Wolfshead - Wolfshead [EP] (2012)

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The two-piece band, formed in fall 2010 in Fleet, Hampshire, just released their first material, a self-titled EP. It contains 4 tracks, “Warbringer”, “The Garden”, “Pissin’ Blood”, and “Death Priest”. They label themselves as a “Garage Doom” group, which combines Hard Rock with Doom in order “to create a delightful noise”.

I honestly never thought of associating the two genres, because they seem totally opposite. But, apparently, everything seems possible.

I say “apparently”, because even from the start, I have to say that I did not like the lead vocals. Maybe the tonality chosen was not flattering, but it surely did not fit at all with the instrumental part.

The songs should be taken all individually, because they are very different as approach. While “Warbringer” is arousing, “The Garden” sounds a lot like Alice In Chains, especially in the beginning. The Doom influence is strong in here, and the growling resembles Aaron’s in the early days of My Dying Bride. I honestly think the vocalist is better on this side.

“Pissin’ Blood” is wild, short-lenghted and violent, sort of a modern, adapted version of Misfits. There is also a quite nice guitar solo in here, but unfortunately something that could’ve sounded good was cut from the root.

The last one, “Death Priest", seems like an elongated version of “The Garden”. I like the guitar and bass, they merge together good, but there comes a part when the song becomes extremely monotone, it should have been shorter.

To conclude, I was not blown away by any of the tracks. Being their first material ever, I think the band needs more time to reveal itself totally. I also believe they should head to Doom only and leave Hard Rock or any other influences from this area behind.

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Favorite track: The Garden

Rating: 6,6 (because I think they can do better!)

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Essenz - Mundus Numen (2012)

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“Essenz is the invocation of metamorphosis,a stimulation of remote realms of the pshyche that dwells on the border of musical extremes and opens the gate to a deeper level.”

The entire Essenz project started in December 2006. The first full-length album “KVIITIIVZ- Beschworung des Unaussprechlichen/Kultus-Invocation of the Inexpressible)" was received very well by the press, being rated as ”an esoteric intimacy” or “the record that sets everyone straight and kicks a revolution into gear”.

Generally speaking, the German band plays Occult Metal, but there are clearly some strong influences of Psychedelic, Doom and Black Metal, a mix of genres which I find unexpected, interesting and pleasing at the same time.

“Mundus Numen”, their second album, released worldwide on May 2^nd 2012, represents an inroad into the human psyche, capturing its stages of decay. Once you start listening to the material, you enter a parallel universe, where delirium, illusion and torment are ruled by madness, that reigns above all and slowly takes control over the human mind.

The name of the songs are very suggestive as well. The first one, “Extinguish Shapes: Innermediate” makes a strong entrance to the album, which got my attention immediately. It reminds me a little of Mercyful Fate and My Dying Bride, but I can also feel a Pink Floyd twist to it, due to the effects and improvisation involved. However, I find it very different from the next songs, and there is somewhere a feeling that it does not melt with the other ones the way it should, but this is not necessary a disturbing thing, from my personal view.

The second one, “Sea Of Light: Pleroma” debuts with a very alert passage, but the pace is slowing gradually, leaving place to the gloomy, odd, yet captivating atmosphere specific to the entire musical work.

Number three, “Extricate Spirits: Amor”  is even more deeper. As for the instruments, the riffs are getting heavier and slower with every song, which can symbolically represent the agonizing soul of the being, as it is slowly infested and over comed by illness. This passages are alternated with opposite sequences, a battle between the remained sane part of the psyche and the already damaged one. This one is my favourite.

”Observed By Spectres: Paranoia”, the fourth, shows the “Constant fear that something’s always near” (the music does not ressemble Iron Maiden at all, but I felt the lyrics suit here very well). That “Something” represents the spectres, which observe the helpless human as it sinks deeper and deeper into the abyss. His will is already weakened, and there is next to nothing to do about it. Once again, very heavy, rough guitar riffs and vocals, a thing that I love when it comes to doom.

Number five, “Observing Spectres: Schizophrenia” has a much more softer sound. I get the feel of actually being inside the mind of the affected one, hearing all those creepy sounds and incomprehensible voices going over and over again, living a neverending nightmare. There are barely any instrumental parts, but the effects are absolutely brilliant, extremely realistic and horrifying at the same time.

The sixth and the last song, ”To The Bone: Mania” maintains once again the slow, hypnotizing rhythm, alternated with heavier parts as well. I also noticed the drumming and the vocal variations. The “Mania” had fully conquered the psyche; the end was all clear since the beginning, but now resignation has taken control over the being. There is no way to go back to normal, never again.

Overall, I believe the entire album is very good, and there is obviously a lot of hard work and inspiration behind it. If I would summarize the whole content in a few words, those would be “beauty in darkness”. 

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Favorite track: Extricate Spirits: Amor

Rating: 8,5

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Nymphea - Nymphea [EP] (2010)

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Symphonic metal genre is now overpopulated with lots of bands, most of them lacking inspiration and originality and just trying to copy each other.
Fortunately, Nymphea is not a part of this category.
The young French band presents a high level of musicianship on its self-titled album.
Strong symphonic passages, provided with competence, the keyboards played by Florian are well mixed with furious riffs. And of course, the serene voice of  Sarah... I'm glad the bass is clearly audible here, which is a great plus for the product.

While first track of the album, "Nefertari", paid dues to the masters from Epica, with its rich orchestral sound and strong female voice, the next two tracks "Fly" and "Fighting for Salvation" are more commercial, with catchy choruses, resembling of Nightwish and Xandrias' best moments.
"The beauty and the beast" clichee is very shortly used here and that's perfect, because the male growls are very weak. Instead, the band let plenty of room for Sarah, and she does quite a good work.
Nymphea might not be the most original band in the world, but it has the potential to become a true, respected name of this genre.
All in all, a pleasant hearing and a welcomed new addition to the symphonic genre. I sense big things coming from these guys, a tour with Xandria will surely help them a lot!
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Favorite track: Fly
Rating: 8
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SCAR FOR LIFE - New Album and New Video!

Portuguese SCAR FOR LIFE are going to release their third album, entitled "3 Minute Silence", through Infektion Records! 

Recorded in the beginning of 2012 at Pressplay Studio, this new work features a new lineup - this was the first time SCAR FOR LIFE recorded with their new singer Leonel Silva - and a handful of guests such as violinist Anne Vitorino d'Almeida, finnish singer Kari Vähäkuopus (CATAMENIA) and british keyboardist Ged Ryland (ex-TEN). According to Alexandre Santos (founder and composer), this is by far the most ambitious work to date, exploring an heavier & more melodic side of SCAR FOR LIFE. Drummer João Colaço (ex-MORE THAN A THOUSAND) stepped in while guitarist Sérgio Faria added new depth on live performances while recording a couple of memorable solos on the new album.

"3 Minute Silence" will be released on September 10.

Meanwhile, you can watch the video for "Old Man", SCAR FOR LIFE's new single, here:

For more news, please visit:

promotion@infektion.pt
http://www.infektion.pt/pr
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Infektion-Records/137317246368220

ABHORRENCE - To Release New Compilation!

Finnish death metallers Abhorrence will release a new compilation called "Completely Vulgar", on May 16, through Svart Records.

“Completely Vulgar” consists of not only the official demo and 7” EP, but also a 30-minute live show from Turku, Finland, 1990 and a short rehearsal tape, all previously unheard officially. Vinyl maniacs get an added bonus: the incredibly rare five-track rehearsal demo “Macabre Masquerade”. CD comes in a mini-gatefold cover with a booklet crammed full of memorabilia, lyrics and liner notes from all band members. The limited double vinyl, which is out on May 30 features an even more massive booklet and a gatefold jacket.

Tracklist:
1. The Cult (intro)
2. Pestilential Mists
3. Holy Laws of Pain
4. Caught in a Vortex
5. Disintegration of Flesh
6. Intro / Vulgar Necrolatry
7. Pleasures of Putrid Flesh
8. Devourer of Souls
9. Vulgar Necrolatry
10. Pestilential Mists (old version)
11. The Macabre Masquerade
12. Disintegration of the Flesh (old version)
13. Holy Laws of Pain (old version)
14. Adoration of Abscessed Cadavers
15. The Macabre Masquerade
16. Adoration of Abcessed Cadavers
17. Pestilential Mists (vinyl bonus track)
18. The macabre masquerade (vinyl bonus track)
19. Adoration of abscessed cadavers (vinyl bonus track)
20. Vulgar necrolatry (vinyl bonus track)
21. Caught In A Vortex (vinyl bonus track)