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Bands are listed alphabetically, with individuals listed by last name.

Review Archive: # - A

!T.O.O.H.! - Pod Vladou Bice · Plazzma
Wacky, zany, spastic Czech Grind that is way too insanely fucked up for me. The older and balder I get, the less patience I have for the weird-for-the-sake-of-weird variety. My brain hurts just looking at this band’s "name" [The band is really called THE OBLITERATION OF HUMANITY, but it almost exclusively goes by its initials. -Editor] so I guess it’s not too big a surprise that their "music" isn’t easily digestible, also. The lyrics aren’t in English, so I can’t understand those, either. Luckily, the vocals suck dirty dog dick, so I don’t really care to. - 4.5 - <Jack>

...AND OCEANS - The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts · Season of Mist
 We have a winner for stupidest band name of all time. This has photos of water and ocean maps on it - very nautical. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had forgotten how evil the sea is. Had I recalled that, I would have known that they’re Black Metal. Perhaps worshippers of Poseidon, rather than Hades. Actually, the music & vox are not bad at all. Fast Black Metal with keyboards isn’t exactly a new idea, but they do it well enough - sometimes extremely well. I can’t believe that all the cool band names are already taken and that "...AND OCEANS" was the best thing they could think of. Changing the band’s name so that it at least fits with the music a little would probably be a good idea. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

...AND OCEANS - The Symmetry of I - The Circle of O · Season of Mist
 The band with the stupid name is back once again, hot on the heels of their very interesting split CD with BLOODTHORN. But there’s something strange going on here: This is apparently only one disc of a 2CD set, with the other being all Ambient/Industrial/Noise that was recorded at the same time as this album. I guess Season of Mist figured that I’d hate the other disc (probably accurate), but it would have been nice to get the complete package. My complaints aside, this is plenty evil Black Metal that expertly incorporates synths into their speed and raw power. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

13 / EYEHATEGOD - Split 7"  · Ax/ction
 Sludge Metal on both sides of this translucent green disc. It's heavy, and the sound is clear. I do wish that the vocals on the EYEHATEGOD side weren't distorted, but you can't have it all, I guess. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

1349 - Beyond the Apocalypse · Candlelight
Hail and praise Lucifer for this gift of astoundingly high quality Black Metal exploding from my overjoyed speakers! For the last few years it has been Black Metal’s Norwegian pioneers carrying the torch of the genre largely by themselves. Well, 1349 (featuring SATYRICON skin-basher Frost on drums) have completely resurrected that feeling of old by invoking the dark spirits of early ‘90s IMMORTAL and SATYRICON. The speed is blazing, the vocals pure gravel, and it warms my evil soul so to see actual riffs return to the attack. Cheers to Candlelight, who have not only given Death Metal legends DISMEMBER new life, but may have found the band to ignite the return. The return of darkness and evil! - 9.5 - <Jack>

25 TA LIFE - Keepin' It Real EP   · We Bite America
 This is fairly heavy Hardcore, which brings to mind a slightly more Metalized AGNOSTIC FRONT, right down to their singer, who sounds every bit as strained as Roger [Miret, from A.F.] ever did. 25 TA LIFE maintain an incredible amount of intensity through all 6 songs, but never at the cost of memorable riffs. If you're looking for real Hardcore, your search is over. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

40 BELOW SUMMER - The Mourning After · Razor & Tie
As much as I abhor Nu-Metal, I can't help but feel sorry for the genre. I've seen a lot of annoying trends come and go, but I've never seen one die so quickly, without putting up the least bit of a fight. Well, in fairness to 40 BELOW SUMMER, they aren't 100% Nu-Metal. No, they're much more of a desperate, corporate cock-sucking attempt at NICKELBACK stardom. Occasionally they reach depths of heaviness alike PAPA ROACH or DROWNING POOL, unfortunately those are the two gayest bands on Earth. At their absolute best, these guys are a bastardized, watered-down version of old ALICE IN CHAINS. - 1.25 - <Jack>

454 BIG BLOCK - Your Jesus · Century Media
 Sometimes the guitar sounds promising, but then the thin vocals are pushed up in front of it, and that's unfortunate, since at best this guy sounds like Rob Halford on a bad scalp day. There are some really interesting moments, like the spoken horror of "Home," but mostly nothing really grabbed me. - 6.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

5 B. HATED - Somewhere in Nowhere · DEMO
 I guess I don’t understand the band name, but when this much ass gets kicked, who cares? 5 B. HATED play a very energetic kind of deadly Thrash, that can often be majestic as well. After a single listen, these songs stay with you, but hold up under scrutiny. Plus they have a song about Thor. I’d say these guys are about ready to get signed. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

666ZODIAC999 - 666Zodiac999 · DEMO
 Finally this band has settled on a name, at least for the time being. They are amazing and feature Scary Gary on vocals, who sang, or should I say growled, on the song "White Hen Decapitator" for Nuclear Blast recording artists MACABRE. This guy goes from evil deep Death growls to the highest, ear piercing screams imaginable. This is one of the best demos I've ever heard. The only thing I don't like is the use of a drum machine, I prefer the human factor in a band. But I guess it works for them. Pick up this demo before they get signed. - 9 - <Darrell> **MC8**

7000 DYING RATS - Fanning the Flames of Fire · Up Jumps the Devil
 This is a review of the LP version of this. The CD version (on Invisible Records) is pretty different, with some alternate (and more) songs in a completely different order. Fortunately both versions contain the cut "ANAL CUNT Is Gay," which should win an award for funniest song title ever. And they also do an insane Vegas Lounge Act / John Zorn version of VENOM’s "Sacrifice" that’s only on the LP, thus making it a must have. This description of their VENOM cover is pretty accurate for the majority of the LP. It’s a crazy juxtaposition of styles and sounds that parodies and roasts everything you can imagine, all filtered through an "evil" context. And the accompanying "press release" about this album is a photocopy of an old MANOWAR news letter, with "MANOWAR" whited out and "7000" handwritten in its place. A sense of humor is sort of a rare find these days, so I’ll give ‘em credit there, and conceptually I love this band, but like the aforementioned John Zorn, this can be something of a challenge to listen to, so I’m not sure how often I’ll spin it, which makes assigning a rating pretty fuckin’ tough, but what the shit. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

7th CHILD - Butchery of the Innocent · DEMO
 I don’t know how much £4 is in US$, but it’s probably worth it for these four tracks of very professional sounding, more or less, American-style Death Metal. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

7TH CHILD - Bled to Death EP · Deadsun
A lot of bands understand the idea that Death Metal should be brutal, and 7TH CHILD is certainly no exception to that. But what appears to be difficult is combining that intensity with memorable songs. This is massive while you listen to it, destroying all within 15 feet of your speakers, and that is required of good Death Metal, but perhaps something could have been added somehow to make the songs more memorable and thus allow 7TH CHILD to stand more on their own in this crowded Extreme Metal scene. - 8.25 - <Ray>

911 - Demo Remixed · DEMO
 911 have an almost Punk sound. The Metal’s there, but it’s hidden under Grant Knoll’s vocals, which are a classic Punk scream. Nothing really grabbed my interest, but I didn’t hate anything either. This tape has 14 songs and all of them are played well, and the production is acceptable. It’s really not bad and I would be glad to hear more from this band. Favorite Titles include: "1 2 Fuck You", "Bent on Death" and "Waking Up Without a Cause". - 7.25 - - <Ray> **MC4**

A2A - s/t · demo
A half hour of boring instrumental drivel. Like a Prog Rock take on the Flashdance film score. Who would honestly be interested in this? - 4 - <Jack>
info@leliopadovani.com

A MIND CONFUSED - Poems of a Darker Soul · DEMO
 Six dark, majestic songs, that combine Doom, Black Metal (most notably in the vocals) and Thrash into an alternately depressing and raging storm of high-intensity Metal. The excellent production allows all the intricacies of the complex playing to easily come through, yet does not detract from the intensity of the songs. Fans of bands like DISSECTION take note. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

A MIND CONFUSED - Out of Chaos Spawn · Near Dark
 Here we have two complex, well-played Black / Death tracks, in a somewhat similar style to that of the mighty DISSECTION - technical, but powerful and memorable. The production is very clear and of course that can only add to the emotion of the music. I think it's time for A MIND CONFUSED to release a full length album. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

A.B.L. - Ultra Depri · DEMO
 Some Noise is okay and some is bad. This is beyond bad. This is useless, not interesting in the least, and utterly worthless. Not even funny. - 2 - <Ray> **MC8**

A.F.I. - Answer That and Stay Fashionable · Wingnut
 I guess this is okay. AFI are certainly talented, but their brand of Pop tinged Punk isn't really for me, although it is sort of catchy, and they can play their instruments. I respect their ability, and sometimes like what they do, but just not always. Maybe it's just too happy for me. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

A.G.E.S. - A.G.E.S. · DEMO
 If you’re not totally sure how to use that drum machine, please don’t screw around with it. I’d bet money this singer has a mullet-head. He has the most homosexual singing voice I have ever encountered. The riffs sound like the guitarist has just recently started playing, and has not quite mastered the basics yet. I should have been able to detect the subliminal messages in the flyer which described them as a "Thrash band from the San Francisco bay area." - 1 - <Jack> **MC12**

ABADDON INCARNATE - The Last Supper · Season Of Mist
When I first picked up this album, I thought to myself, "Oh no, another cheesy Satanic-as-fuck Black Metal band that couldn't afford real cover art so they stole something from an old comic book." I bought it anyway, being fully aware that sometimes you get greatness in shitty packaging. What I got was ugly. And brutal. And Satanic. In other words, a really good Black / Death Metal album. ABADDON INCARNATE sounds more akin to INCANTATION mixed with a little Necrotism-era CARCASS and the horror movie samples of MORTICIAN thrown in for good measure. There is a definite Grind influence amidst the churning, down-tuned guitar assault and the vocals are low but not monotone. The Last Supper isn't for people who like lots of melody and artsy shit thrown in with their Death Fucking Metal. This is from the older school of Death, where brutality was mixed with being memorable and the whole thing was designed to make you headbang so hard that you dislocated your skull. - 9 - <Ychoril>

ABAZAGORATH - Tenebrarum Cadent Exsurgemus · Elegy
 Epic Black Metal from the frozen wastelands of New Jersey!?! It’s sort of a strange thought, but these blasphemers do an amazing job. At times fast & furious, but also slow and ominous when necessary. This isn’t refined to the point of perfection quite yet, but ABAZAGORATH could very likely manage it. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABHORRENCE - Ascension EP · Wild Rags
 I believe that this is the band’s demo, licensed for release on CD by Wild Rags. Not that you’d know it was a demo recording, though, since it sounds great. ABHORRENCE only have three tracks to show off their skill at creating brutal Death on this disc, so I hope they release a full-length soon. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABHORRENCE - Evoking the Abomination · Evil Vengeance
Fans of KRISIUN take note, with this new release, the lesser-known Brazilian 3-piece have mutated into an exact replica of their countrymate predecessors. If KRISIUN's lawyers heard this album, they would probably sue for product infringement. Surely it would be no small task to duplicate such inhuman speed and precision, but this may upset those in search of originality. Still, when such a mood requires no more than ferocious blasting and prodigiously technical guitar work, this disc would be just as worthy of a spin. Some of these riffs are actually pretty old-school! Impressive to say the least. - 9 - <Jack>

ABHORRENT - Rage · DEMO (CD)
 This is lifeless & boring. It’s very mainstream wannabe "Metal," like those fudgepackers, PANTERA. And the subject matter that they choose to stick with throughout this joke, is god. Next! - 4.25 - <ANG> **MC11**

ABHORRENT - Live in Rage · DEMO
 An unimpressive attempt at Death Metal. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ABIGOR - Verwastung/Invoke the Dark Age · Napalm
 Screams of complete torment and agony are the vocals. The guitars are both torturous and beautiful - often at the same time, thanks to the layering of acoustic over the conventional distortion. The many time changes and high speeds would kill a lesser drummer, but where one would expect to find (out of necessity) basic, simple beats, here they are somewhat more complex. Keyboards are used to accent and intensify the hauntingly evil elements of the music. This is somehow very atmospheric, intense, and memorable at the same time. ABIGOR have created a truly stunning release, and are certainly one of the best of the new breed of Black Metal bands. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

ABIGOR - Channeling the Quintessence of Satan · Napalm
 Fast, raw, noisy Black Metal. I seem to remember this band as being more compelling and memorable, but still, this intensity can’t be denied. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABIGOR - In Memory EP · Napalm
This MCD is seriously a release meant for the Black Metal packrat only. This is essentially a compilation of tracks that appear elsewhere. Granted, some of these tracks are "unreleased," but if you cut through the bullshit, this pure rehash. A couple rehearsal or demo tracks do not make this something to run out and buy by any stretch of the imagination. I'm a big fan of ABIGOR, but after listening to this, I'm tempted to say that this is a cash-in scam. You get two cover songs - both of which are available on tribute albums (one KREATOR song and one SLAYER song) - and three ABIGOR originals. These originals are nothing to write home about because they are demo or rehearsal versions of songs that appear on other releases. My major gripe is that there is nothing really "new" or "exclusive" to this EP. If there were a couple new songs that would appear nowhere else on this, I would definitely say go out and grab In Memory right now. As it stands, packrats and total and complete ABIGOR junkies are the only people that are really going to want this. - 7.5 - <Ychoril>

ABIGOR - Satanized · Napalm
It seems almost strange to think that ABIGOR has been around for over a decade. Their newest effort, Satanized, sees them still blasting out the raw Black Metal, but tempered with some slower tempos, keyboards and almost Thrashy parts. I guess ABIGOR has never been one of my favorite Black Metal bands, but this album has increased their rank. - 9 - <Ray>

ABOLISHER - Abolisher · DEMO
 When you put out a demo with only 2 songs on it, they had damn well better be two fuckin' awesome tracks. ABOLISHER obviously know this rule, and have done exactly that. These two songs are very energetic and Thrashy, but Luis turns them to the Death side with his demonic vocals. That would really be enough, but then they go right ahead and make them really memorable, too. I would single out "The Master"'s bass playing as amazing, but everyone else in the band is just as good as he is. God damn, this is cool! I'm proud to say that my band, ADVERSARY, have had the honor of playing with such an excellent band as ABOLISHER. Get this immediately, it'll be the best three bucks you ever spent. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ABOLISHER - The Unity of Opposites · DEMO
 A spicy Death/Thrash ass-whipping Chicago-style. I've said it before and I'll say it again, ABOLISHER is the best band out of the Chicago Metal scene since the mighty AVERNUS. This 4 song demo is extremely memorable and well-played. These guys don't bullshit around, and they're even better on stage. If there were any justice in this fucking world, they would be signed immediately to a well-paying label & have their penises bronzed by large-breasted groupies. Best song: "Existence Cursed." - 9.5 - <Jack> **MC10**

ABOMINANT - Never Truly Dead · Wild Rags
 Another of Wild Rags’ CD5s, as they are called. While fairly straightforward, DEICIDE inspired, Death, these 4 songs (a demo re-released on CD) show a lot of potential and are full of good ideas. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABOMINANT - Unspeakable Horrors · Wild Rags
 Intense, but basic Death Metal. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ABOMINANT - In Darkness Embrace · Wild Rags
 An improved production has helped this band quite a bit, allowing their brutality to become more focused. But it’s also clear that they have made every effort to remove any weaknesses, and what we are left with is an impressive disc of Death. Their refining of their sound and increasing technical ability (not to mention ability to write catchy riffs) has more than earned my respect. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABOMINANT - The Way After · Wild Rags
 It’s good to hear a band that’s always improving. ABOMINANT seem to be constantly refining their sound, correcting even the tiniest flaws in their Death onslaught. This, their second album, sees them closing in on perfection. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABOMINANT - Ungodly · Deathgasm
Some bands think that they improve from one album to the next, but few really do. ABOMINANT, however, is one of those select few bands that keep focusing and refining their sound, ever inching closer to utter perfection in all areas. Although a few of these riffs do sound familiar, this is an otherwise excellent example of Thrashy Death Metal, along the lines of latter day DEATH or PESTILENCE. They even manage a very impressive SACRIFICE cover ("Re-Animation"), expertly bringing it into their own style. - 9.25 - <Ray>

ABOMINOG - Resting in Your Grave · DEMO
 On this demo, the band uses 6 backing vocalists, which help greatly. Most of the vox are done in a choppy Death style. The music is a rough and heavy Thrash. This six song demo shows a lot of innovation, especially considering that it was recorded in April of 1990. Had I reviewed this then, I would probably given Resting in your Grave a markedly higher rating. I hope to hear more current works by ABOMINOG. If they continued to grow, they would be excellent. - 6.75 - <Lar> **MC7**

ABORTED - The Archaic Abattoir · Olympic/Century Media
Just under a decade into their career, and Belgian Gore gods ABORTED have unleashed what is sure to be their breakthrough opus. I haven't seen a piece of press on this release yet that did not make reference to CARCASS' Heartwork album (it's funny, I distinctly remember being the only one on the planet who had anything nice to say about that record when it came out, with everyone screaming sell out, and the band even being barraged with beer bottles and booed off stage in Chicago for not playing anything from their first two albums, but now it's cool), and I can't really disagree. Huge steps have been taken towards melody, feel, and groove, and they've apparently fallen in love with the breakdown, but the band still manage to retain nearly all of their relentless Gore-soaked brutality. Vocally, Sven De Caluwe has incorporated a crispy, more understandable, Jeff Walkeresque snarl to compliment his guttural growls, and I think that's where a lot of these Heartwork comparisons are coming from. The production is fucking immaculate! In fact, listening to this disc, I'm tempted to say this is the best overall production an Extreme Metal album has ever featured. I understand your skepticism, but I'd sure like to hear your arguments. In short, believe all the hype. While I'm still partial to the classic Engineering the Dead album, time will most likely reveal The Archaic Abattoir to be ABORTED's finest moment. - 9.75 - <Jack>

ABORYM - Fire Walk with Us · WWIII / Mercenary
Mid-tempo Industrial Black Metal featuring Atilla Csihar, whose vocals haunted the classic MAYHEM LP, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, way back when Black Metal wasn't lame. These guys experiment way too much with the synths and Homo-Rave effects. Wasn't Black Metal supposed to be primitive and barbaric? The overdone mechanized vibe of this record ruins what is a fairly solid vocal performance from good ol' Atilla. His demonic snarl cannot rescue the album from it's from it's revoltingly fake atmosphere. - 6.75 - <Jack>

ABOVE THIS FIRE - In Perspective · Life Sentence
It is rare that the Life Sentence label lets me down. Considered a seal of quality in underground Hardcore circles, especially the Straight Edge scene, the label has become a launching pad for many aspiring careers in the Metalcore genre. As of late they seem to have become a training camp for the Trustkill Records roster. EIGHTEEN VISIONS and IT DIES TODAY both got their cherries popped on Life Sentence. All that said, ABOVE THIS FIRE don’t really light my flame. They play Old School Hardcore with irritating, higher-pitched, talk-shouted vocals. Musically this is decent, I suppose. Fast, simple and catchy with a good deal of melody, but nothing that’s going to make the heart stop, and the vocals quite frankly are too big an obstacle to hurdle. This sounds like the crap that Victory was signing in the early ‘90s. Still, I can count the number of times Life Sentence has disappointed me on one hand (keep your ears peeled for WITH DEAD HANDS RISING, WINGS OF SCARLET, NIENTARA, and TEARS FROM THE SKY). - 6.25 - <Jack>

ABRAMELIN - Abramelin · Repulse
 The band’s crunchy Death Metal is an awesome combination of speed and heaviness. This is also a shining example of what really good Death vocals should sound like. But the most interesting thing about this album is their cover of the DEAD CAN DANCE song, "Cantara," which starts as a slow, fairly mellow piece, with clean vocals, and builds to a fair amount of heaviness. Weird, but cool. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABSCESS - Demo #1 · DEMO
 Disgusting Puke Metal from members of AUTOPSY, IMMORTAL FATE, and HEXX. Raw sound and vile lyrics. It's sicker than a dog dick. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

ABSCESS - Crawled Up From the Sewer · DEMO
 Are you ready for more? Chris, Freeway, and the boys return again to serve up your nightmares in big, steaming plates of shit. Relapse have put out all three demos on a single CD, so be sure to check that out, too. For Scat Metal fans only. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ABSCESS - R.S.B.N. · DEMO
 More sickness from these freaks. The production is suitably raw, however the songs are perhaps a bit more memorable. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ABSCESS - Seminal Vampires and Maggot Men · Relapse
 These guys are really more of a gross-out Crust band than anything else, but I've heard them described as everything from Death Metal to Punk. It's disgusting; if you have a weak stomach, the lyrics would make you puke. Also, generally things are pretty heavy, and there is a weird sense of humor and fun amid all the hate and shit. This reminds me of the old days of NUCLEAR WINTER (although ABSCESS are certainly closer to Death Metal than we ever were), so I can only recommend it. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

ABSENT SOCIETY - The Plastic Parade · demo
Musically the band churns out a relentlessly mediocre stream of boring Thrash, recycled Metalcore, and tired MACHINE HEAD idolatry. Vocally the band sounds confused. Imagine Fred Durst trapped in Mike Patton’s body intermittent with a standard scream. The disc is not crippled by a lack of talent or solid execution, but rather an underlying sense of desperation that lends itself to dullness. - 6.75 - <Jack>
www.absentsociety.com

ABSENTIA LUNAE - Marching Upon Forgotten Ashes · demo
Badly-produced sub par Black Metal with atrocious vocal experimentation. The traditional Blackened vocals are tolerable, but the awkward shouting and barking just obliterate a listening experience which was run-of-the-mill in the first place. - 5.5 - <Jack>
www.absentialunae.com

ABSOLUTE - Absolute · DEMO (CD)
 "Groove Metal" with tough-guy vocals. I hate this crap. - 4 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ABSTAIN - Superiority Complex · DEMO
 Hardcore with the brutality and vocals of the most intense Death Metal, plus unholy speed. NAPALM DEATH (and others) used to call this Grindcore. You just don't hear too many Grind bands these days, much less great ones like ABSTAIN. I doubt you'll ever hear anything much more ferocious than these 9 songs, which are crammed into 15 minutes, and considering the price, there is no reason for anyone to pass this up. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

ABSU - In the Eyes of Joldanach EP · Osmose
 Somehow these four tracks didn’t do much for me. ABSU’s combination of their earlier Black Metal onslaught with the CELTIC FROST and KREATOR influences just doesn’t seem to produce very memorable results. Plenty intense, though, I suppose. All things considered, this isn’t bad at all, but I’ve heard a lot better and a lot more convincing stuff. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABU-JAMAL, MUMIA / MAN IS THE BASTARD - Split · Alternative Tentacles
 Mumia’s part consists of his spoken word addresses from prison (where he awaits a death penalty for supposedly killing a cop), along with soundbites from Assata Shakur, Bob Dole, Allen Ginsburg, and Jello Biafra. Mumia’s speeches are interesting and thought provoking, and his voice is very soothing. This is starkly contrasted by the raw harshness (Grind maybe) of MAN IS THE BASTARD. But did Mumia kill that cop, or is it all a set up? There is plenty of evidence in the CD booklet that would indicate a frame, and that seems very likely. And the cop was beating the shit out of Mumia’s brother, so if he did kill him - good. He had it coming. Anyway, this is a very interesting and informative CD that you really ought to hear. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABU-JAMAL, MUMIA - All Things Censored... · Alternative Tentacles
 What can I say about the plight of Mumia? He’s on Death Row for supposedly killing a cop. Well, first, all the evidence seems to suggest that he didn’t do it, and second, I say the only good cop is a dead cop anyway, so what’s the big deal? So, why does The Man want Mumia dead? I guess everyone’s scared because he has a mind of his own and isn’t afraid to speak it and talk about some pretty serious issues. This CD consists, in part, of a series of essays Mumia wrote for National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered" program, but thanks to governmental pressure, he was fired and they never aired. Too bad N.P.R. didn’t have the balls to stand up for Mumia and freedom of speech in general. All the proceeds from this CD go toward Mumia’s legal defense so if it were fucking blank you should buy it anyway, but it’s not. This is about 73 minutes of chilling reality, recorded right from the heart of corruption in Death Row, where murder is legal, along with commentary from some of Abu-Jamal’s supporters. Educate yourself. Now how the fuck do I assign a numerical rating to something like this? - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABYSMAL FALL - Spit in the Face of Christ · DEMO · $4
 This may or may not also currently be available on CD. The band mentioned that it is, but also that they are sold out... Anyway, this evil Black Death is quite well done and also pretty heavy. And in the second song, "Sadist Christ," they scream "Jesus is cumming in your mouth" over a nice acoustic guitar part. I know they’re totally serious, but that’s such a funny thing to say that it alone would make this worth owning. But really all the songs are good, just not as awesome as that. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ABYSS, THE - The Other Side · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 What happens when Deathsters HYPOCRISY try their hand at an all out Black Metal assault? A masterpiece. Even the production is superb (take note other Black bands: it can be done!). Nice cover of "Massacra," too. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ABYSS, THE - Summon the Beast EP · Nuclear Blast
 Why do so many Black Metal LPs hover around 30 minutes? This one is just under a half hour, but I have the feeling that they still charge full price for it. Enough of my complaints. For those familiar with the band’s first album, The Other Side, this is faster, and more intense. In fact Summon the Beast is so unlike HYPOCRISY that I can hardly believe that THE ABYSS is made up of that band’s members. Well, the stellar Abyss Studios production is a clue, but a lot of (smart) bands record there. You couldn’t hope for a more fast and furious style of Black Metal, but you might hope for more of this album. As good as THE ABYSS is, I am having difficulty in recommending that anyone spend their hard-earned cash on such a short release. But as far as the music alone is concerned, this is hard to beat. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

ABYSS - Sin Angeles · Goi Music
Get ready, America! The New Wave of Latino Power Metal campaign is apparently ready to sweep the nation. It won't be long before you hear bands like HAMMERFALL and PRIMAL FEAR proclaiming in outrage, "They took 'r' jobs!!" You see, Hispanic Ass Metal bands are far more proficient and will work for less money. I wonder if all the songs are about Ben Affleck and tacos. A great album to have 10 or 11 kids to. "Took 'r' jobs!!" "Derk-a-derr!!" - 1 - <Jack>

ABYSS - Consecration of Emptiness · demo
I absolutely love the novelty of receiving a demo to review on cassette. A nostalgic throwback to the time before computer technology completely destroyed the underground. Unfortunately, the band plays an all too below average, generic brand of Black Metal with a drum machine, so I can’t really get behind them on much else. Not to mention they named their band ABYSS, so they don’t really know as much about Black Metal as they think. - 5 - <Jack>
uccidluomo@libero.it

ACCEPT - Death Row · Pavement / BMG
 Now this is more like it. 1993's Objection Overruled didn't exactly convince me that Udo made the right decision by rejoining "the Metal dinosaurs," but this is heavier and more focused. In fact, this is the heaviest ACCEPT ever. They still don't exactly recapture the level of the classic Balls to the Wall or even Restless & Wild or Metal Heart, but this is a big step in the right direction. Glad to see that they're still in there fighting. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACCIDENTAL SUICIDE - Deceased · Grindcore / Deaf
 There are only so many ways to say "guts" before I fall asleep. The music is good, and sure, the lyrics are gory as shit, but a little substance wouldn't hurt. This isn't even scary or really disgusting, just sorta silly. Almost cartoon-like. At least CANNIBAL CORPSE's lyrics would just about make you puke. I guess I'm being hard on ACCIDENTAL SUICIDE, but honestly they have the talent for this to be better. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

ACCURSED - A Curse Called Life · DEMO
 Hell yes. The music is very involving, thanks to the truly excellent riffs. They manage the difficult task of making heavy riffs very memorable. That, plus the vocals, which rage from a kind of Black Metal shriek, to Glen Benton-like double tracked wipeouts, and all around great musicianship, make this a mandatory demo, if you ask me. They now have an album out on Visceral Productions, so get this while you still can. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACCURSED - Meditations Among the Tombs · Visceral Productions
 Ahh, the shrill screams, deadly riffs, and keyboards are calling to me. Yes, my friends, this is Black Metal, American style. Well, maybe by way of EMPEROR. But ACCURSED are more controlled, perhaps more like NECROMANTIA. Have I just mentioned two of the best Black Metal bands in describing ACCURSED? Does that mean that ACCURSED should be placed in the same league as the aforementioned blasphemers? God damn right. Because they continue to experiment with the style and sound, and create something a little different. They even understand the importance of a good production, which is something I had thought that only Black Metal bands from Greece knew about. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACCURSED - Satanic Ritual · DEMO
 Not to be confused with the above band of the same name. This ACCURSED play Satanic Death Metal, as they call it. Well, they certainly do a great job. The production is excellent, the songs are mostly fast, and these guys are excellent musicians. I'm especially impressed with Jim's bass playing. Of course, any band where the singer also plays bass is guaranteed to be very cool. To many, the demo cover will be worth the $5 all by itself. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACCUSER - Accuser · Century Media
 The production is extremely clear and the guitar sound is especially excellent. Musically this is fine - fairly intense Thrash. However, I'm not a fan of this sort of "tough-guy" yelled vocals, but at least they aren't ran through a distortion pedal, or whatever. So, aside from some minor vocal irritation, and the fact that they have a song called "Into the Void," which is not a BLACK SABBATH cover, this is pretty good. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACHERON - Rites of the Black Mass · J.L. America/ Turbo
 Satanic Death Metal. Adequate recording and production. The heavy, Doomish, riffs are a little more simplistic than need be, but I like it. Raw, yet understandable vox add to an already cool thing. I'd like to hear these Satano-freaks with a decent budget, 'cause my only real problem with this album is that is sounds like a demo - a quality demo, but still a demo. Don't let that stop you, though. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

ACHERON - Hail Victory · Metal Merchant
 In addition to 8, somewhat Doomy, Black Death tracks, we are also treated to Anton LaVey's 9 Satanic Statements as narrated by Peter Gilmore. It's an interesting concept, and it works well for them, but what works even better are the songs. You may recall some of these tracks from the band's Turbo Records release, Rites of the Black Mass, or perhaps even the Lethal Records version of this release, known as Satanic Victory, which only had 6 tracks and Gilmore's intros were nowhere to be found. In any case, this is probably a must-have for any fan of Extreme Metal. I know I play the shit out of my copy. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

ACHERON - Anti-god, Anti-christ EP · Moribund
 As much as I enjoyed this band's earlier material, I must admit that it was somewhat lacking in terms of production. That has been completely remedied with this stellar release. Clocking in at about a half hour (longer than any DEICIDE full-length, full-price album.), not only is the production amazing, but the playing is stunning, and of course the songs are as memorable as ever. Only the spiritless Boyd Rice cover, "Total War," keeps this from perfection. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

ACHERON - Those Who Have Risen · Full Moon
 Amazing Satanic Death Metal. Their best release so far. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ACHERON - Tribute to the Devil's Music · Black Lotus
This is a compilation of all (or damn nearly all) of the cover songs this band has done, plus a re-recorded (although still a few years old) version of their own "Ave Satanas." The covers were all recorded at different times, and so the band line-up and sound quality can vary from track to track, but not enough to be a problem or even really very noticeable. It's pretty cool to hear the ACHERON-ized versions of some of these songs, such as the DEATH classic "Evil Dead," and MOTÖRHEAD's "(Don't Need) Religion," but most of these tracks are available elsewhere. So for those fans already in possession of all the Dwell records tribute CDs, I'm not sure how valuable it will be to have the ACHERON cuts all on one disc, even though you do get the aforementioned "Ave Satanas," which makes its CD debut here (having been a Euro-vinyl-only bonus track prior to this) and interesting liner notes on all the songs. - 8 - <Ray>

ACHERON - Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood · Black Lotus
What else could this be, other than nearly flawless Black / Death Metal? By this point in time, a review of any new ACHERON album really only needs to consist of "there is a new ACHERON album." I am, however, a little unclear about the last track, "The 9th Gate," which is little more than a continuos tone lasting for exactly nine minutes. Uhh, yeah... Other than that, which I'm sure is some super evil invocation of the dark powers of Satanic Vagina Moistening or something equally weird/goofy/cool, this disc is hard to beat. - 9.25 - <Ray>

ACHERON - Rebirth - Metamorphosing into Godhood · Black Lotus
This Black/Death Metal band has been around since the early days of the Florida Death Metal scene, churning out their particular brand of audio blasphemy for well over a decade now. This latest album is kind of a return to their older sound in that the overpowering keyboards and synthesizer-generated atmospheric bits that began dominating their sound since Anti-God, Anti-Christ have all but disappeared. The Death Metal element has once again come to the forefront and it’s good to know that ACHERON can still cave in your skull like they did on albums like Rites of the Black Mass and Lex Talionis. Even without the keyboards, ACHERON can still generate an atmosphere of darkness and lurking evil. The slower, heavier bits really seem to capture that quality in their music. The faster stuff is brutal, memorable and gets your head banging like good Death Fucking Metal is supposed to. That being said, there are still a few shortcomings to this album. The first is the intro to "Golgotha’s Truth," which is essentially some guy reading in a monotone voice - and yes, it’s painfully obvious that he’s reading off of a sheet of paper. This just sounded hokey and while "Golgotha’s Truth" is arguably the best track on this album, the intro really doesn’t do it any justice. The next thing I thought was a bit annoying was the track "The 9^th Gate," which is essentially one long track of a strange droning noise that I’m guessing is supposed to be meditative or something. Either my Satanic Antennae (the one by which I receive messages from our Lord and Master SATAN!!!) needs a little tuning or I’m just not getting it. Overall, Rebirth... is a good album marred by a few shortcomings that are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. - 9 - <Ychoril>

ACHIRAL - Wander Ignite · demo
Look, I don't care how awesome the music is, if your vocalist sounds like a fucking Fraggle, you're probably better off keeping your recordings at a safe distance from the general public. - 2 - <Jack>
17, Azzopardi Str. · B'Kara BKR 10 · MALTA

ACID BATH - When the Kite String Pops · Rotten
 Nice PANTERA-like distorted vocals. I really hate that. Groove-filled riffs and I'll bet they use the word "fuck" about 10 million times. Yawn. - 5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACID BATH - Pagan Terrorism Tactics · Rotten
 This is a vast improvement over their debut, When the Kite String Pops, but it's still unimpressive. I think they decided to "go Alternative" with this release, but at least the annoying distorted vocals are (mostly) gone, and the riffs are a little better. You would really think that an album with song titles like "New Corpse" and "Dead Girl" would be better than this. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

ACID DEATH - Promo Tape '96 · DEMO
 The band's fast Thrashy Death is occasionally so complex that it's difficult to follow. A.D. really love to experiment with different musical & vocal styles. Within these 3 songs the music swings from fast Death to Progressive (like FATES WARNING), and the vocals from harsh yells to whispers. A lesser band couldn't possibly pull of such a stunt, but other than a few rough edges, ACID DEATH manage to make it look simple. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

ACRIMONIUM - 1992 demo · DEMO
 I'm even more behind than usual with this review. And I lost their address. But, somehow, find these guys and this demo. It's only got two songs, but both are great. Heavy, but well produced, and somewhat brutal, yet memorable. They even have an acoustic intro to the second song, which is very well done. All bands take note: Be sure your address is on the demo or J-card, so I can't lose it, as I have so foolishly done with ACRIMONIUM. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACRIMONY - Hymns to the Stone · Godhead
 Sometimes pretty heavy, sometimes groovy, doped out, umm, Space Metal, I guess. Every now and then, I hear a part I like, and the sound of the recording is excellent, but mostly this is pretty uninspiring. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACRIMONY - The Acid Elephant EP · Godhead
 More groove, less heavy. More dope, less brains. More retro, less interesting. It's too bad really, but hey, fuck the bastards. - 6 - <Ray> **MC9**

ACRIMONY / IRON RAINBOW - Mother Slug / The Castle · Game Two
 The ACRIMONY side is completely stoned out Groovy Doom, played in a style not dissimilar to the less interesting moments of the last few CATHEDRAL releases. Well, at least I like the real Doom parts, but the rest just puts me to sleep in a hurry. IRON RAINBOW provide one of their best songs, in their traditional Metal style, but the bad attempt at singing really brings it down for me. - 7 - <Ray> **MC10**

ACROSTICHON - Advance tape · DEMO
 This is pretty awesome: Fast, memorable, and well produced music, coupled with powerfully raw vocals. This tape has no address on it, and the accompanying letter is missing, so if anyone knows how to find this great Death Metal band, let me know! Each of the 9 nine songs is amazing. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

ACTION BUDDIE - So Who That Mutha? · Ever Rat/ Ever Rap
 Sort of Funky music, definitely Funky bass and psudo-Rap vocals. If that sounds cool to you, check it out. It doesn't to me. I just don't like it. The repetition of the lyrics is only slightly more annoying than the vocals and the lyrics themselves. Musically, I almost like it. If I could erase the vocals - maybe. But I don't have the necessary technology. - 5 -
  <Ray> **MC7**

ACTION FIGURE - Actual Size · DEMO
 "Skinheads and Bangers and Punks / Stand as one-
 / To kill the Peace Punks."
  -from the song "United Forces" By S.O.D.
 I think ACTION FIGURE is probably who Billy Milano was referring to as "The Peace Punks". But before I vivisect them for personal reasons, I think I should attack the music on this demo. First, the recording quality is poor at best. Second, the songs are simplistic, boring and preachy. They even know this is true. For example, the song "Hardly A Song" strongly suggests that ACTION FIGURE are hacks. Finally the vocals are mixed way, way too high. ACTION FIGURE is some kind of Peace- New Wave- Slightly Alternative- College- Shit. They make fun of Heavy Metal in the song "Ninth Wish" because they claim Metal is simplistic. I want to see these motherfuckers play NOCTURNUS' "Lake of Fire". They make fun of slam pits in the song "Pit Boss". I wonder if any of them have ever been in a real pit? I doubt it- they all still seem to be alive. To sum it all up: Actual Size is a preachy, bitchy, simple, pathetic attempt at music. However, it does sport a color cover, which is by far the best part of this demo. - 3 - <Ray> **MC5**

ADAMS, S.A. - Redemption · DEMO
 I'm not exactly sure if this is really a demo, or an album that S.A. dubbed for me, so it may be in the wrong section. Anyway, S.A. plays really high energy, Thrashy kind of stuff. It sort of has a Punk edge to it, and I like it a lot. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ADAMS, S.A. - S.A. Adams · DEMO
 Much like with the last review, this may not be a demo, and I wasn't really too sure of the title, since it didn't seem to have one. But, these songs are just as moving as those on Redemption, and although I might have advised S.A. to not say "paste the glass," (whatever that means) so many times in a row in the song of the same name, this is still a very entertaining collection. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ADNAUSEAM - 1994 Promo · DEMO
 Brutal Death in the same general vein as INCANTATION. Too bad there are only two songs on here, as I'd love to hear more, but I guess that for only two bucks, you can't beat the price. Hopefully they'll put out some more material soon. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

ADNAUSEAM - Desire, Aspire, Inspire, Expire · Independent Sickness
 Very brutal and fast Death Metal. Sick and heavy (not the sickest and heaviest, though), but not the most memorable thing on earth. Competent, but not exactly inspirational. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ADORIOR - Like Cutting the Sleeping · Head Not Found
 If I didn’t know from reading the bio that this was "true fucking Metal," I might think that it was a pretentious attempt at weirdness and "extremity" masquerading as Black Metal. It’s fast, it’s got shrieky vocals, and supposedly experimental stuff (female vocals, nutty riffs...) thrown in ad hoc, just to show how "original" they are. Songs, and any other art forms, should create a reaction in the viewer, reader, or listener. ADORIOR only create the desire to start listening to something else. - 4 - <Ray> **MC12**

ADRAMELECH - Psychostasia · Repulse
 I have been anxiously awaiting this release since I heard their 3" CD, The Fall, quite some time ago. Let me assure you that it was worth the wait. Almost anyone can write brutal songs.; the real trick is making that brutality memorable, and ADRAMELECH make it look like simplicity itself. Of course, the unbelievably powerful production helps, but it's mostly the masterful way they craft these songs. Every new Death band should be required to listen to this album to see how it's done. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

ADRAMELECH - Seven EP · Repulse
 Three new cuts of their patented intense Death, and as if you needed any more reason, there are also two live songs. According to the press release, this is a "taster of their forthcoming 2nd full-length album." Well, this has done its job and made me plenty hungry for the next album, so bring it on! - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

ADRENALIN - Adrenalin · DEMO
 Everything here is okay, but just that. Nothing really stands out, but nothing is bad either. They are competent musicians, but need something to make them a little more memorable. The occasional vocal embarrassments don't help any. There is no address on the tape, and there is no J-card. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

ADRENALIN - Cause and Effect · DEMO
 Other than the occasional lyrical stumble, this is spectacular. Musically they sound sorta like the Thrash version of ATROCITY - they are that talented. Vocally very much a screamer, Todd really sounds great, but sometimes his phrasing (when he sings in relation to the music) seems a little unnatural. Very professional looking and sounding, and the production is excellent. Check this out. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

ADVOCATE - Advocate · DEMO
 Anyone remember DEATH ANGEL's The Ultra Violence album? Vocally this is very similar, although musically it's even more intense. Their style is dated, however there is enough energy in these four songs to easily make up for it. Some work could be done on the lyrics, but don't let that or anything else stop you from hearing this band. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

AEBA - Im Schattenreich · Last Episode
 Fast, yet melodic, Black Metal. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

AEBA - Flammenmanifest · Last Episode
 Oh fuck am I glad that terrible intro is over. What is it with stupid intros these days? Anyway, after that annoyance ends, the fast Black Metal starts up. The production saves this from being as raw as the music seems to want itself to be, which is weird. And there are some keyboards to make things "atmospheric," I guess. But this white noise guitar sound is grating. Why not have a thick, evil tone, instead of the thin buzz, which is thankfully sort of buried anyway? This has a lot of good moments, but with all the bands that sound like this, ABBA, I mean AEBA, need something to set them apart - other than a stupid name. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

THE AERIUM - s/t · demo
Once again the DNA of Metal and Opera have been unnaturally spliced to create a hideous, useless abomination, much like the four-assed monkey. - 1 - <Jack>
theaerium@mail.ru

AESMA DAEVA - Here Lies One Whos Name Was Written in Water · Root of all Evil
Man, nothing like a long album title, huh? Female vocals and ultra-lightweight drum-machine-powered Metal bits surrounded by synths and "atmosphere" might be interesting to some, but I don't really get it. This is very light and happy souding and feeling, and I can't deal with that. If I'm going to listen to somehting this wimpy, it had better be dark and depressing, at least. - 4 - <Ray>

AETURNUS - ...and So the Night Became · Pavement
 Their first domestic release, but hardly their debut, this is a near perfect fusion of the atmosphere and majesty of the best Black Metal, with the heaviness, power and feeling of true Death Metal, and some old time Traditional Metal riffs filtered through all the evilness. Can’t beat that. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

AETERNUS - Shadows of Old · Hammerheart
Hailing from Norway, AETERNUS has risen above the masses to create music which transcends the norm. They play a style of music which is very difficult to classify. Their Black Metal roots are evident, but this band really goes beyond the trappings of traditional Black Metal. One of the differences is the vocal delivery of singer Ares, which is a solid Death Metal roar. Another difference of note is the way the atmosphere is created. Where many Black Metal bands would use keyboards to create atmosphere, AETERNUS opts for acoustic guitar rhythms instead. Also, the drumming is not buried in the production. It is absolutely solid and mixed perfectly.
Shadows of Old, the fourth release by AETERNUS, is nothing short of brilliant. Blending atmosphere with brutality, AETERNUS paints a landscape of blood-freezing horror. Speeding drums and raging guitars suddenly give way to beautifully crafted acoustic passages. Yet the music has such a natural flow it becomes enthralling.
Their three previous releases: Dark Sorcery, Beyond the Wandering Moon, and And So the Night Became, are all testimony to the seemingly endless talent which lies within AETERNUS. Shadows of Old has all of the amazing elements of its predecessors, but this release has a stronger dose of Death Metal aggression. This may be a result of AETERNUS having toured with DEICIDE and CANNIBAL CORPSE prior to the recording of Shadows of Old. This release has firmly established AETERNUS among the elite. Their sound is truly original. Of course, if you ask me, AETERNUS have been in a class by themselves since the beginning! "Drink the blood, devour the heart / The glory of death shall flow through your veins / With strength were you born / With strength shall you rise." Sounds good to me! - 9.75 - <Painkiller>

AETURNUS - A Darker Monument · Nocturnal Art
To me, Norway’s AETURNUS has always been a Death Metal band trapped in a Black Metal band’s body. Not that that’s a bad thing, as this identity crisis has provided us with a lethal combination of frost and fury over the last eleven years. But with the appropriately titled A Darker Monument, the real AETURNUS may have ultimately been emancipated. Maybe it’s just because the chick is gone, but the Death Metal soul of the group reigns supreme throughout these nine tracks. The vibe it gives begs for comparisons to the mighty VITAL REMAINS. Complex song arrangements, wicked riffs, stellar drumming, Ares’ patented bestial growl, and the overall feeling of tonal morbidity ensures that these guys can bring it with anybody. You can’t really go wrong with any AETURNUS release, but A Darker Monument is without question the heaviest shit they’ve ever done. - 9.25 - <Jack>

AFFLICTED - Prodigal Sun   · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 Occasionally Thrashy, occasionally groovy. Hmm, this is sorta weird, but certainly in the good way. Mostly Death Metal, but with the aforementioned additions, plus some Doom elements, and also a bit more weirdness. This is a good combination of styles and I like it quite a bit. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

AFFLICTION - The Damnation of Humanization · DEMO
 This is pretty fucking professional. Eleven songs of high quality, well played, memorable Thrash. Amazing production. The style is certainly not new, but these guys really do it justice. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

AFTER FOREVER - Invisible Circles · Transmission
Debbie Gibson Metal with choirs up the ass. Is the little girl on the cover the singer? I simply cannot tolerate this kind of stuff. There is no power or pain here. - 1 - <Jack>

AFTERLIFE - Surreality · Grindcore / Olympic
 Glad to hear that they kept the keyboards in the beginning of "Priests...", uhh I mean "Eve of the Eclipse." Anyway, they manage to combine a certain degree of technicality with brutality and, somehow, bits of this are pretty memorable. The lyrics are even fairly interesting, and of course Paul vomits them forth in the most raw way possible. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

AFTERMATH - Words That Echo Fear · DEMO
 AFTERMATH’s sound has matured some since their first demo, Killing the Future. Still heavier than Hell, but with a sharp edge, Words... reminds me of Reign in Blood era SLAYER meets SUICIDAL TENDENCIES meets WEHRMACHT. The demo has four songs: "Words That Echo Fear," "A Temptation to Overthrow," "Being" & "Experience." Each song stands out in its own way, and is different from the others. It’s easy to tell that a lot of time was spent writing these songs. Do not miss out on this demo! AFTERMATH is going places, and this is your chance to hear them now, before everyone in the world is wearing an AFTERMATH T-shirt. <Ray> **MC1**

AFTERMATH - Eyes of Tomorrow · Zoid / Thermometer
 I've been waiting to hear this album for years, and I'm very glad to say that it was worth the wait. Okay, once in a great while Charlie succumbs to the temptation to distort his vocals a bit, and I don't like it. But other than that, this is an amazing recording. These guys are maybe the most "true" band on earth. They follow no trend and have stuck with their unique brand of technical, memorable, and very energetic Thrash since day one. That is something I applaud every bit as much as the music on this disc. And I don't want anyone to think that AFTERMATH have a dated sound. They don't. Their sound is based on an older style, of course, but they have always had a unique identity, full of experimentation as much as anything else. I just hope it doesn't take them 3 years to get their next album out. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

AFTERMATH - Eyes of Tomorrow · Black Lotus
 This is my third time reviewing this album, remastered, and rereleased yet again, this time by Black Lotus. It really doesn’t sound any different from the Thermometer or Zoid versions. AFTERMATH have been favorites of mine for over a decade, and were the second band ever interviewed in Metal Curse. Their Thrash style has remained intact through numerous trends, and this album is a classic. But since its release, AFTERMATH have apparently formed a new band with the intention of "exploring more experimental musical paths." I’ll miss AFTERMATH. And I wish that I had half their luck with convincing other labels to license my releases. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

AFTERMATH A.D. - Mindless Havok · DEMO
 This five song Deathrash demo has a number of strong points: First, Abe's vocals are interesting and you can understand the lyrics, yet they are still somewhat heavy. Second, the music sounds pretty mean and it's fast. However, the production isn't the best and although it's not really that bad, it is enough to detract somewhat. Also, while the songs sound good and are heavy when you are actually listening to them, they are not very memorable. Now, don't get me wrong, I like this band. I just think they could be better. And with a little fine tuning and some more money to blow on recording, they will be a major force. I have the feeling that AFTERMATH A.D. is probably better represented live, but you should still check this out. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

AFTERMATH A.D. - Disgorging Hatred · DEMO
 Interesting and heavy Thrash from this 4 piece. Four of the 5 songs are fine examples of very aggressive Thrash, with rough, yelled vocals. The remaining song, "Ugly Phuk," is about 3 seconds long and sounds like an S.O.D. tribute. So that's cool too. The song "Cult of Greed" deals with police brutality from the victim's point of view. The lyrics to all the songs deal with real life things. Self described as "Hate-core," I think it's an apt description. Check this out. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

AGALLOCH - Pale Folklore · The End
 Wind. Oh man, they’re starting out this album with the sound of wind, and some simple guitar repetition. Eventually, that ends, and the real music starts, which is a fuck of a lot better. Sort of Thrashy, but with acoustic guitars, and almost Progressive at times, with whispered vocals. It’s mostly pretty mellow, but not bad at all, and can be quite saddening at times. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

AGAMAS - Agamas · DEMO
 Four songs of awesome Death Metal. Excellent production and song-writing. And a bit more original style and lyrics than most others. Memorable songs that are heavy and brutal enough to kill all in a mile radius. Some bands forget to, or can't, make their songs memorable at all. That's why AGAMAS kicks their collective ass. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

AGARTHI - At the Burning Horizon EP · Red Stream
 Arriving barely in time to make it in this issue, I was not able to devote as much time as usual to listening to his CD before passing judgment, so I think that there are hidden depths still to be known. But after only a few listens, this is obviously an impressive piece of work. The band combines a little Black Metal, some evil Thrash, like early DESTRUCTION, and keyboards to create a unique sound. The clear production helps their regal songwriting stand out. I hope a full-length is soon to follow. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

AGATHOCLES - Theatric Symbolisation of Life · Cyber Music
 What we have here is a total Death / Grind assault which leaves everyone utterly dead and mutilated beyond belief. When they Grind, it's ultra fast, and when they slow down, it's totally thick and unbelievably heavy. There is no way you couldn't like this. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

AGATHOCLES - Thanks for Your Hostility · Morbid
 Slightly less continually intense than I was expecting, but perhaps more memorable ("Distraction" really stands out). They seem to have taken a cue from MACABRE in this respect, but AGATHOCLES are still very much their own band. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

AGATHOCLES - Mince Core History 1989-1993 · Selfmadegod / MCN
What we have here is basically every 7" EP the band recorded between '89 and '93. Includes material from splits with SOCIAL GENOCIDE, VIOLENT HEADACHE, MAN IS THE BASTARD, PSYCHO, AUDIORREA, KOMPOST, and NYCTOPHOBIC. This also features the recordings of ANTI-DEATH and MASSAGRAF, two lesser known AG-related projects. If you're an AGATHOCLES fan, you know what to expect, and you certainly don't need my loser ass telling you to buy this. If you've never heard AG, just imagine the filthiest, rawest, most untamed Grindcore you can think of... now imagine that, but drunk on Ripple. This might actually be the best type of release for a new listener to start out with. Sure, a lot of these recordings sound like shit, and quite frankly, a few songs are nothing more than little noise farts, but this still serves as an excellent 41-track retrospective on one of the most influential bands the Crust/Grind genre will ever know. - 8.75 - <Jack>

AGATHODAIMON - Blacken the Angel · Nuclear Blast
 For the first few minutes of the initial track, I was really wondering why the band call their mournful dirge style "Black Metal" at all, since, other than the vox, it’s pretty far away from the blazing demonic speed of most of their evil peers. But they do have an element of speed and raw aggression, and wisely choose to use it only when necessary, relying on varying their style all over the place. This results in a pretty diverse sound, and a great CD. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

AGATHODAIMON - Higher Art of Rebellion · Nuclear Blast
German Black Metal. Imagine destroying all Black Metal stereotypes and clichés then building from the ground up anew, with artistic vision, a Black style so fresh and unique that it approaches fantastic greatness with the first track! But unfortunately this sways to periods of mediocrity and weakness. With Lyrics in old Romanian and English it makes an interesting listen. - 6.25 - <Bob>

AGE OF SILENCE - Acceleration · The End
It used to be when you saw that Hellhammer was playing drums on something, it meant that it was probably going to be cool. Now it's almost an automatic assurance of gayness. I now fully understand that AGALLOCH being on this label is a total aberration, they will simply sign anything different and/or weird. Musically this is nauseating Prog Rock with a little Techno and some token heaviness here and there. The singer may have a decent voice, but has the range of a Catholic priest. If I read a single KATATONIA comparison anywhere, I will find that journalist and kill him. - 4 - <Jack>

AGENT STEEL - Omega Conspiracy · Candlelight
Even though I don't like the whiny vocals, this Retro-Thrash is energetic enough to almost make me forget them. Almost. - 7.5 - <Ray>

AGENT STEEL - Order of the Illuminati · AOS/Artillery
Listening to this new AGENT STEEL, one has to ponder the ultimate, essential question. When the members of this band fart, does it smell like burnt Stay-Hard? - 1 - <Jack>

AGENTS OF MAN - Count Your Blessings · Century Media
Former and current members of worthless Old School bands like ONE 4 ONE, BULLDOZE, TRAIN OF THOUGHT, COLD AS LIFE, and SWORN ENEMY try to put food on the table by blending their dated Wiggercore with Emo and Pop. Try to imagine a more radio-friendly FREYA going toe-to-toe with HOOBASTANK if you can do so without throwing up. Sorry, this fish isn't biting. Try the SEVENDUST crowd. - 5.25 - <Jack>

AGNOSIA - Ad Nauseum · DEMO
 A very cool band from LaGrange, IL. This demo contains four tracks of brutal Deathrash. Dan's vocals are similar to those of Frank Mullen [SUFFOCATION]. Other influences of CANNIBAL CORPSE and NAPALM DEATH can be heard. Other than that, these guys are very aggressive! This demo would compare to DEVASTATION's Idolatry & MASSACRE's From Beyond had it better production. Cool logo. - 8.25 - <Rob> **MC7**

AGNOSTIC FRONT - One Voice · Relativity
 That's strange... I was under the impression that AGNOSTIC FRONT was a Hardcore band. This album sounds like a more Thrash (less Death) SEPULTURA. Even the vocals. That's not a bad thing, but just not what I expected. Actually, it's pretty cool. But I have to wonder how many Hardcore bands are still pure 'Core. I'd like to hear one... - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

AGONIZE - Fall · DEMO
 Very thick and powerful production, with a sharp guitar sound. Growly vocals and interesting lyrics. And the songs are very energetic and I can even remember them. A little on the Thrashier side of Death. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

AGONIZING CRUSH POWER - A.C.P. · DEMO
 Ahh, a Hardcore/Thrash/Groove crossover band. Sometimes they slow things down and get kind of sludgy, which I like. The vocals are, as you would guess, yelled, and for what they are it's not bad, just not something I'd listen to very often. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

AGONY LORDS - Nihilist Passion · X-Rated
"Dark Metal, Dark Metal! Lay down y..." Wait a minute, this really isn't all that "Metal." Okay, no problem: "Dark Rock, Dark Ro..." Hmm, I guess it's not really all that "Dark," either. Uhh, "Semi-Hard Twilight Rock"? Okay, the live tracks (all nine of 'em) are heavier and darker than the new studio stuff, but not radically. This isn't bad at all for what it is, but I'm just really not too interested. - 7.5 - <Ray>

AGRESSOR - Medieval Rites · Season of Mist
There's nothing like the sounds of a storm to start off a an album... Umm, is that a horn? God damn, these guys try way too hard to be different and "original." When they aren't wasting their time with flutes and other insanity, this is great Thrashy Death Metal. I don't mind the occasional female vocals and violins, but I can generally do without wind instruments and barnyard sounds. However, I must say that they do a great job on their cover of KING DIAMOND's "Welcome Home." - 7.75 - <Ray>

AINA - Days of Rising Doom: The Metal Opera · Transmission/The End
Clocked in at a dreadful 71 minutes [Mercifully, we only received the first of the three discs apparently in the actual retail version, so only Satan knows how long the torture really lasts. -Editor], this pompous display of Power Metal in Broadway play form is excruciatingly painful enough to make even the most open-minded of music buffs gas him or herself in the garage. Metal and Opera should never be fused together, much like coconut and the human tongue. Recommended only for those who enjoy bourgeois garbage like the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, and/or the act of felching. - 1 - <Jack>

AL SIRAT - Signa Tempori · Metal Storm
This particular combination of Thrash and Death elements at times seems like (oddly enough) the more aggressive elements of DEATH mixed with the mellowest moments of TESTAMENT. That's a crazy way to put things together, but if nothing else it's given AL SIRAT an individual sound to go with their generally memorable, energetic songs. As an added bonus, the last track on here is a pretty standard CD-ROM video. - 7.75 - <Ray>

ALASTIS - The Just Law · Head Not Found
 This is Black Metal, as dark and raw as you would expect. But there is also a very present Doom element, in both the music and lyrics, and other experimentations. All of which totally pay off, and sound great. I'm anxious to hear more from this band. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

ALASTIS - The Other Side · Century Media
 Excellent Doomy Black Metal with a great production. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ALCHEMIST - Demo '91 · DEMO
 Interesting. These songs are pretty memorable. Their style is fairly unique, and occasionally sorta Doomy, but with many different styles used in each song. There is really a lot going on here, as they cover most of the Death zone. Actually it may be too much, as it is sometimes a little hard to follow. Weird and experimental, but very cool. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

ALETHIAN - Dying Vine · Hope Prevails
All religions make me wanna throw up. All religions make me sick. All religions make me wanna throw up. All religions suck. They all claim that they have the answer, when they don’t even know the question. They’re just a bunch of liars. They just want your money. They just want your consciousness. All religions make me wanna BLEAH! They really make me sick. They really make me ill. - 1 - <Jack>

ALGAE AFTERBIRTH & PLAYPEN - Sloppy Seconds 7" · Black & Blue
 I'm not sure what "Diaper Rock" means, but that's how they describe themselves. Their songs are short Punk numbers, and are generally pretty good, but not really great. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ALGAION - General Enmity · Wounded Love
 The raw, early ASPHYX-like, guitar sound is almost not right for these classic IRON MAIDEN galloping riffs. But it along with the heavier perhaps more VENOM inspired riffs, and the growled Black/Death vocals give this a really pissed off, edgy feeling, elevating it above the standard Euro-Metal (true Power Metal). Fans of stuff like HELLOWEEN will probably not like the raspy vocals, but they are part of what makes this a more menacing monster. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

ALGOPHOBIA - Algophobia · Lard
 It’s very difficult to be both extremely technical and extremely memorable at the same time. I wouldn’t say that ALGOPHOBIA have exactly perfected this, but they’ve come pretty close. Their Black/Death attack is precise, yet emotionally powerful, and covers the known range of speeds. The playing & composition is nothing short of stunning. But there is something that keeps this just short of perfection... - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

ALIEN ON MY MIND - Alien on My Mind · Urwerk
 AOMM play a type of Metal slightly more progressive and technical than, for example, fellow Germans, HELLOWEEN. Also less Thrashy, and although it is expertly played, less interesting & too tame. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ALKONOST - Songs of the Eternal Oak · Ketzer
Melancholy, depressing Black Metal, maybe not unlike early KATATONIA, with raw, raspy vocals. It's extremely well executed and close to flawless. - 9.5 - <Ray>

ALL ELSE FAILED - Archetype · Now or Never
ALL ELSE FAILED failed. Noisy, incoherent Metalcore with pathetic vocals. Don't waste the dough. - 3 - <Jack>

ALL OUT WAR - For Those Who Were Crucified · Victory
 This has a clear SLAYER influence from the Reign in Blood and South of Heaven era! Great riffs and aggressive drumming keep things from becoming repetitious, which is something that I thought would be a problem with bands of this style. I don’t particularly care for the Hardcore vocal style shouted by Mike Score, but that’s neither here nor there. Seek out this CD and add some spice to your musical palate! - 8.5 - <Quade> **MC12**

ALL OUT WAR - Condemned to Suffer · Victory
Holy fuck! From the tortured vocals to the intensity of the so-Hardcore-it's-Death-Metal music, this is flawless. It's difficult to know what else to say about this album because listening to it stuns the mind so much. And it is impossible to sit behind a keyboard, typing about this masterpiece while it's playing. So, if you'll excuse me, I've been possessed and have to get on with the killing. - 10 - <Ray>

ALLEGIANCE - Torn Between Two Worlds · DEMO
 Energetic Thrash. Six songs that once would have been unbelievable, but just aren't now. Everything here is right: Production, songs, lyrics, vocals, and whatever. But, something seems to be missing. I still like this, but it feels like I should like it more than I actually do. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

ALLFATHER - Wrath of the Bloodthirsty · DEMO
 Pretty straightforward fast Black Metal, with some Death and Thrash influences. They have the speed down, and also have a couple sorta memorable passages, but they still have some work to do. Probably a good band to see live, though. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

ALMIGHTY - Just Add Life · Castle
 The promotional version of this has got a really neat green jewel-box that changes colors to yellow when you get it warm. I think the retail version comes in a normal jewel-box, which is really too bad, since that's the most interesting thing I could find about this band's tame Punky Rock. - 7 - <Ray> **MC10**

ALPHA JERK - Alpha Jerk EP · Toybox
 You know that new singer for SEPULTURA? This was the band he used to be in. Imagine KINGS-X, with a touch more Hardcore influence. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

ALTAR - Ego Art · Displeased
 As fucking weird as it sounds, Ego Art kind of reminds me of a somewhat heavier version GOREFEST's Erase. Honestly it's not bad for "new-style" Death Metal, although it does have some of that hated "Power Gayness" in it, but I was certainly expecting a little god damned more from the Youth Against Christ. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

ALTAR - Provoke · Displeased
 Better than Ego Art, & has a great cover of "Fast as a Shark." - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ALTAR - In the Name of the Father · Pavement
These guys just have not been able to recapture the raw energy they unleashed with their classic debut, Youth Against Christ. 1998's Provoke was a step in the right direction, but almost restrained by its super-polished production, and of course, the occasional Nu-Metal crossover riff. In the Name… is a step backwards into more drudgery. Much heavier and more brutal than its predecessor, but nowhere near memorable. Better luck next time. - 6.75 - <Jack>

AM I BLOOD - Am I Blood · Nuclear Blast
 Nuclear Blast release quite a few CDs. Because there are so many, however, inevitably a few get released that are just a tad below par. This is one such album. They call what they make "old school Metal," which I guess is a pretty good description. It’s an OK album, with occasional heights in the shape of songs like "Awake" and "Lust," but, frankly, I would wait until it’s in the sale bin before I’d get it. - 6.5 - <RK> **MC11**

AMARAN - Pristine in Bondage · Listenable
Female vocalist. - 1 - <Jack>

AMDUSCIAS - Amduscias EP · Metal Blade / Blackened
You'd never guess that this Norwegian Black Metal band is actually from Japan. They really sound just like most everyone else, and will in no way "take the Black Metal genre to the next level," as the press release claims. At least not with this EP. If you're looking for a really unique Japanese Black Metal band, then I'd suggest SIGH. More specifically, their earlier work, such as Scorn Defeat or Infidel Art. Anyway, AMDUSCIAS never fail to deliver intensity, and there's really nothing wrong with this disc. But there's also nothing to really distinguish it, either. - 7.5 - <Ray>

AMEBIX - Arise! · Alternative Tentacles
Back in 1985 or so, when this record (san the bonus tracks, of course) was initially released, the word "Crust" apparently had a different meaning than the one it has come to possess since then. The combination of Punk and Metal at the time of Arise! lacked the speed and intensity that ENT or DRILLER KILLER would bring to it later on. But does it's mid-pacedness make this any less good? Not really, but it is different and probably not what you'd expect if I had just said that this is a great slab of seminal Crust. And then there are the vocals, which are also probably not what you might expect, being that they are more British cider Punk - thick and sloppy - as opposed to the prototypical ENT growl / scream combo. The bonus tracks are a big plus for me, since I do have the original pressing, and there are also pretty extensive liner notes (including some comments from none other than the legendary underground artist Pushead). - 8.75 - <Ray>

AMEBIX - Make Some Fucking Noise · Arson
Legions of unkempt Crust Punks hail this early ‘80s band as immortal legends, and even Metalheads seem to idolize them. I’m sorry, I just don’t hear it. I respect their raw, primal approach, but it’s sloppy, boring, and I could never stand the vocals. This live performance from Slovenia in 1986 actually sounds better than some of their studio recordings, and undoubtedly the stage captures their intensity better than wax, but I have to say Make Some Fucking Noise is an all-too-appropriate title, as that’s all it sounds like to me. - 5 - <Jack>

AMEN CORNER - Darken in Quir Haresete EP · Demise
This is an excellent combination of mostly Black and Death Metal, with more than a little Doomy atmosphere mixed in. Even the faster parts are oppressive and sorrowful. The songwriting, the playing, the screaming, even the production: it's all virtually flawless, and an awesome example of how to properly take different styles and sounds, and make them into your own. Not only has AMEN CORNER done exactly that, but they have also crafted songs that are all unique and very memorable, while not losing any intensity. There is damn little holding this back from perfection, and I may well look back and wish I'd given this amazing EP a ten. - 9.75 - <Ray>

AMID PAIN - Endure the Suffering · DEMO
 They describe themselves as raw, abrupt, Death Metal. I agree. No trendy bullshit here. This demo is very reminiscent of SLAYER’s Haunting the Chapel. They have that same kind of guitar sound, with fairly good production, brutally aggressive vocals and a lot of attention on some exhausting drum work. This demo was recorded in the summer of ’97. I hope that since then they’ve come up with more material for a full length CD. This cassette is definitely worth a listen. - 8.25 - <ANG> **MC11**

AMINATURE - 7" · Sing Fat
 This is how Izzy Stradlin would sound, were he on Taang! Records. And then there is side two, which is a "Pop song," sans any sort of catchiness. However, it's pressed on a cool marbled grey/black vinyl, and has decent sound quality. - 4.5 - <Greg> **MC8**

AMON AMARTH - Once Sent From the Golden Hall · Metal Blade
 The ferocious Death onslaught of this band will soundly kick your ass. They also inject a little melody and Black Metal into this monster to make it really unstoppable. Miss it not. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

AMON AMARTH - The Avenger · Metal Blade
Musically, this is intelligent (but not too technical), emotionally powerful, and moving. Mid paced Death with some illicitly speedy Doom feeling parts. Always heavy though. Plenty of vox variants, some good, others not so, but always engaging. The main vocal style isn't my fave and gets a bit tired. But good nonetheless. - 9 - <Bob>

AMON AMARTH - The Crusher · Metal Blade
The mighty Swedes are back with their tried-and-true formula of hard-hitting Death Metal. The Crusher presents 9 new tales deeply entrenched in Viking culture and Norse mythology. Cleverly written songs and addictive guitar riffs are typical of an AMON AMARTH album, and this one is no exception. As always, Johan Hegg's unparalleled battle-roar is backed by ferocious drumming and soaring, shredding guitar melodies. Just as with its predecessors, The Crusher was recorded at Abyss Studios. This new recording, initially didn't seem to pack quite as much of a punch as previous efforts. Its full impact didn't really hit me until about the third or fourth spin. I am now convinced this is easily the band's best effort to date, and a true masterpiece of Death Metal. By the way, the version of this release I received features an impressive cover of POSSESSED's "Eyes of Horror." - 9.75 - <Painkiller>

AMON AMARTH - Versus the World · Metal Blade
Not since DISMEMBER has a Swedish Death band's releases instilled so much confidence at the record store. Fans of AMON AMARTH know exactly what I mean. One of the few "sure things" anymore is that the new AA is going to fucking rock. You know it's going to be heavy, you know the production will be top notch, you know the lyrics will be of the highest war torn quality, and you know it will be loaded with this band's trademark majestic melodies. It almost makes the reviewer's job tougher to keep coming up with new ways to describe this band's unmatched power and glory, leaving them to petty diversion tactics that are pleasing to the eye such as... Deepest Cuts: "Death in Fire," "Vs. the World," "Across the Rainbow Bridge," and "1,000 Years of Oppression." - 9.75 - <Jack>

AMON GOETH - The Worship · Nazgul’s Eyrie
 Chanted intro. Fuck. Opyros will just have to forgive me, but these long, boring intros are really getting to me. After that, things are sounding evil. This demonic Deathrash kind of reminds me of ACHERON, which is cool. And they bring in some additional old school Thrash elements in the riffs. So, while certainly not perfect, this is pretty cool. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

AMONG THE DECAYED - A Perfect Day for Terror · demo
I’m sorry, I have O.C.D. and I need to vent a little bit. This is not an "EP," it’s a demo. "Death Hatchet Records" is not a real record label, even if by putting a gaudy full color sticker on your Memorex CDR and throwing together a generic layout on your computer you want to pretend it is. There’s no shame in being unsigned or unrepresented. You’ve got to start somewhere. AMONG THE DECAYED start with three tracks of fair Death Metal with hints of groove. A better production would probably take them to the next level, but it would still most likely be boring. Let’s just hope the legacy of the Death Hatchet empire has not been marred by their first "signing." - 7 - <Jack>
amongthedecayed@aol.com

AMORBITAL - Invidia · Shock Wave
 The press release calls them "melodic brutal Death." I didn’t know how you could be both melodic and brutal at once, but now I do. The clear production helps their cause, but this has got to be heard to be believed. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

AMORPHIS - 7" · Relapse
 The occasional lapses into extreme speed cause these two songs to fall back into average. AMORPHIS' strength lies in their slower passages, dark and full of power. The speed destroys the atmosphere. But still, this is great. I can see room for improvement, however, and since this release, they have done just that. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

AMORPHIS - The Karelian Isthmus · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 The combination of the slower, Doomy parts with the faster stuff has been done really well here. In fact, everything about this album is done really well. Check this out. 'Nuff said. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

AMORPHIS - Black Winter Day EP · Relapse
 Three of these four tracks are new. I would imagine that they are leftovers from the Tales From the Thousand Lakes album, as they are not quite up to that level. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

AMORPHIS - Eclipse · Nuclear Blast
So this is it? This is AMORPHIS’ widely heralded "return to form?" Under a minute’s worth of Death growls and a few note-for-note rip-offs from Tales from the Thousand Lakes? This is worse than their ‘70s Rock jack-off era. Their new singer sucks. He sounds like Michael Bolton crossed with the Jesus-fucker from CREED. I guess when I’d heard these once great Finns were rekindling the flames of their old style, I just assumed they meant more than the moog. This is total melodramatic garbage. Sure, it’s much heavier than the AMORPHIS of recent past, but then again so is WEEZER. Circa ‘91-‘94 it ain’t, and another tough lesson learned about getting your hopes up. Rating upped a tad for at least knowing which of their old albums to steal from (and for inadvertently acknowledging the fact they’ve been putting out complete shit for the last twelve years). - 3.5 - <Jack>

AMSVARTNER - Dreams · Blackened
 Taking elements of Thrash, Black and Death Metal, and fusing them into their own identity, with obvious technical skill, AMSVARTNER have created a memorable album of Extreme Metal. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

AN EROTIC FUNERAL - Havohej Eslaf Eht · DEMO
 While the possibly TYPE O NEGATIVE inspired band name might make you think that these guys are sort of Goth, that would be a really bad mistake to make. In fact, they are "True Unholy Black Metal." So true, in fact, that they have bad production, horribly overdriven vocals, and steal the DARKTHRONE drum beat. They do, however, cover HELLHAMMER's "Aggressor." Maybe a better sound would help, as this is the muddiest thing ever made, but as is, this did very little for me. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANACRUSIS - Manic Impressions · Metal Blade
 I think a few words on the production are in order: It is very clear and distinct. And that is something of a problem here, the instruments are too distinct. They sound too separate. Fortunately, this is not always the case, but when it is, it's very annoying. Other than that, I found the lyrics to occasionally be too repetitive, as in the song "Paint a Picture." If I never hear the phrase "I'll paint a picture" again it will be too soon. But again, the lyrics are not always so grating and are actually pretty good where they don't repeat so often. Vocally, Kenn is good; he usually sings in melodic way, but when the time is right he shrieks, not unlike the original vocalist from DEATH ANGEL. Musically, ANACRUSIS range from a lighter Thrash, to double bass driven, fast, heavy Thrash. A few problems hold this band back, but still, this is a solid effort. - 8 - <Ray> **MC6**

ANACRUSIS - Screams and Whispers · Metal Blade
 If this had come out in the mid- or late-80's, it really might have been impressive, but it all sounds a little obsolete now. On the other hand, Screams and Whispers does show ANACRUSIS to have a flair for melodic and progressive composition, and the twin guitars are mixed into separate channels for maximum headphone freakout appeal. Lyrically, they explore the usual contemporary progressive terrain of perception and paradox (cf. RUSH, DREAM THEATER) without adding anything new. An extra-long track or an instrumental might have made this sound less ordinary. - 7 - <JJ> **MC8**

ANAL BLAST - Puss Blood Pentagram · DEMO
 It's possible that this demo might be called Bloody Hole, as it says that on the cover, but on the side, and on the tape itself, it says, Puss Blood.. Either way, what we have here is a little well produced porno Grind. Anyone who steals both the idea of fucking stab wounds, and rhyming "cunt" and "butt" from the legendary NUCLEAR WINTER, are clearly geniuses and should be recognized as such. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANAL CUNT - Morbid Florist · Relapse
 Another of the Relapse Underground Series. This total Noise / Grind is a bit more musical than I had expected. It sounds like some of the songs were thought out a little before they were recorded, so this is not really Noise in the classic NUCLEAR WINTER sense. But of course it is still extremely raw and I dig it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANAL CUNT - Everyone Should Be Killed · Earache
 Heavier and even more raw than their Morbid Florist disc, this album will appeal to all Grind / Noise fans. They even mutilate EMF's "Unbelievable," and borrow riffs from their favorite bands (which is about the only time actual riffs are noticeable). Sick and weird, just how I like it. Favorite title: "I'm Not Allowed to Like A.C. Anymore Since They Signed to Earache." - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANAL CUNT - Top 40 Hits · Earache
 Every bit the Noise / Blast insanity one would expect from Seth and his pack of freaks. The weird part is that the production really varies from "song" to "song." Sometimes it's almost a total blur, while others the production is more clear, allowing the intricate subtleties to shine through. They throw in a few covers for fun, but my favorite is the soon to be classic, "Benchpressing the Effects on Kevin Sharp's Vocals." - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANAL VOMIT - Welcome to the Slow Putrefaction · DEMO
 Extreme Death / Grind with, can you guess? Yeah. Gore lyrics. After the far-too-long weird noises intro, the sickness begins. The playing isn’t exactly awesome, and neither is the production, but the intensity alone makes this worth hearing. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ANALOGY - Analogy · DEMO
 This band has since changed it's name to DAMIEN KROSS. As far as this recording is concerned, musically it's pretty Thrashy, and backed by a drum machine so it has an Industrial edge to it, but with sort of raw vocals, which are mixed too low to really determine if that's an effect, or if Damien is a mutant. Either way, it sounds okay. Everything was done by one man, and that's an accomplishment. Admittedly his later work, under the DAMIEN KROSS moniker, is more energetic, and probably just better, but this is pretty interesting. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANASARCA - Godmachine · Repulse
 These guys do an excellent job of blending brutal styles of Death Metal with more melodic passages. The result is near perfection, and an album that no Deathrasher can die without. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANASARCA - Godmachine · Repulse
This is the working man's Death Metal; very independent and slightly under-polished. After a very ruff start this picks up, almost into a realm not far from say a "JUNGLE ROT" feel, but not quite as cohesive and tight. But there are the subtlest Back Metal tones. - 8 - <Bob>

ANATA - The Infernal Depths of Hatred · Season of Mist
 You know, for once a press release is right. Although they are from Sweden, this does sound like American Death Metal. And extremely well played at that. Also fairly brutal, and memorable, too. Very nicely done. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANATHEMA - All Faith is Lost · DEMO
 Here is a very good five piece Doom band from Liverpool. The vocalist, Darren White, sounds a lot like Nick Holmes from PARADISE LOST, and for the most part, the bands does too. This four song demo has well written lyrics which deal with everything from religion to death. The only fault of this band is their lack of originality, but that's OK, they are still awesome. - 9 - <Tom> **MC7**

ANATHEMA - They Die 7" · Witchhunt
 I got this from A.R.T. records, so I guess you can order it from them as well as Witchhunt. Both songs are slow, atmospheric Doom. The vocals and production are pretty raw, which makes for a harsh sound, very much unlike the smoother sound of their Serenades album. In fact, from listening to this 7", it's hard to believe this is the same band that recorded "Dreaming: The Romance." - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANATHEMA - Serenades + Extra Tracks · Futurist / Peaceville
 The first thing I noticed is that this is missing a track from the European version of Serenades, the Ambient "Dreaming: The Romance" (which is over 23 minutes long). I would rather have all of one album than parts of two. I realize that this disc is over 75 minutes long, so there obviously isn't room for anything else on here, but why not release all of Serenades by itself, and put the track exclusive to this release, "All Faith is Lost," on a separate CD, along with the Crestfallen tracks? Anyway, these guys are pretty Doomy, and very heavy. In places this sounds like the first CATHEDRAL album, but they certainly bring their own style to that sound. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANATHEMA - Eternity · Mayhem/Fierce/Peaceville/Music For Nations
 Somehow this band has become a third-rate CURE rip-off. - 4.25 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ANCESTRAL MALEDICTION - Ancient Contradictions · Millennium
All my promo copy has is two tracks, possibly from their split CD with OPHIOLATRY, and two bonus demo tracks... Brutal Death / Grind! The production isn't the best, but that might just be the tape. This isn't much to go on, but what's here is pretty good, and certainly very intense. - 7.75 - <Ray>

ANCIENT - Det Glemte Riket 7" · Self Releaed
 You may recognize the title track from Metal Blade's Metal Massacre XII compilation, but the other song, "Huldradans," is new. Well, actually this 7" was out way before the aforementioned compilation. But anyway, these 2 songs are Atmospheric Black Metal, and I think that ANCIENT are among the best at this style, so of course I like this. The sound is excellent, and the vinyl is, you guessed it, black, although the cover is full color. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANCIENT - The Cainian Chronicle · Metal Blade
 In places the music has a sort of majestic quality, but ranges from NWOBHM-style riffs and drumming, to Blast beats, and covers everywhere in-between. The vocals are just as varied, with Lord Kaiaphas taking the expected screechy Black Metal technique, and injecting some Tom G. Warrior grunts, and even some lower Death roars. The music sometimes plays against the vocals, and that really keeps things very interesting. Kim's sublime backing vocals and synth-work only make things better. Top all of that off with a Unisound recording, and Dan Swan" production, and what worshipper of The Ancient Ones could ask for more? Certainly not me. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

ANCIENT - Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends · Metal Blade
 Vampire wannabe simple Gothic Black Metal. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ANCIENT - The Halls of Eternity · Metal Blade
A Black Metal album with an Ambient intro! I've never heard of such a thing! You know, if you're going to do something, at least do it right. Put some fuckin' wind on there, make it sound evil! This intro sounds like the kind of "evil" to be found in a Disney movie. However, immediately following the inane intro, we have some standard, but not bad, mostly fast, new wave Black Metal, with a kind of Death Metal heavy production. It's not exactly awe inspiring, but it does have its moments. It also has moments of sheer stupidity, such as most of the song "I, Madman." And as usual, there's a new female singer this time: Deadly Kristin. Whether or not she can sing is beside the point. What we all really want to know is how much does she charge for a blow job? - 7.75 - <Ray>

ANCIENT - Night Visit · Metal Blade
After the release of the disappointing Grandiose Mad Bloodfiends album, these guys just seemed to fade into obscurity. Well, that must've pissed them off a little, because I'm hearing the best material this Nordic Black Metal horde have penned since 1996's Cainian Chronicle. The band have refined their sound so well. For one, there is a lot less fucking around. Not to say there is a total lack of weirdnesssss, but for the most part, everything is tighter, and the album's flawless production really brings out a razor-sharp heaviness in the riffs, not unlike the feel of DIMMU BORGIR's Death Cult Armageddon LP. An astounding return to form for the band, and it's nice to have them back. Suggested mix selections: "Rape the Children of Abel," "Night of the Stygian Souls," and "The Truth Unveiled." - 9.5 - <Jack>

ANCIENT GODS - Mystic Lands · Sempiternal
This is a Chicago Death Metal band with a decidedly "melodic" European edge to its style. However, that's not to say that this is wimpy in any way, because this band expertly fuses intensity with catchiness in a way I suppose somewhat similar to early IN FLAMES. In other words, to quote a certain bad motherfucker, this kicks rectal padding. - 9 - <Ray>

ANCIENT SLUMBER - Abandon Your Voltaire Garden · DEMO
 Their singer sounds like he is trying to emulate the newer work of PARADISE LOST's Nick Holmes, which is not always a bad thing, but sometimes he doesn't sound quite right. Musically, this is a high voltage Thrash outfit, with, I believe, a bit of old-style Punk thrown in for the hell of it. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANCIENT WISDOM - The Calling · Avantgarde
 There is so much negative emotion and ominous atmosphere within these songs that I’m hard pressed to not call the style played by A.W. Black Doom. Generally the drums are kept slow, accenting the depressing riffs. Keyboards highlight, rather that support, these dismal dirges. This is close to perfection, and made even closer by the knowledge that Marcus more or less did everything himself. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

ANCIENT WISDOM - And the Physical Shape of Light Bled · Avantgarde
At last! The suicidal Black Doom masters have returned! The sound this time is more atmospheric than heavy, and things are kept keyboard-intensive and of course slow paced. There is also an excellent cover of DEMON's "The Spell." - 9 - <Ray>

ANCIENT WISDOM - And the Physical Shape of Light Bled · Avantgarde
For those of you not familiar with this one-man project, this Vargher of BEWITCHED fame trying his hand at a little Blackened Doom. His past works have been outstanding with The Calling and For Snow Covered the Northland, but this album unfortunately is a step down. The synths this time around are downright irritating. I can't explain it, but they simply overpower the other aspects of the music. The campy sounding keys stick out like a sore thumb robbing the dark music of its grim. Keyboards have always been a part of Vargher's arsenal, but more suavely subdued in the past, only highlighting, not spotlighting. Don't dismiss ANCIENT WISDOM as a failure, just avoid this one release. The aforementioned records are gems. - 7 - <Jack>

ANCIENTS REBIRTH - Damnated Hell’s Arrival EP · Necropolis
 According to their press release "Damnated Hell’s Arrival is an amazing and flawless technical hellwrath black metal assault." Someone at Necropolis must be a little confused about the meaning of the words "technical" and "flawless," because this is neither. But, it is super fucking intense. The band’s ultra fast Black Thrash is maybe something like a less memorable (and less awesome) VENOM on (more) speed. They also do a really impressive cover of "Flag of Hate." And at just over 30 minutes, this is long for an EP, so that’s cool, too. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

AND CHRIST WEPT - Destroy Existence · ACW
 Heavy. Experimental. Drum machine. Those things are all good ideas. I don't think so highly of the vocals, which sound like they have been run through an "American Metal" distortion pedal, but I will admit that as far as distorted vocals go, these are the best I've ever heard. Imagine a way heavier, and better MINISTRY, I suppose, and you'll have a start of what these guys can do. I like it, but some people just can't get past the idea of a drum machine. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANDRAS - Sword of Revenge · Last Episode
 God damn, now this is more fuckin’ like it! Everything about this Black Metal assault impresses me. From the heavy, thick production, to the Thrash and Death influences in the music, to the flawless execution, there’s hardly a second that’s less than awesome. ANDRAS are expert players, and occasionally let you know it, but they use their skill to craft memorable songs, and never sacrifice intensity in favor of technicality. Man, I can even hear the basslines, and they’re good! Find this one at all costs. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANDROMEDA - Extension of the Wish · Century Media / WAR
This is a weird combination of a few oddly staccato "Nu-Metal" riffs with more traditional Power Metal riffing and structures, a "guitar whiz," a sappy vocalist who sounds like he might like to be QUEENSRYCHE's squealer, and just horrible keyboards that would make even the most totally lame '80s New Wave bands laugh their asses off. Destroy the embarrassing keyboards and muzzle the singer, and this might not be too bad. As is, I am left wondering why such a good drummer would bother jerking off with these guys. - 4 - <Ray>

ANESTHESY - Exaltation of the Eclipse · Black Mark / Cargo
 Sometimes the riffs sound pretty familiar, but that's hard to always avoid. The vocals are raw, Death-style, but the music is more Thrashy, and usually fast, especially the drums. The sound is good, and all that, but I was a bit uninspired, even upon repeated listens. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANGEL DISSECTION - Necrogenesis: Machines of Divinity and Dismemberment · demo
This trio sound like they are more than capable of crafting a catchy Black/Death tune, but their self-financed CD is crippled by heinous production. I sympathize, ADVERSARY’s first proper demo tape was also handicapped by a razor thin, torn speaker distortion. Time and money could turn ANGEL DISSECTION from pretenders to contenders. Note to self: never take corpse-painted, weapon-bearing band photo in broad daylight in what I have a hunch is a public park... potentially afterschool. - 7 - <Jack>
www.angeldissection.com

ANGEL DUST - Bleed · Century Media
What can be done to eliminate this continued pussification of the Metal genre through sissified Glam Fag "Metal"? Usually when I say that something sounds like WINGER, I am making an exaggeration to exclaim my disgust, but this band really does sound like WINGER!! If this is "Traditional Metal," then so is WHITESNAKE. - 1 - <Jack>

ANGEL DUST - Enlighten the Darkness · Century Media
Jack's review above is perhaps a little harsh. ANGEL DUST, at least as represented here, has aggressive drumming. But if they did not - if they had Rock drumming, and a somewhat altered production, this would be the very definition of Ass Rock. - 1.25 - <Ray>

ANGEL POWDER - Beyond the Decay · DEMO
 About the first minute of the first song, "So perfect", has a strange production defect, at least on my copy. But after that, the rest of the song is very brutal Thrash. As are the other two songs, "Fit of Madness" and "Decayed World". This demo has a color cover that depicts (I believe) a tube (from an amp) exploding at the edge of a graveyard. Weird. I have heard more original demos and demos that were more memorable, but ·Beyond the Decay± is above average and worth a listen. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC5**

ANGELCRYPT - From Abyss to Glory · demo
These guys must have spent a mint on the packaging of this CDR. They seem like okay guys, too. So I really wanted to like this, but... It’s terrible. The overall recording quality itself isn’t bad, but the guitars are exceedingly thin and wispy, and that’s when they’re not utterly buried by the mixed-way-too-high keyboards. Still, I could almost deal with all that, since more money for a better studio and mix could possible save things next time. No, what really hurts this the most is the singing. Imagine the worst lower-register proto-Thrash singer you ever heard, then stab him the throat a couple times with a rusty spoon (not in the good way), and force him to do his poorest impression of Master of Puppets-era James Hetfield trying to sound like Rob Halford’s retarded little brother. But wait! There’s more! Get all that in your mind, and then (Satan help us!) a really bad chick singer comes in every now and then with the "opera" vocals. If anyone cares, there is also a CD-ROM video track and some other multimedia stuff that I honestly didn’t check out. - 5 - <Ray>
www.angelcrypt.com

ANGELKILL - Garden of Crosses · DEMO
 These guys have a real talent for writing extremely catchy riffs, and memorable songs. Styles of music and vocals are both varied from Thrash to Death, with a serious leaning toward Thrash, but the production is so thick, it makes this sound really heavy. Occasionally the drums speed up for a quick Blast. All nine songs kill, but my favorite is the utterly stunning "Abominated Son." - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANGELKILL - Blood Stained Memories · Wild Rags
 Kick ass Thrashy Death Metal. - 8.75 - <ANG> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

ANGELKILL - Casket Lullabies · Wild Rags
 With lyrics like, "children feast on the deceased," from the song, "Man Eating Man," I couldn’t possibly give this a bad review. These guys bring us another full-length album filled with gore galore. This well produced opus from ANGELKILL is full of meticulously mastered guitar work, aggressive vocals and morbid lyricism, making it a must for anyone’s collection. - 8.75 - <ANG> **MC11**

ANGELKILL - Lady Cadaver 7" · Enigmatic
 The title track b/w "Kill the Witch," wrapped in a full color sleeve. Pretty high class job all the way around. ANGELKILL never fail to impress with their deadly Thrash onslaught. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ANGELRUST - Pale Portrait · demo
ANGELRUST is a band trying to cross melodic Black Metal with OPETH. Not the easiest way to get your feet wet, but I'll be damned if they don't have enough musical talent and a good enough singer to make it work most of the time. They must have some money, too, because this 4-song CD is as pro-produced as all get out, plus it features a PC CD-ROM video file! Like I said, the attack is an even balance of mid-paced, melodic Black Metal with standard shrieking, and clean/acoustic interludes with actual singing. The latter portions find these guys wanting to be OPETH so bad it hurts. And the drawbacks there are obvious, the most prevalent being that as good as this guy is, he's no Mike Akerfeldt. Who is or ever will be? And then there's little things like the gruff backing vocals on "The Exile" which sound really stupid and out of place. But overall, these guys show enormous promise. Anyone that can work an acoustic guitar this beautifully and still rock the house are worth keeping an ear on. They're just not quite there yet. - 8 - <Jack>
www.angelrust.com

ANGELS IN EXILE - Angels in Exile · DEMO
 Pretty Thrashy sounding, but with obvious Death elements. Very clear production, and a lot of energy on these four tracks. Good musicianship along with memorable songs, and a little experimentation (like the wind/piano intro and outro for "Time for a Killing"). - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANGIZIA - Das Schachbrett des Trommelbuben Zacharias · Napalm
 This starts out with a pretty ridiculous "Art Rock" male/female vocal duet. Of course, I was expecting that to be an intro to the real music, but much to my horror, this piano-dominated female sung bullshit is the "real music." How the fuck did these pretentious pieces of shit convince Napalm to sign them? Even the worst subhuman PANTERA-wannabe poseurs still use guitars. Avoid this at all costs, unless you need a laugh and can easily steal a copy. - 1 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANGRA - Reaching Horizons EP · Empire
 Anyone out there remember a band called HELLOWEEN? These guys sound sort of like how they did around their Keeper of the Seven Keys days. Yes, ANGRA are that talented, maybe actually more so. Even the vocals are similar. But if you don't like this sort of melodic, high-register, vocal style, the music is of such quality that you will still be stunned. I was. I can hardly wait to hear more from them. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANGRA - Fireworks · Century Media
 I seem to recall this HELLOWEEN-style Metal band being a bit heavier than they are here. Still you can’t help be to be impressed with their technical ability, but I would have liked a little more meat. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANGRA - Rebirth · Steamhammer
ANGRA certainly know how to inject the right amount of variation into their brand of Power Metal. There are tracks with a great melodic flow where the power and emotion really shine, and there are a few slightly more fast-paced songs that let loose some aggression. There are also a couple of nicely-done ballads that manage to keep the listener intrigued despite their much slower pace. Rebirth is a fascinating concept-album, but I won't give away the plot. Let's just say that ANGRA tells a great story through some of the finest Power Metal in the scene today. - 8.75 - <Painkiller>

ANGRY AMPUTEES - Slut Bomb · Dead Teenager
I guess that this sort of rough-edged Pop Punk is okay. It's probably better than stuff like GOOD CHARLOTTE or whatever. Not that I'd really know for sure. But there are some good moments here and there, and the rest isn't bad. - 7 - <Ray>

ANNIHILATOR - Never, Neverland · RoadRacer
 This album features new vocalist Coburn Pharr (ex-OMEN), who replaced Randy Rampage. His vocal style shows some promise, but unfortunately, he doesn’t always deliver. Occasionally Coburn sings in an aggressive, fierce manner, which is how he should. Sometimes he sounds a lot like Steve Grimmett (ex. GRIM REAPER & ONSLAUGHT), which isn’t really so bad, it’s just kind of annoying, knowing what he can do. Musically, ANNIHILATOR has always been interesting and often down right intense. The lyrics are especially stupid in one song, "Kraf Dinner," but other than that, they are mostly acceptable. Some of the songs are very aggressive and heavy, while others are simply strange, like the title track (the weakest one on the album). I think that this LP would have been better suited as a five song EP, including the following songs: "Road to Ruin," "Imperiled Eyes," "Phantasmagoria," "Reduced to Ash," and "I am in Command." As far as second releases go, Never, Neverland is not bad, but it could have been a Hell of a lot better. - 7.5 - <Ray> {It has always pissed me off when bands change their style to fit with what’s popular at the moment. I’ve been told ANNIHILATOR did exactly that, and currently sport a NWOHSCPM sound. But I wouldn’t know myself, since after this album I more or less gave up on them anyway.} **MC3**

ANNIHILATOR - Carnival Diablos · Metal-Is
I'm not sure if it's these goofy riffs or the staccato vocal phrasings, but this is fucking annoying, and embarrassing to listen to. I remember liking this band's first album or two, back in 1904, but I quickly lost interest. Now, after not hearing anything from then until now, I'm glad I missed out. This disc is like every bad idea I've ever made fun of all rolled into one big lump of cliché-powered horseshit. Dorky riffs? Check. Butt Rock singer who things he is "tough," but gives in to singing all "sweetly" on their "power ballad"? Check. Lyrics that would have already been so used up as to be unintentionally humorous by 1973? Check. Repeating the song title a million times in a row in every song? Check. Cock Rock song right in the middle of the album? Chec... Wait a second! What the fuck was that?!? Oh man, this is just ridiculous. - 1 - <Ray>

ANOREXIA NERVOSA - Nihil Negativum · DEMO
 Formerly known as NECROMANCIA (see review), the name change brings a more focused, and original, sound, but still dark and foreboding. I'm looking forward to hearing more from this band. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

ANOREXIA NERVOSA - Exile · Season of Mist
 This is a little strange. There are 13 tracks and most consist of 2 short parts, a musical band part with instruments & players, and a sequenced keyboard sounding part. Each with it’s own definitive subtitle. The band parts are called "sequences" and the electronic parts are called "actions," which seems a bit mismatched, and they’re all numbered accordingly. After briefing the song titles with the "prologue," numbered "cycles," "sequences," "actions" and all the movements, not to mention the enticing cover to the album itself, I figured I was in for a musical interpretation of The Lesbian Dominatrix Training Bible. But sadly no. The musical parts are intense but not always. The sequenced "ambient" sections are really interesting and I like them most of all. The vox range from harsh droning & growls to wailing & whining, or maybe that’s crying. The drones of the vocalist get a little old, and sound like a suicidal Elmer Fudd at times. But that’s okay depending on your mood. The production is sharp, but a few tracks seem underdeveloped. Maybe I got my hopes up because of the cover. And the disk is pink? - 7 - <BOB> **MC11**

ANOTHER SOCIETY - Blood Wrong · PC
 Precisely played Hardcore / Alternative / Metal, in more or less the same style as HELMET, I guess, although not as rigid. Not bad, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to hear it. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

ANTAEUS - Cut Your Flesh and Worship Satan · Baphomet / Necropolis
Noise. [And the most unreadable layout I've ever seen. - Ed.] - 1 - <Nick>

ANTARES - Sad Hope · CCP
Thrashy Death Metal, with some melancholic overtones. That statement brings the first DESULTORY album to mind, but this really a different approach to more or less the same idea. And then there are badly done "clean" vocals... I wish that people would just stop trying to do what they can't. But, that might make this sound worse than it really is, because actually it's pretty good. - 7.75 - <Ray>

ANTHRAX - Persistence of Time · Island/Megaforce
 ANTHRAX is back for another try, and this time they are supposed to be angry, not the happy bunch of guys who did "I’m the Man." Yeah. Joey’s vocals are a problem and always have been. He tries to sing too slow for the song or he simply can not sound convincing. Only rarely do his vocals work for the song. I think Joey wants ANTHRAX to turn into WHITESNAKE or something like that, I think he would be more comfortable singing that shit. Perhaps it’s time to look for a different vocalist. Having said that, let me attack the actual songs. They, for the most part, just don’t grab me. I only found "Discharge" and "Got the Time" to be real moshers, although I also liked the instrumental "Intro to Reality." Of these three songs one is a cover and one has no lyrics. Maybe this album would have been better off as a 12" single. I don’t know what happened to ANTHRAX over the years, but I guess they never did have an album in which all the tracks were good. This album is nowhere near as powerful as was needed at this point, but the potential remains. - 7 - <Ray> {I was happy for this band when I heard that they finally wised up and got rid of Joey Belladonna, replacing him with former ARMORED SAINT frontman John Bush, on their impressive Sound of White Noise album. However, their flirt with greatness wouldn’t last, as they recruited former-and-still-at-heart Glam Rocker "Douchbag" Darrell from PANTREA to "help" with their very next release, and so made me give up on them (again). Some bands are just destined to fester, I guess.} **MC3**

ANTHRAX - Volume 8 - The Threat is Real · Ignition
 I’d given up on these guys until they finally kicked Joey Belladonna the fuck out, and got someone with a functional nutbag, ex-ARMORED SAINT frontman John Bush, to do his job. The result, Sound of White Noise, was a truly impressive slab of aggressive Thrash. Then they decided to get retarded again, and had some of the ladies from PANTERA "help out" on their next album, Stomp 442. So I stayed as far away from that abortion as possible, to avoid the poseur factor. And now their new label goes and sends me Vol. 8 to review. Once again, they try to cash in on the popularity of PANTERA by having Douchebag Darla and Phillis Asshomo make some guest appearances on here. Admittedly, the first two songs are pretty good, and feature no "guest stars." Then things start falling apart with "groovy" riffs, overdriven vocals, Country twang (seriously), Alternative queerness, blind stupidity, and other assorted bullshit. I just hope that Ian and Charlie don’t infect the newly reformed S.O.D. with this insanity. - 1.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

ANTHROPHOBIA - Framework EP · Mausoleum
 This must be Hardcore for little kids. Perhaps what it might sound like if WARRIOR SOUL decided to "go Hardcore." They keep trying to show how tough they are, but everything is sugar-coated for easy swallowing by the MTV generation. The only thing tough about this disc is listening to it. - 4.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

ANTHROPHOBIA - Pulse · Oxygen
 I don't think this is the same band as above, but because I have long since broken Framework in a game of backyard Tron, I can't compare them directly. Anyway, this isn't bad for what it is, which is hard edged, guitar driven Pop. There's a little Hardcore influence, but although not bad, this is nothing special. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

ANTHROPOPHAGY - Secreting, Seeping, Leaking, Spilling · DEMO
 These guys don't fuck around. From the very first second, this is total devastation. Utterly extreme Grinding Death, that actually has a second or two which is memorable. To really appreciate this band, they must be seen live, since they are zombies, and their bassist disembowels himself with a screwdriver between songs and eats a handful of his own guts (no shit!), but this recording goes pretty far toward capturing that level of intensity. Pretty fucking sick. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

ANTICHRISIS - Cantara Anachoreta · Ars Metalli
 After the lyrically monotonous first track, this gets a bit more interesting. ANTICHRISIS play a fairly unique hybrid of Death-style Doom and Goth. There are crushing guitars and growled vocals here, but they are often replaced by, or accompanied by, "clean" male and female vocals and various keyb