of 2010

One of the optional categories that all Hellbound contributors were asked to write about in our year end polls was their favourite Metal DVD of 2010. As it was optional – and because not all of us watched music DVDs in 2010 – not everyone has participated but I think that it is obvious from those that had a favourite to offer that the new RUSH documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage was hands down the favourite, followed by the Norwegian black metal documentary Until The Light Takes Us. Here are the individual favourite Metal DVDs of 2010, alphabetical by writer.

Lo-Pan – Sasquanaut

A heavy foursome from a college town (Columbus, OH) named after a character from a Kurt Russell movie (Big Trouble in Little China), Lo-Pan had been going on five years before they caught the ear of Small Stone Records, who have remastered and re-issued the band’s debut album.

Jesu – Christmas EP

Ever the innovator, Justin Broadrick can now add ‘Christmas album’ to his respectable canon, as he leaves us slavering for the next Jesu full-length. I’d say it’s a safe bet you won’t stumble across another Christmas-themed album as original or inspiring this year – and not one god-damned sleigh bell to be heard!

Various Artists – We Wish You a Metal Xmas…

While not every track can boast the same impressive quality, We Wish you A Metal Xmas… offers a bit of sonic relief from the repetitive soundtrack that normally accompanies the Christmas season. If you take it with a grain of salt and pinch of irony, you might even find yourself enjoying a carol or two.

Immortal – Live At Wacken 2007:The Seventh Date of Blashyrkh

Having an Immortal at Wacken DVD is a real treat for me because I know that I’m going to get a concert that actually looks and sounds like a live show. No ridiculously quick cuts or overly obvious tricks, no overdubs, nothing. The stuff that comes out of Wacken Open Air is consistently awesome and this is definitely no exception. The show is shot beautifully, the editing done flawlessly without making your head spin, and the band plays a solid set.