To access the archived reviews, make your selection here:

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P-Q  R  S  T-U  V-W  X-Z  V/A  Video/DVD

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

Review Archive: B

B AND R - Keep the Faith · DEMO
 Production-wise this tape is really good. Everything is recorded great. The mix is another story. The drums are too loud. The guitar sound is kinda heavy, though, so that could make up for the drums. Also this is a professional looking package: color cover, lyrics, photo, all the good shit. The only real draw back is the vocals of Dan Bries, who also plays guitar. His vocals remind me of James Hetfield (METALLICA) with only one ball. His style is just not aggressive enough for this kind of music. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC5**

B.G.K. - A Dutch Feast... · Alternative Tentacles
 Here we have three LPs worth of stuff, plus a couple compilation tracks, the most recent of which is from 1986. It’s raw and unpolished, but full of energy, and a real slap in the face to what is passed off as Punk these days. Not exactly awesome, but interesting nonetheless. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BABY GOPAL - Baby Gopal · Victory
 I guess the guys at Victory didn't like the idea of being a Hardcore only label, since BABY GOPAL are about as soft as humanly possible. These chicks are completely sugar-coated Alterna-Pop, with maybe 1% Punk influence. I wonder who their singer had to fuck to get them signed? - 4.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BABYLON SAD - Kyrie · Massacre
 The plodding intro gives way to interesting, keyboard-infused, speedy Death. I especially like the "uncontrolled" quality of the vocals. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

BABYLON WHORES - Deggael · Misanthropy / Heroine
 This disc has a lot going for it, excellent and complex sound production, a rich crunchy bass-heavy sound, and an interesting mix of alchemical and cabalistic references in the lyrics. There is even a music video included on here as a Quick Time movie, for the computer-enabled among you, with footage of the band lurking around some European castle with the requisite Goth-babes. Yet this video illustrates my one major reservation about this band, the nagging feeling that these guys are yearning for mainstream attention, which carries over to their music. This causes them to come across like late period SISTERS OF MERCY crossed with TYPE O NEGATIVE. Their press release labels them as "Death Rockers," which is a fair description. They wouldn’t sound too out of place on the radio between Rob Zombie and KORN, which I think is what BABYLON WHORES wants. If you think that’s what you want, give them a try. - 7 - <Doktor Necrosis> **MC12**

BABYLON WHORES - King Fear · Necropolis
Here's a perfect example of how the media can blow an album way out of proportion. Despite what you mat have read in some trendy mag, this is not the end-all be-all of Rock n' Roll music since the dawn of time. It is simply a catchy album with lots of hooks, melodies, and CATHEDRALesque groove. Not flawless by a longshot. There are at least 3 or 4 tracks you've got to skip over to get to the goods. Most notably the goofiness-plagued "Radio Werewolf." This does have its moments of Rockin' glory. Try getting "Erratta Stigmata," "Hand of Glory," or "Exit Eden" out of your head after an attentive listen. Then there are the more passionate, morose tunes like "Fey," which I have been known to listen to on repeat for hours at a time. "Sol Niger" is also a reflective gem. What really determines how much you dig this is how much you like Vil's crooning Goth-meets-Rockabilly singing. I've seen a lot of comparisons to Danzig, but I disagree to a certain extent. If I had to make a comparison, I'd say Peter Murphy meets Elvis. I like his voice. It's deep, sincere, and he can actually sing. As I said, it doesn't always work, but for the most part this is a great selection to have around when you're in the mood for something distinct and classy. So unless you're a stupid bitch and you think this sounds like ALICE IN CHAINS (an actual remark), let loose, comb your hair into a devilock, and feeeeel the groooove! - 9.25 - <Jack>

BABYLON WHORES - Errata Stigmata EP · Necropolis
This is more of a CD-single than EP, I suppose, with just one new song, two versions of the title track, and a CD-ROM video for "Sol Niger," which is pretty cool if you have the equipment to view it. If you need just a little more Death Rock than was provided on King Fear, here you go. For major fans of the band only, since there's not exactly a lot of bang for your buck here. Still, I like what there is. - 8 - <Ray>

BACKSEAT DRIVER - Blackout · Rear Entrance
 I read the lyrics first and I thought that this band was going to be an extra pussy, Glam/ Sleeze waste, because the lyrics are simple, repetitive, and extremely sexist- to the point of being funny. Actually, BACKSEAT DRIVER surprised me. They sound more like a Punk band than, say, POISON. Now, I'm not going to go so far as to say that I like this band, but there is something about them that transcends the stupid lyrics and simple music. I don't know what it is and it's not enough to save this band, but it exists. It's sort of like GWAR, except B.S.D. don't have the same presence, skill, or heaviness, and are nowhere near as over the top as GWAR. If B.S.D. were supposed to be a joke, then I think they might merit a higher score. This is way too funny to be taken seriously at all. And yet, they are serious. Oh well. - 5.25 - <Ray> **MC6**

BACKYARD BABIES - Total 13 · Scooch Pooch
This Glam / Sleeze Rock (from Sweden, of all places) is really not anywhere close to being as terrible as I'd expected. One of these songs was even recorded at fucking Sunlight (in case you've been in a coma the last decade or so, that's the same studio where DISMEMBER records)! And the rest of the songs have a similar, heavy guitar tone, which is a nice surprise. As is the actual ability of the musicians, and the memorable songwriting. Quite often the vocals are too whiny for their own good, but the mere fact that they are not always so is almost unbelievable. For what it is, this is enjoyable, and very well done. - 8 - <Ray>

BAD BLOOD - s/t · demo
Well, I’ve been lied to my whole life. Apparently, you can judge a book by its cover. When you receive a homemade CDR with a 36¢ layout by a band called BAD BLOOD from the Midwest stating their group influences as SLAYER, VAN HALEN, THE SEX PISTOLS, MUSHROOMHEAD, COAL CHAMBER, DISTURBED, DOPE, PANTERA, METALLICA, DROWNING POOL, RAMONES, ICED EARTH, IRON MAIDEN and KISS, guess what? It’s going to fucking suck! And, oh my, does it ever. - 1 - <Jack>
badblood666@webtv.net

BAD BRAINS - Omega Sessions EP · Victory
 This "Rasta Punk" isn’t horrible, but what’s the big deal? - 7 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

BALATONIZER - promo 2002 · demo
This band has recently been signed to This Dark Reign Records, and I can see why. This is Death/Grind with terrific riffs, the perfect guitar sound, fantastic drum programming, and brutal vocals like a crossbreed of Frank Mullen and Joe Ptacek. The band will inject intriguing oddities into their attack, such as a Black Metal moment, keyboards, and perplexing atmospheres that insure that BALATONIZER may write the best 30-second songs in the business. In fact, their only flaw may be the material's length. At ten tracks, this clocks in at just over eight minutes! If anything, it definitely leaves you wanting more, as I know I'll be seeking out their full length. It is truly great to see three dorky, fat, Death Metal guys without a drummer get a deal. Maybe life is fair. - 9.5 - <Jack>
balatonizer@hotmail.com

BALTAK - Macedonian Darkness and Evil · Battlegod/Warhead
 I think this is one guy and a drum machine. Pretty basic fast Black Metal, but also extremely aggressive, and Gorgoroth’s vocals are torturous, plus there are a few interesting riffs on here. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BALTAK - Zaginstiot Grad · Battlegod
 The title of this album means "The Lost City" in English, and if you’re like me, the translations are a welcome addition. Unfortunately, lyrics aren’t included. What is included, however, is a rather nice little piece about how great the Macedonian people were. If you’re Greek, you may want to pass on this album because the history lesson is pretty much anti-Greek, pro-Macedonian. We get a pretty detailed account of all the great Macedonian leaders, philosophers and achievements (most of which are credited to the Greeks) and a rather nice batch of pictures and information. Whether this info is correct is another story. I don’t know and I really couldn’t give a fat shit whether the Macedonians or the Greeks were the better bunch down in the Aegean Sea area. Musically, BALTAK has stayed true to the formula created on Macedonian Darkness and Evil and still has that hyper-fast drum machine going. The riffs are catchy and the atmosphere of this album is very manic and aggressive to be sure. The only problem I can see with this release is the fact that a lot of the songs seem the same. Maybe adding some tempo changes or something would be an idea worth exploring. The whole album (all 8 tracks) blasts along at speeds only IMMORTAL has dared before this. - 8.5 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

BANISHED - Banished 7" · Olympic
 This band used to known as BAPHOMET and released two 7"s and an album (on Peaceville) under that name. The name change in no way corresponds with a style change. Apparently these is a German band who have the rights to the name BAPHOMET. Anyway, BANISHED is as heavy and raw as you would expect, and these two new songs make me long for the new album. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BAPHOMET - Spectral Maniac 7" · N.F.O
 BAPHOMET consists of Rick Breier, Gary Schipani, Tom Frost, Steve Rzepka and David Craiglow. I don't knew who does what, but they do it pretty well. This is good Deathrash. The vocals on "Torn Soul" are sort of difficult to understand and the vocals on "Spectral Maniac" are understandable, though still raw. The music is not super technical, but I never thought it had to be to be good. I hope to hear more from this band. - 8 -   <Ray> **MC5**

BAPHOMET - The Dead Shall Inherit · Caroline / Peaceville
 Holy Shit! Brutality at its best. The first release from these Buffalo Deathsters kills! It's even better than the demo. The drums rule. Great double bass and lots of it. The vocals and guitar are both heavy and somewhat original sounding. After a debut like this, I think they will have a difficult time topping it with their second album. This is one great piece of Death Metal. Favorite song: "Streaks of Blood." - 9.75 -
  <Tom> **MC7**

BARATHRUM - Infernal · Nazgul’s Eyrie
 Raw Black Thrash. Very intense. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

BARBATOS - 1942 · DEMO
 Except for the intro and occasional weird keyboard parts, BARBATOS is a strange combination of Black Metal (which is no surprise considering that this is ABIGAIL demon Yasuyuki’s band) and Hard Rock / Metal of the mid ‘70s (KISS comes to mind). Sometimes this is excellent, but there are also a few attempts at strangeness that just go nowhere. It’s a cool experiment that simply doesn’t always work. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BARCODE - Hard Jet Super Flash · Diehard
 I guess that Victory Records doesn’t have the patent on Hardcore. BARCODE proves that with a vengeance, with every song on here. It’s Hardcore at its finest, with a little Metal injected sometimes. Plus a cover of the TWISTED SISTER, uhh, classic "We’re Not Gonna Take It." - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

BARCODE - Showdown · Nuclear Blast
Yo, dog! Fuck Homie Core n' shit, dude. This shit be whack, playa, for real dog, I ain't even playin'. I be feelin' dat Old School, g, but 'dis be mo' like Preschool, word! Muthafucka sound like Tom Araya wit' Downs, ya heard me. Yo, I finna take 'dis back to da record sto,' be like, "What is 'dis shit you sold me, man? I cannot get jiggy wit' dis' shit!" Awight, peace. - 1 - <Jack>

BARKMARKET - L Ron · American
 The whiny vocals sort of remind me of NINE INCH NAILS, while the music is kind of a tenth-rate SOUNDGARDEN rip-off, but a bit noisier. Easily forgettable. - 5.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BASE APES - The Orgy of Hatred 7"  · UTJSEN
 The sound is terrible and the music is generally not very interesting, although sometimes it tries to be Thrashy. The almost spoken vocals might be okay if the mix wasn't so weird. - 5.75 <Ray> **MC9**

BASTARD NOISE - Our Earth’s Blood Part III 7" · Rhetoric
 Noise is right. This sounds like a horrific nightmare of crushed hopes and dreams. And then there’s the other side. The one with lyrics. It’s nearly as intensely sick musically, and the vox are just screamed over top of it. Normally that might not be cool, but thanks to the lyrics and overwhelming soul-crushing nature of the "music," this is nothing short of amazing. Plus it’s on translucent piss-green wax. - 9.5 - **MC11**

BATHORY - Octagon · Black Mark
 Well, this is way better than the Quorthon "solo" album. Not anything compared to the classic first few releases, but at least he's trying. Too bad he lost all the Black Metal aspects. Perhaps next time he'll get that back and not cover KISS, although Quorthon does sound right at home squealing out all the "oh yeah"s and "baby"s in the ancient "Deuce." - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BATHORY - Blood on Ice · Black Mark
 This ancient recording finally sees the light of day, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The past few BATHORY CDs haven't exactly been inspirational, and Quorthon's solo album was truly pathetic, so I was more than a little worried that the venerable inspiration to a whole legion of current Black Metal outfits might fuck this up, too. However, my concerns were unfounded. This look into the past (recorded in '88 and '89, but not completed & mixed until 1996) brings back some memories of what this band once was, and hopefully it has brought something back to Quorthon, too. The music, for the most part, has a Thrashy, yet Doomy (in some places even majestic) feel, but there is much experimentation here. I'm happy to finally be able to once again recommend a BATHORY album. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BATHTUB SHITTER - Lifetime Shitlist · Shit Jam
Fast and brutal Japcore with really stupid lyrics. This would actually be okay were it not for the high pitched backing vocals that sound like a 9-year old girl screaming. It's extremely irritating. Nothing sadder than a joke band that isn't funny. - 5 - <Jack>

BATHTUB SHITTER - Dance Hall Grind · Shit Jam Records
More of the same worthless, juvenile, sub par Japcore. This band take nothing seriously and it really shows in their music. The vocalist sounds like Ms. Piggy this time around. Wow, that’s really funny. Everything’s just a big joke, Dance Hall Grind being the biggest of all. You see, not all Asians are smart. - 1 - <Jack>

BATHYM - 7" · Thrash
 The sound is brutal, yet you can hear everything. They get a big, heavy sound for a 3-piece. Anyway, this Death Metal band has only one drawbackÐ Paul's vocals simply aren't heavy enough to fit the music. He has this highish, raspy scream, and the music is just a lot more brutal. Especially the drums (which kick fuckin' ass). With a little fine tuning, BATHYM will be a real power. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

BATTALION - Battalion · DEMO
 Clear production, memorable songs, (badly) yelled vocals. Lyrics are sometimes stupid, and occasionally the repetition really gets to me, as in the first track, "March Into Hell." A new, less annoying, singer and with him some new lyrics would save this band, since the music is great. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BATTALION - Excessive Force · Epitaph Magazine Music
 The Thrash of BATTALION is sometimes very compelling. They manage to come up with interesting riffs, and always play with a lot of feeling. The vocals are what sets them apart, though. Usually sung in a powerful clean style, they drop into a sort of scream in a couple of places, which erodes what the normal version of the vocals accomplish. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

BATTLE HEART - Return of the Ancient Knight · DEMO (CD)
 Formerly known as 5 B HATED, back when they were somewhat more Thrashy, BATTLE HEART are trying with these 4 cuts to reproduce the sounds of Traditional Metal, and they mostly do an okay job. But every now and then the vocals seem to be a little too high and thin. A little more work in that department, and they’ll be all set, since the music is 99% just fine. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BATTLELORE - ...Where the Shadows Lie · Napalm
This band, like label-mates SUMMONING, must be loving the whole J.R.R. Tolkien revival going on right now. With the release of The Fellowship of the Ring, the Lord of the Rings trilogy has never seen so much popularity with the mainstream public. Like SUMMONING, BATTLELORE derives all of their lyrics from Tolkien's books and related literature surrounding Middle Earth (such as Dungeons & Dragons, which was totally based on Tolkien's world - they just never openly admitted it). Lyrically, a lot of this reads like a glorified round of Dungeons & Dragons mixed with LOTR buzzwords like "Mithril" or "Khazad-dum." It isn't bad, just a bit on the hokey side. Unlike SUMMONING, however, these folks have opted for a more Classically-oriented (more strings, less atmosphere and bombast) symphonic style that reminds me of bands like CRADLE OF FILTH or DIMMU BORGIR at times and THERION at others. Structurally, it also employs plenty of Classical / Operatic musical elements that make this more than just a MYSTIC CRADLE OF DIMMU BORGIR clone band. Some of the riffs and structures are a bit jarring at times but on the whole, this is a pretty good stab at something that only THERION and HAGGARD have really pulled off to any major degree of success. This is their first album that I'm aware of, so if this is a sign of what is to come from BATTLELORE, I'll be waiting for them with my sword belted at my side, my chainmail shirt on and my shield slung across my back for another romp across Middle Earth. - 8.25 - <Ychoril>

BATTLELUST - Of Battle and Ancient Warcraft · Hammerheart
 Raw, fast, and intense Black Metal. Cool packaging, too. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

BATTLELUST - Of Battle and Ancient Warcraft · Pavement
 I already reviewed the original Hammerheart version of this album last issue, but I wanted to raise the fist to Pavement for releasing this raw, intense Black Metal domestically. Cheers! - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BAUSTELLE - The 7th Sign · DEMO
 Really great sounding Thrash. Speedy for the most part, this has a tremendous feel to it. Even the slow bits have a lot of energy. It has to do with the drums, I'm sure. Hey, their cover of "Back in the U.S.S.R." is pretty cool, too. - 8.5 - - <Ray> **MC8**

BEATS THE HELL OUT OF ME - Beats the Hell Out of Me  · Metal Blade
 This is certainly a unique sounding band. Not exactly any one style. They are clearly heavy, but in a weird way. Strange, but interesting. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BEATS THE HELL OUT OF ME - Rolling Thunder Music · Metal Blade
 It's clear that these guys are really talented, and sometimes that's enough for them. The arrangements are very interesting, and there's quite a bit going on in these songs. For the most part, they even have a certain level of energy. The music can be kinda heavy, but usually isn't much more so than say SOUNDGARDEN, and the vocals stay in that range too. However, these guys would kick the collective ass of any "Alternative Rock" band, or whatever they're called this week. And although BEATS THE HELL OUT OF ME (which is an apt name for this diverse band) aren't always hitting the bulls eye, it's usually pretty close. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BEHEADED - Recounts of Disembodiment · Forever Underground
Extremely brutal Death Metal in the vein of SUFFOCATION with traces of MORBID ANGEL worship here and there. From the get-go this explodes out of the speakers with a deranged depth and precision which need I say provides this listener with initial enjoyment, but in all honesty this does drag on a little bit towards the end. None of the songs are terrible, but a lot of them are lacking "the big riffs" if you know what I mean. The bloody-knuckle jaw-droppers if you will. Some songs, like "Horde of the Stolen Sun" and the title track, are done just right, and since a lot of bands do build from the crowd-pleasers, I look for the band to improve with each release. - 8.5 - <Jack>

BEHEMOTH - ...From the Pagan Vastlands · Wild Rags / Pagan
 Nice acoustic bits. I wasn't expecting that from a Black Metal band. They keep the surprises up, although not constantly. Right as I begin to think, "well now this sounds like EMPEROR," they throw in a little twist. The production is poor, but not unlistenable. They may even want this sound. But maybe not, as I think this was a demo repressed on CD. Hey, they even do a pretty blasphemous cover of "Deathcrush." - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BEHEMOTH - Pandemonic Incantations · Solistium
 Poland’s BEHEMOTH return once more with their own particular brand of Black Metal. Unlike their previous album, this one is more straight forward. There are, however, still quite a few atmospheric elements (acoustic guitars, keyboards, etc.) here and there, they are just not as prominent as in their last album. After the intro is over, this one kicks you in the face with some high speed, brutal Black Metal that is both epic and destructive - often at the same time. This CD also comes in some really excellent packaging - digipak format with great artwork and layout. One to look out for. - 9 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

BEHEMOTH - Satanica · Dwell / Avantgarde
Their most brutal and straightforward album so far, Satanica sees this band turning in a very militaristic, rapid-fire drum based approach to what might be best described as Black Grind. The precision level of these songs is utterly off the scale, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out that they've used a drum machine to achieve this level of laser-sharpness. More or less the only thing I can find to bring this down is the not-awesome-but-still-okay "hidden" extra track. - 9.25 - <Ray>

BEHEMOTH - Thelema 6 · Olympic / Century Media / Avantgarde
Took enough labels to get this released in the good old USA, huh? God damn. Anyway, this is another great Black / Death release from the mighty BEHEMOTH. Awesome production and so on. You know the story. The US version also has four bonus tracks and fairly reduced packaging to make up for them, I guess. - 9 - <Ray>

BEHEMOTH - Zos Kia Cultus, Here and Beyond · Avantgarde
Poland's most brutal Black/Death band returns with yet another ferocious assault. I have to hand it to these guys. This album fucking rips. Granted, there are still lots of similarities to fellow Polish Metallers VADER, but this is mostly in the production department. Face it, both BEHEMOTH and VADER have almost the same guitar sound and the levels are almost identical in terms of instrument loudness. Zos Kia Cultus sounds like the horrific combination of the brutality of VADER, a touch of the technical side of newer MORBID ANGEL and some serious occultism a-la Crowley. A lot of the lyrics on this album are very esoteric, lending a depth that few bands have these days. You can really tell the folks in BEHEMOTH are well read in the occultism department. One of the things that I really thought was cool on Zos Kia Cultus was the amount of quality in the songs themselves. The guitars were brutal, punishing and technical but at the same time, they were never overly so. The same went for the drumming. It was never overdone. They could have easily grinded and blasted their way through this album but the restraint made every riff hit harder and every drum fill more effective. I didn't think much of this album when I first listened to it but each subsequent listen has made me like it more and more. - 9.75 - <Ychoril>

BEHEMOTH - Zoskia Cultus, Here and Beyond · Olympic / Century Media
I'd intended on making a bigger deal of BEHEMOTH's massive transition from a MAYHEMic Black / Death Metal hybrid to a much heavier bludgeonfest of all-out MORBID ANGEL worship. But the truth is, the end results are tragically similar. BEHEMOTH still remain a band that is more than capable of great ideas, charming intricacies, and suffocatingly extreme riffs, yet somehow can't create a full length album that does not drag on tediously in its duration. A mysterious yet all too common fate that so many talented bands must suffer, leaving the bewildered critic to bestow the only ill-advised admonition suitable... better luck next time. - 6.75 - <Jack>

BEHEMOTH - Demigod · Olympic / Century Media
God damn! These guys sure turned a 360. They've always had talent, they've always played extremely fast, but the last time I heard BEHEMOTH they sounded like a second rate post-Euronymous MAYHEM. They now play super technical, ultra-brutal Death Metal in the vein of MORBID ANGEL, DECAPITATED, and NILE! Speaking of NILE, Karl Sanders makes a guest appearance on the track, "XUL." The only thing Black Metal about these guys now is their image. What I'm hearing is pure NILE Jr. and I'm digging the shit out of it. Hottest cuts: "Conquer All" and "Reign of Shemsu-Hor." - 9.25 - <Jack>

BEHERIT - The Oath of Black Blood · J.L. America/ Turbo
 Totally cool intro. It really goes downhill fast after that. Weird stereo separation of the vocal tracks on "Metal of Death" is annoying as hell and honestly the least annoying thing about this album. Vox are weak as fuck: the vocalist tries to growl in the Death style, but can't. When the music is slower, it's only goofy. When it's faster, it's simply laughable. How did they ever get signed? Utter shit. - 2.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

BEHERIT - Drawing Down the Moon · JL America
 I wasn't expecting much from this album, and I wasn't really surprised. Well, maybe I was - a little. This is certainly way better then their The Oath of Black Blood: Some parts of this are even good. But not a lot. Again, the production is pretty weak, and this may be holding them back somewhat, since one of the problems is that the songs are pretty noisy. Occasionally I hear something I like, usually it's the addition of a keyboard, but its not enough. However, if they can continue to improve at the rate they have since their last album, their next one would be pretty good, although still not on the level of really great Black Metal, like ROTTING CHRIST. - 5.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

BELFEGOR - The Kingdom of Glacial Palaces · Mercenary / WWIII
Not to be confused with the Belgian band BELPHEGOR, this Polish trio of speed-demons assail your ears with an sound not unlike IMMORTAL's masterpieces Pure Holocaust or Battles in the North. Now that I have your attention, BELFEGOR are a lethal reminder that not all Black Metal bands are embracing the electronic age (e.g. MAYHEM, ULVER, DHG). Hell no! The Kingdom of Glacial Palaces, the band's debut, is a non-stop barrage of pure, ice-cold fury. Thunderous drumming, scathing vocals, and mayhemic guitar-riffing solidify the attack. Great production, too. Though these guys may not score points for originality, their execution is dead-on! - 8.75 - <Painkiller>

BELIAL - The Gods of the Pit pt. II 7" · Moribund
 Pretty good sound quality for a "raw mix." These 5 tracks are all intense, and the vocals are certainly brutal enough. Like a lot of stuff like this, it's not extremely memorable, but that may not be a problem for you when it's this heavy. Pressed on orange vinyl. Also available on CD. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

BELIEVER - Sanity Obscure · R/C / Rex
 Christian Death Metal. Sort of a contradiction in terms, if you think about it. Well good people, BELIEVER is such a band and a damn good one at that. A lot of people might be skeptic, so first let's tackle the music. Heavy as Hell (or in this case, Heaven). I like the vox a lot. They remind me of old CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER (sort of). Now to the lyrics. BELIEVER aren't pushing their beliefs down your throat (like STRYPER). Personally, I think the lyrics are positive, opposed to other Death bands. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, BELIEVER also performs the first Death Metal opera (no way! [way!]). I like every tune on this disc, including the opera, "Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)" and I think this is one of the best Death records of our time. Just don't expect them to tour with MORBID ANGEL any time soon [actually, they toured with BOLTTHROWER & SACRIFICE]. - 8.75 - <John T> **MC6**

BELIEVER - Dimensions  · Roadrunner
 Interesting, and somewhat experimental Deathrash, with very pro-God lyrics. However, the lyrics are well done and for once don't sound preachy. Musically, this really stands out, and even if you don't agree with the lyrics, it's worth a listen. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BELOW - Below · DEMO
 BELOW was described to me as a "solo project" and if one person is really doing everything, then this is even more impressive. This moody & intense Thrash has kind of Death-style growled vox buried in the background. The technical nature of this is sometimes a little too forced, as with the extended guitar solos, but the rest of it can’t be beaten. - 8.5 - - <Ray> **MC11**

BELPHEGOR - Blutsabbath · Last Episode
 I believe this is the second album for BELPHEGOR, but I’m not sure they’re the same band I’m thinking of. Either way, this is a pretty heavy, brutal fucking album. These guys really know how to raise some Hell. Musically, this one reminds me of the legendary Altars of Madness album (if you don’t know who it’s by, fucking kill yourself now!!!) with a Black Metal singer doing the vocals. Unfortunately, while listening to this band, you can’t but compare it to Altars… because that’s almost exactly how it sounds. BELPHEGOR is tight and they really shred, but they aren’t all that original in terms of sound. Fortunately for them, this style really works for them and if you like your Metal in the old Florida fashion, this is one to look for. - 8.5 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

BELPHEGOR - The Last Supper · Mercenary / WWIII
Shortly after reviewing Necrodaemon Terrorsathan, I received the Mercenary Musik reissues of BELPHEGOR's first 2 albums. Thank you, Mercenary! The Last Supper, the band's first album, is a chaotic onslaught of Blackened Death Metal with a raw (not underproduced) sound. The music seems to fuse American-styled Brutal Death Metal with Australian War/Black Metal for a full-on bloody blast-fest. The fast pace rarely lets up and the aggressive attack never falters. Those of you looking for lofty keyboard-drenched atmosphere or melodic rhythms would be advised to look elsewhere. - 9.25 - <Painkiller>

BELPHEGOR - Blutsabbath · Mercenary / WWIII
Blutsabbath, BELPHEGOR's second release, has a much more noticeable Black Metal presence than its predecessor The Last Supper. Whereas the vocals on that album were primarily brutal Death grunts, the vox on this effort are mostly Black Metal shrieks. The material, overall, is similar to that of MARDUK or DARK FUNERAL. Of course, there is still that raw, primitive brutality and relentless speed that was present on the first release. This is probably my least favorite of BELPHEGOR's three albums, but that's simply because I prefer Death Metal to Black Metal. This is still a heavy motherfucker of an album though, and I would strongly suggest buying all of this band's releases. - 9 - <Painkiller>

BELPHEGOR - Necrodaemon Terrorsathan · Last Episode / Napalm
My only previous experience with BELPHEGOR was about a year back when I heard just a couple songs from their release Blutsabbath. I didn't get to hear enough of their music to form a solid opinion of this band one way or the other. After spinning Necrodaemon Terrorsathan my opinion is definitely solidified. This Austrian outfit is magnificently brutal! What we have here is an amazing display of heavy Death Metal with an obvious Black Metal foundation. The guitar melodies lean more towards the Black Metal end of the spectrum while the vocals and drumming are clearly of a Death Metal nature. BELPHEGOR's sound blends elements of MARDUK, MYRKSKOG, and recent BEHEMOTH to create a blasting assault armed to the teeth with hatred and aggression. Make no mistake though, these guys aren't stealing ideas or riffs from the aforementioned bands. They are listed here simply as a point of reference. Necrodaemon Terrorsathan has more than its share of originality and creativity. So much so, in fact, that I'm surprised I haven't read more about it in the many zines I collect. I'm a little puzzled with the production. I can't make up my mind if it favors the Black Metal side or the Death Metal side. Either way, I am very pleased with the way it turned out. This is yet another band whose back-catalog I'll be investigating because the new release is so incredible. If I'm not mistaken, they have 2 previous releases - Blutsabbath and The Last Supper. Releases like this latest effort by BELPHEGOR are a major reason I live for extreme music. You've got to hear this! - 9.5 - <Painkiller>

BELPHEGOR - Lucifer Incestus · Napalm
A sad case here. These guys have all the tools (speed, technical ability, drums from hell), but somehow this fierce Black/Death onslaught just falls flat on its ass. It's fast, it's heavy, a little DARK FUNERAL here, some VITAL REMAINS there, they even utilize a little melody ("Demonic Staccato Erection" for example). I've given this album so many chances and it always ends up like Teflon. It just doesn't stick, baby. - 6.5- <Jack>

BELPHEGOR - Goatreich-Fleshcult · Napalm
Much like BEHEMOTH, 2005 sees these Black/Death speedsters make a major upgrade, turning from nothing but aimless snare punishment into a fine-tuned, well-oiled Death Metal machine. For some reason NILE seem to be the current reference point for substandard Black/Death bands looking to morph into juggernauts, as right from the opener, "The Cruzifixus-Anus Dei," with its virtuoso Death Metal drumming and twisted Egyptian-style melodies, the influence is felt. The power emanating from this LP also echoes the more recent offerings from DECAPITATED and MORBID ANGEL, and I was not expecting "Sepulture of Hypocrisy" or "Kings Shall be Kings," which have to be these 13-year Austrian vets’ first forays into Doom territory. If you’re not familiar with BELPHEGOR, fuck all their previous releases, this is the place to start. If you’re already a fan, congratulations on finally having some actual substance to cheer about. - 9 - <Jack>

BELT - S/HE · DEMO
 BELT is not Death Metal. In fact, it isn't Metal of any kind. I’d say it is mood music. But it is definitely the mood I like to be in. It's eerie. It makes me think of an evil presence in an unfamiliar location. On many of the tracks the beat is irregular, like the final heartbeats of a captive, and the lyrics are only slightly more than subliminal. If you want to hear evil in a new form, check out BELT. - 7.25 -  <Lar> **MC6**

BELT - The Killing Verdict · Freedom In A Vacuum
 It sure has been awhile since I last heard from BELT, but they were kind enough to use a quote from the now ancient Metal Curse #6 on their press release. Anyway, this is insane, electronically altered hate. I wouldn't be going way too far to call this Noise, but I think the band may prefer something along the lines of Death Industrial. It sounds like the soundtrack to Hell, and sometimes doesn't bother to give a fuck about anything like a song, as long as the listener is engulfed in BELT's pain and suffering. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

BELZABET - Before Night Fall · American Line
Fast symphonic Black Metal that really suffers due to the strange mix. The drums are super loud, which isn't surprising, but the guitars are totally buried behind them and the keyboards and vocals. It makes this sound as if there almost aren't any guitars at all sometimes. Honestly, I kind of like it anyway, but a different mix, with monster guitars killing everyone in earshot would have turned this from good to great. - 8.25 - <Ray>

BENEDICTION - The Grand Leveler · Relapse/Nuclear Blast
 FUCK this album kicks ass. This is one of the best releases of the year. When I first heard this, I couldn't believe they found a better vocalist then Barney (now in NAPALM DEATH). The production is unbelievable. Karl from BOLT THROWER provides backing vocals on "Jumping at Shadows." Two songs even have some lyrics taken from letters written by serial killers. For a band who's first album was average, to come out with this piece of sheer brutal godslaying Death Metal is a 100% turn for the better. - 9.75 - <Tom> **MC7**

BENEDICTION - Dark is the Season EP · Relapse/ Nuclear Blast
 Damn, this is great. These freaks cover ANVIL's "Forged in Fire" with Barney doing the vox. And all five tracks have the super production that The Grand Leveler has. What more do I have to say? Great songs. Great production (except for the "crackles" in the beginning of "Forged in Fire"). Outstanding. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

BENEDICTION - Transcend the Rubicon  · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 After their last album and EP, this is kind of a disappointment. I was expecting this album to be the best thing I'd ever heard. It is good, though, and has that BENEDICTION sound: heavy, intense, fast, & brutal. Easily worth your money. - 8 - <TOM> **MC8**

BENEDICTION - The Dreams You Dread · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 Less intense and less interesting than before. They manage to come up with a new riff, bringing their total to, I guess, 5 now. Too bad they stole it from METALLICA's "One." I am not kidding. This is Metal-by-the-numbers. The vocals are maybe even worse, and we're treated to a plethora of such long forgotten horrors as "hey," "ooooohhh," "go!" and even "let's go!" The weird part is that it's extremely memorable, but I think that's because these riffs were old when they used them on their first LP. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BENEDICTION - The Grotesque / Ashen Epitaph EP · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
 Two new songs and three live ones to show that this band are not dead yet. The new tracks are very intense, and memorable, and the live cuts sound good, too. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BENEDICTION - Grind Bastards · Nuclear Blast
 It’s not too often that I hear an album with two cover songs on it, but when one of ‘em is as ass kicking as this version of TWISTED SISTER’s classic "Destroyer," I guess I can live with it - even if the other one (JUDAS PRIEST’s "Electric Eye") is sort of less great (still okay, though). As far as the rest of this LP is concerned, it’s sort of far from being brutal, and not really Death Metal anymore (much less Grind), but honestly all these songs are memorable, and despite its lack of intensity, I do enjoy listening to this quite a bit, and can growl along with all the songs. I would have liked this more if BENEDICTION didn’t sound as if they are reigning themselves in so much of the time, but as you can see, it couldn’t have been much more. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

BENEDICTION - Organized Chaos · Nuclear Blast
For the uninformed, BENEDICTION has lost longtime frontman Dave Ingram to BOLT THROWER. This new singer is okay, he sounds like a cheap imitation of Ingram. Songs like "Suicide Rebellion" and "Suffering Feeds Me" are filled with classic BENEDICTION hooks, while other tracks like "Diary of A Killer" and "Easy Way to Die" fail due to cheesy groove and the vocalist's butchery. Overall, I've got mixed feelings here. Without a doubt the last BENEDICTION album I'm reaching for when I get the urge. - 7.25 - <Jack>

BEREAVED - '94 Demo · DEMO
 Another good Death band. A little more identity would help, but for those who demand it brutal, this will do nicely. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BEREAVEMENT - Our Hollow Death · DEMO
 A lot of the fault with this demo is in the production, which has the drums a lot louder than anything else, and utterly buries the vocals. I think they should concentrate on the slower stuff, which seems to be what they do best, and maybe throw in a lyric sheet next time, since I'm interested in that sort of thing. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

THE BERZERKER - The Berzerker · Earache
This mess of Industrial Death Metal was quite a chore to get through. It lacks focus and any sense of direction. I have never liked mechanical music, and that's exactly what this is. It almost sounds like a group of guys got together, snorted an 8-ball, and decided to cut loose in a recording studio with no game-plan whatsoever. There is nothing innovative, creative, or in any way memorable about this release. I see no point at all to noise like this. A complete waste of time. - 2 - <Painkiller>

BESEECH - ...From a Bleeding Heart · Metal Blade
 Heavy, depressing dirges, with some female vocals... - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

BESEECH - Black Emotions · Pavement
This sounds like it must be an all "remix" album. Hold on, let me check... Nope, this is really what they sound like now. I hope that the members of BESEECH realize that if anyone wants to hear to stuff like this, they could just listen to NIN or some band that actually knows what they're doing. This is just horrible. - 1.25 - <Ray>

BESEECH - Souls Highway · Napalm
If one had ever wondered what a collaboration between CREMATORY and Olivia Newton-John would sound like, that restless soul may now repose. The answer to this long-anticipated query awaits for them on the Souls Highway. - 1 - <Jack>

BESEECH - Drama · Napalm
Remember this band? They had one good song 8 or 9 years ago. They were on Nuclear Blast for a short time, until becoming too gay for even that label. They used to be an average Doom band, but now they play that Debbie Gibson Metal that Napalm specializes in. In short, no one cares, no one ever has or will. When your greatest hits album is a maxi-single, maybe it's time to go away. - 1 - <Jack>

BEST KISSERS IN THE WORLD - Puddin' · MCA
 Sometimes I'm sent stuff to review which is pretty far away from what I normally listen to. This is one of those times. I would have never listened to this band had I not gotten this tape to review, and I guess I would have missed out. I suppose they are what is known as Hard Alternative, and that's pretty accurate, but occasionally they throw in a little Thrash drum beat. And always they have a lot of energy. Not one of my favorite bands of all time, but better than I expected. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BESTIAL DEVASTATION - Sores, Blood & Pus · demo
Substandard Death/Grindcore from Italy. They try their best to pay homage to the Gorefathers, IMPETIGO, CARCASS, and GUT, but a lot of bands do, and a lot of bands do it better. The main problems are the guitar sound, which is extremely heavy but so low in the mix, and severely unintelligent lyrics. I’d give you some examples but my I.Q. might drop from typing them. Let’s just say you can live without this one, that is unless it is your steadfast goal in life to own any and all things Gore. If that’s the case I envy your income and free time. - 7 - <Jack>
bestial_devastation666@hotmail.com

BESTIAL MOCKERY - Gospel of the Insane · Osmose/Red Stream
I don’t see what the big deal is here. Second rate DESTROYER 666 and BESTIAL WARLUST. Certainly not bad, but not the masterpiece some mag writers are making it out to be. Nothing I haven’t heard done better in the past. - 7.5 - <Jack>

BETHLEHEM - Thy Pale Dominion 7" · Red Stream
 What do you get if you combine atmospheric Doom and Black Metal? According to BETHLEHEM you get Dark Metal, and that's exactly what these two songs are. The sound is excellent, but if you have their Dark Metal CD, these are its two bonus tracks. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BETHLEHELM - Dictius Te Necare · Red Stream
 The demise of their original singer has done nothing to calm this band down. If anything, they are actually more intense than on their debut, Dark Metal. The music ranges from a vicious Thrash onslaught (think along the lines of early DESTRUCTION), to moody, nearly Ambient passages, and the vocals keep up, transforming from the most tortured of shrieks, to subdued whispers. The CD is dedicated to all suicide victims, and after about 20 listens, I think I know why. Where's my knife? - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

BETHLEHEM - Dark Metal · Red Stream
 This is not a new album, but rather their first LP, from 1994, licensed from Adipocere, and like the original version, this also contains both tracks from their Thy Pale Dominion 7". And at nearly 70 minutes long, this is quite a value. The album’s title says it all, really. The tracks here are generally heavier and less traditionally Black Metal sounding (especially with respect to the vocals) than on their follow-up, Dictius Te Necare. If you don’t already own this, you probably should. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

BETHLEHEM - Sardonischer Untergang... · Red Stream
 Just as dark as their other two CDs, but not as Metal. This is just weird. I’m tempted to say "experimental," but I think that you have to at least have some idea of what you want to do for that to be true. It sounds as if BETHLEHEM are getting tired of being a Metal band and are trying as many new things as they can think of. For example, they’ll get a song started, and really be kicking ass, then just stop and have someone scream for a little while. Maybe it’ll simply take more plays (this came in very close to the deadline for this ish.) for me to fully "get" what they’re doing, or perhaps they don’t get it, either. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

BETHLEHEM - Reflektionen auf’s Sterben EP · Red Stream
 In trying to be "progressive" and "original," BETHLEHEM now only succeed in being pretentious and generally boring. BETHLEHEM really lost me on their last album, and this is a continuation of that directionless nonsense. There are still excellent elements embedded here and there, but as soon as I start to really like something, it stops and some chick starts screeching, or some other goofiness happens. I’m sure a lot of people think that is really "extreme" and "evil," but I’d rather hear something I could remember. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

BETHLEHEM - Schatten aus der Alexander Welt · Red Stream
BETHLEHEM is yet another band that has embraced the electronic age. This album is overflowing with samples, bleeps, blips and every other annoying mechanized sound they could produce. Other than a few tracks that have similarities to material by KATATONIA, nothing manages to generate any interest for me. Lyrics sung completely in German don't help matters either. This album comes with a second disc which contains various instrumental works composed by different members of the band. This disc is even more electronically-enhanced than the first! I hope this will be the last time I ever have to listen to such music, but Ray seems to enjoy torturing me. [You and everyone else! -Ed.] - 3 - <Painkiller>

BETHZAIDA - LXXVII · Season of Mist
 The press release asks if these guys are "Norway’s answer to VOIVOD." Not bloody likely. But what they are is still pretty damn good, and even somewhat original, Death Metal that ranges from melodic to raw. And certainly very memorable throughout. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

BETRAYER - Power of Hate · DEMO
 Very memorable, and well produced heavy Thrash. The vocals are aggressive, and actually pretty raw. This demo has three studio tracks, and two live cuts, and is certainly worth sending them a blank tape. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

BETRAYER - Our Scars · DEMO
 Well, that wasn't what I was expecting. The thick production is much thinner, and the human drummer has been replaced by a machine. Now you may know that my band uses a drum machine, so I'm usually pretty tolerant about them, but I just don't like this new, Industrial, direction BETRAYER has taken. The songs are just not as interesting, which is a damn shame, since I really liked their Power of Hate demo (see above review). Maybe their next one will see them get back on track. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

BETRAYER - The Truth is Out There... · DEMO
 These guys like to change their sound with every release. This time they've gone back to a human drummer and a more Thrashy style, although the repetitive riffs still remind me of the Industrial feel of their last demo. I've got to respect these gentlemen for following their hearts and not any trends, but despite the excellent playing on this, I just didn't find the songs to be very memorable or intriguing. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME - The Silent Circus · Victory
This band has just blown up so big right now, I wonder if a review is even necessary. Especially when we're dealing with a band so musically varied, which makes the review even tougher yet. That's why I don't quite understand all the record labels using BTBAM as a comparison on every new Metalcore band's CD promo sticker. Nobody sounds like these guys, and these guys sound like nobody. This band's music is an amalgam of just about every kind of extreme music out there. Death, Black, Thrash, Hardcore, Metalcore, Grind, Gothenburg, the list goes on and on. One of their best qualities is that they can borrow from all these genres so creatively, and without it sounding confused or thrown together, that the finished product could not sound more original. The biggest difference between The Silent Circus and their debut, is the addition of Emo arrangements intact with good clean singing and all. So now, amidst this extravaganza of extremity, the band can also shift to poignant Indie Rock and back effortlessly without missing a hitch. Simply put, there is something here for everybody. Everybody cool, I should say. Oh, and just in case you didn't know, this supergroup features ex-members of other awesome projects, PRAYER FOR CLEANSING, UNDYING, FROM HERE ON, and the criminally underrated AZAZEL. - 9.5 - <Jack>

BETWEEN THE FROST - Instinct of Surliness · Abstract Emotions
 Fast Black Metal with keyboards. Not exactly inspirational stuff (except maybe the cover art, which depicts the Old Goat watching the son of dog burning on the cross), but still pretty good. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

BEWITCHED - Dragonflight · Conquistador
 Now before you freak out, this is not the same band that’s on Osmose. Apparently these Chilean maniacs have been together since 1991, so you can’t exactly say they stole the name. Ironically, this BEWITCHED also play a retro form of Metal. It’s a cross of Traditional Metal and Thrash, with occasional Black Metal overtones, sometimes sounding like a more evil CANDLEMASS. Their MERCYFUL FATE cover ("Black Funeral") is hardly surprising. Unfortunately, the singer tries his best to imitate King’s range, proving once again that no matter how dead on the music is, there is only one King Diamond. Other than that one tactical error to bring them down, I’m not sure if I’m more impressed with their musical ability, or the fact that they know when to show it off, and when to keep it reigned in. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BEWITCHED - Pentagram Prayer · Osmose
 100% traditional Metal done right. BEWITCHED pay tribute to JUDAS PRIEST, HELLOWEEN, VENOM and so on, but somehow never sound like they’re ripping them off. Maybe it’s the raspy vocals that help to give BEWITCHED their own sound. Whatever it is, it works. For fans of the "Classic Metal Sound" this is a Satan-worshipping, slut-fucking wet nightmare. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BEYOND - Reassemble · Pavement
 This is certainly different than what these guys were doing when known as DEMENTED TED. It's still heavy, but now more mechanical, almost Industrial at times. This new sound doesn't always work quite right, but a lot of the time this is great. Like anything else, they'll just need a little time to fully iron out all the bugs. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BEYOND DAWN - Pity Love · Candlelight
 How to describe B.D. except as groundbreaking, emotional, heavy music? That's tough. They in some ways combine Goth & Black Metal, but far more so than most current Black Metal bands who claim this. Maybe if you took recent MY DYING BRIDE and had some tormented vocals mixed in with the clean. But that's not all. Then you'd need a little DEAD CAN DANCE, and a little (very little) Industrial (or at least the cold, dead, unfeeling horror of it). All this and more would be needed to approximate the despondent, suicidal songs on this masterwork. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

BEYOND DAWN - Revelry · Misanthropy
 This is a lot less Metal than I remember Pity Love being, but after hearing this, I wonder if I’m just remembering it wrong. They try their best to be "dark" and "Gothic," but I’m not sure that horns are the way to do that. Revelry isn’t dark. It isn’t majestic. It isn’t even interesting. Simply put, this is an irritating and failed attempt to be different. - 4 - <Ray> **MC11**

BEYOND DESCRIPTION - Promo '92 · DEMO
 Three songs of speedy Thrash with very thick, bass heavy production (which I like). Interesting, yelled vocals. Not bad, but not great. Featuring Mirai from SIGH on bass. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BHAOBHAN SIDHE - Jinx · DEMO
 It's difficult to describe the unholy darkness of this Electronic 2-man band. It's the feeling of Black Metal, but there're no guitars, only keyboards, drum machines and so on. It is eerie, but not in the expected "movie soundtrack" kind of way. A very unique and interesting release. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

BIAFRA, JELLO - Beyond the Valley of the Gift Police · Alternative Tentacles
 The 4th of Jello's spoken word albums. The 3 LP version has one entire side not found on the 2 CD set. If you like Mr. Biafra, then you've already got this, and if you don't like him, then you'll not get it anyway. But wait, do I hear the voice of some stranger to Jello? Okay, for you, then, unenlightened one: Jello Biafra was the singer for the Punk band DEAD KENNEDYS, and now, in addition to teaming up with everyone from SEPULTURA to MOJO NIXON, he travels the country, spreading the message of a corrupt government, and all the other problems of our society. It's generally pretty sobering to listen to his monologues, & I think it's also very entertaining. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

JELLO BIAFRA WITH THE MELVINS - Sieg Howdy! · Alternative Tentacles
I’ve been a big fan of Jello’s former band, DEAD KENNEDYS, for about as long as I can remember, and followed his career through his various musical team-ups and spoken word albums. I’ve found the MELVINS to be sort of hit and miss over the years (amazing the one time I saw them live, though!), but still hoped for great things from 2004’s first collaboration with Jello, Never Breathe What You Can't See. I was not disappointed. I like this new release quite a bit, too, but it is strange. Sieg Howdy! features remixes of several tracks from Never Breathe... ("The Lighter Side of Global Terrorism," "Dawn of the Locusts," "Enchanted Thoughtfist," and "Caped Crusader"), an ALICE COOPER cover ("Halo of Flies"), an updated live version of the KENNEDYS’ classic "California Uber Alles," retitled "Kali-fornia Uber Alles 21^st Century," and only four new songs. Be warned: the printed track list is wrong. Hopefully that will be fixed on subsequent pressings. The remixes aren’t really as strange as might be imagined, which makes me wonder why they bothered to include them. The new songs are great, and I’d have liked to hear more of them. But in any case the music is generally not far from the MELVINS’ faster-yet-still-sludgy best moments, and Jello’s singing has changed little, so everything is at worst pretty cool and at best fairly awesome. And the lyrics are, as expected, interesting, even thought provoking ("Wholly Buy Bull" -seeing is no longer beliving), reading. If JB and the boys are at a loss for new material, which sort of seems to be the case here (with the remixes, and so on...), then may I suggest a live album next time? These songs seem to almost demand being heard live anyway. I know that I’d certainly love to see that show. - 9 - <Ray>

BIFROST - The Wildest Fire · Nazgul’s Eyrie
 Very cool Pagan Black / Death Metal, with older Thrash bits. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

BIFROST - Mythistory · Hammerheart
 After various detours, changes and having experienced all the ups and downs of the music business, finally BIFROST have come up with a third album. Both their previous CDs had been on the infamous Nazgul’s Eyrie Productions and have thus been widely ignored by the Metal press. Now they seek their fortune with a release on their own label, Hammerheart Records. I was afraid they might have fallen prey to the "Gothenburgh trend" with all its happy melodies but it didn’t happen and even the adding of a keyboard player didn’t do any harm, but added another dimension without noticeably watering down their original sound. The vocals are somewhere between early SKYCLAD and hysterical MACABRE and are less one-dimensional than in the past. I´m not really sure if I like every vocal trick Guido did, but it´s surely original, so what the fuck. I honestly admit I was prepared to rip this CD to shreds, but I like it and so will you. Welcome back BIFROST! - 9.5 - <Opyros> **MC12**

BIG HAIR - The Pickle Farm · Energy
 On the inside of the CD booklet, it is stated, "The lyrics on this album are dumb, therefore they are not printed. If you can actually figure them out, rest assured, you're dumb too." I was going to try to figure out exactly how stupid the lyrics are, but the music was such that I fell asleep. Don't bother. - 3.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

BILE - Teknowhore · Energy
  This album takes a couple listens to really understand. These guys take a lot of aggression, some heavily distorted guitars, and add all kinds of electronics to get their interesting crossover sound. Imagine KMFDM on steroids trying their level best to emulate SLAYER, while expanding their traditional Industrial style. It's normally an intense listen (much more so than their debut, Suckpump), but sometimes drags a bit. The final track is perhaps more experimental than the rest, going from Ambient to Noise - I'm tempted to say, by way of Death. Fans of hard Industrial, or those looking for something new, but still fairly brutal, would be well advised to check this out. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BIOCIDE - Biocide · DEMO
 Pretty Thrashy and actually pretty cool. Perhaps the production could be a little brighter, but it's acceptable. Musicianship is high, especially the bass work (as would be expected, since these guys know SADUS and this demo was co-produced by Steve "Mr. Bass" DiGiorgio), and the energy is nuclear, but the vocals may be too screechy for some (they don't bother me, but they don't really add anything). - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

BIOHAZARD - Biohazard · Maze America
 This is an above average LP. BIOHAZARD has lots of potential and puts a lot of themselves into their music. Unfortunately, sometimes the results are less than memorable. The BIOHAZARD sound is similar to SICK OF IT ALL or U.S.A. for M.O.D. era M.O.D., it’s the New York crossover sound, basically. Although I’m also reminded of an older, meatier version of MX-MACHINE in some places too. There are a few real gems on this LP: "Survival of the Fittest," "Scarred for Life," and "Justified Violence" really stand out. The rest are not quite as memorable, although none of the songs are actually bad. On the cassette inlay card the order of the songs on side two is wrong: "Panic Attack" comes before "Pain." The order on the actual cassette is correct. Anyway, this album shows a lot of promise and I’m looking forward to hearing more from this band. - 7.75 - <Ray> {Now I know what a lot of you think about the BIOHAZARD of today, but this, their very first album, was all Hardcore, and no Rap, and so probably their all time best.} **MC3**

BIOHAZARD - Urban Discipline · Roadrunner
 A little Thrashier than their first album, but still Hardcore. I'm extremely glad that any Hardcore is still around and BIOHAZARD are one of the more talented survivors. If you like 'Core, get this; if not, get help. 'Nuff said. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

BIOHAZARD - No Holds Barred · Roadrunner
 This live disc isn't full of all of the wannabe-gangsta-homie bullshit that has made about everybody wipe their ass with every post-Urban Discipline release by these guys. In fact, this has all of the good cuts from their 5-year-old first release on Roadrunner. This was recorded 100% live in Hamburg, Germany in early ‘97, with lots of crowd energy and stripped down, fast, & powerful renditions of everything (i.e. no gay homosexual dance remixes or other ulterior motives). I'm glad I didn't throw this off of my 7 story balcony like I did all of their pot-leaf-emblazoned previous LPs - this is actually worth a listen. - 8.75 - <Psycho> **MC11**

BIRDFLESH - Night of the Ultimate Mosh · Razorback
I think this is BIRDFLESH's first full-length studio album, after several EPs, and it's about time! For all its intensity, this Grind is just weird enouhg to be sort of easy to remember. But not too strange. It's a hard line to walk, but somehow they manage. - 8.5 - <Ray>

BISHOP OF HEXEN - Archives... · Hammerheart (South Korea)
 Majestic, atmospheric Black Metal. It’s played well, is fairly memorable, and there are many slower, haunting, passages. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACK - Black · Diehard
 Distorted vox, tough-guy "Hardcore." Honestly there are a few good bits (they’re good musicians, for example), but not enough to really save this form the horrible vocals and the occasional bad riffs. - 6.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACK ARMY JACKET / HEMLOCK - Split EP · Go Kart
 B.A.J. start things off with nine short tracks of brutal Hardcore, I guess I’ll call it. They like to incorporate different styles, though, sometimes unleashing a blast of furious speed or a Death growl, others slowing down to a noisy crawl. HEMLOCK on the other hand start things off with a freaked out revision of the venerable IRON MAIDEN intro to "Number of the Beast," and then launch full speed into a couple very basic new-wave Black Metal cuts. The vocals are yelled in a old Punk / Hardcore way, though, which is an interesting idea, but not always executed flawlessly in this case. I appreciate the effort, though. Hopefully we’ll get to hear more from both of these inventive bands soon. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACK COBRA - s/t · demo
Annoying Stoner Sludge/Noise Rock from members of CAVITY and 16. Like a limp dick version of old HELMET and UNSANE spliced with BURNING WITCH. The vocals are a fucking joke. This guy has the artistic prose of an angry fan yelling at a ball game. Imagine a pre-puberty Page Hamilton screaming at someone from across the street. Luckily they keep their shitty songs short, as these three cuts run just under six minutes. Most bands that suck in this manner usually make you suffer through their hippie crap at ten minutes a pop. These guys play really noisy, boring slop, which for some reason these days seems to translate into success. So look for BLACK COBRA to hit it big anytime soon. - 2 - <Jack>
www.blackcobra.net

BLACK FUNERAL - Moon of Characith · Full Moon
 Give me a fucking break. I hate it when some jerkoff like Mikey Ford tries to pass off this supposedly "ambient" bullshit as music - oh, excuse me all to Hell, I mean "musick." This is the most talentless, worthless thing I have ever heard. And also the most hilarious! This makes ABRUPTUM sound like they knew what they were doing. I can’t believe that anyone thinks that this is "evil" or "dark." It’s just Mr. Ford, his $26 Casio keyboard, a picture of some chick, and maybe three hours by himself, thinking how smart he is to be ripping off all the fucking morons who will believe that this is actually "An experiment in sonic magick." I wish I had the necessary space to print the entire press release - it’s an awesome work of propaganda and bullshit. And normally I wouldn’t comment on someone’s photo, since these reviews aren’t meant to be taken personally, but it seriously looks like Mike is in the late stages of AIDS decay. I guess I don’t totally blame him for stealing the money of anyone stupid enough to buy this, since he apparently needs the cash for A.Z.T., but how can he keep a straight face about it? - 1 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLACK FUNERAL - Belial Arisen · Behemoth Productions
I have no earthly clue why any label would want to put out this worthless fucking CD. The production is beyond awful. This CD was obviously duplicated from a TDK blank tape that was purchased at a G.L. Perry in 1986, dubbed over 9 times, urinated on, microwaved, then left outside for 3 years. If I turn my stereo up to its highest possible volume I can almost make out the prototype for all lame, substandard, poorly programmed drum machine-driven Black Metal cheese over the last 11 years. Act now while supplies last. - 1 - <Jack>

THE BLACK HALOS - Alive Without Control · Liquor and Poker
Jesus tittyfucking Christ, it’s Oi gone Glam with fucking Joe Cocker on the mic! Like something out of a twisted, dive bar nightmare, you know you’re in for a treat when an album’s only saving grace is the occasional gang vocal. This band’s overly simplistic, stupid-on-purpose approach ensures that they are indeed as gay as they look. Which is pretty fucking gay. - 3.75 - <Jack>

BLACK IVORY - A Taste of Oblivion · DEMO
 Where were all of these "Traditional Metal" bands five years ago? Anyway, to properly pull off this style, you really need a powerful singer, not a guy who more or less talks through the songs like this dude. Other than that, the music is great. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACK MARKET FLOWERS - Bind  · Relativity
 This album is about 65 minutes long, and my copy at least, has two bonus tracks that are not listed anywhere, the last of which consists of the guys making noises and splashing water. Umm, I hate this. It is derivative of everything Grungy, and I don't even like the originators in that style, much less the half-assed followers. - 3 - <Ray> **MC8**

BLACK MARKET FLOWERS - Thicket · Boys Life / Lemon Lime
 Here's how I think this band formed: They watched MTV for 3 days straight, with no sleep or food. They went to the mall to discuss the experience, and get some health-food snacks, when a marketing director for Boy's Life Records found them crying because their cappuccino had gotten too cold, or warm, or what the fuck ever it is not supposed to be. They were told that they had the right "look" and asked if they could play any instruments. They said no, but that they had just watched MTV for 3 days and thus knew exactly what is hip this week. They were signed instantly, given about $40,000 to record this banal mess, and the result is sheer audio torture - in the bad way. If bands like this can get signed, then the only answer is that this world must be destroyed and a new one shall rise up to take its place, wherein only deserving bands get deals. As some cool guys once said, "I await the day." - 1.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

BLACK MASS - Eating Infants · DEMO
 Supposedly this band’s drummer was taught by Satan. That counts for something in my book. Anyway, B.M. play mid-to-fast paced technical (you won’t believe some of the solos) Death Metal, and I’ll bet they have sick lyrics - the vox are too raw to understand, which is good, but there’s no lyric sheet, which is sort of bad. The sound is passable, and the conviction is super high. Plus, there can be no doubts that any band with a song called "Raped & Killed (But Not in That Order)" is cool. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACK MASS / HELLRAISED - Alliance of Evil · Grim Nocturnal
A split CD featuring two obscure underground bands. BLACK MASS play an extremely Old School style of Satanic Death/Thrash with a sound reminiscent of ancient MORBID ANGEL and NOCTURNUS, minus some of the atmosphere and most of the talent. Still, with their attention to detail concerning the sounds of old, a truly raw production, and fearlessly juvenile delinquent lyrical passages like "inverting the crosses of God," BLACK MASS’ efforts do come off as authentic, echoing the humble beginnings of scene monsters in the making. However, this isn’t 1987, so they have some catching up to do. HELLRAISED sound like the Canadian SLAUGHTER in their pre-teens, rehearsing in the garage. Again, about two decades behind the curve. One would have to be pretty willing to take a chance, and perhaps a bit desperate for something new to pick up this split. Odds are they’d probably be a little disappointed, unless the last good album they bought was Abominations of Desolation. - 6.75 - <Jack>

BLACK MESSIAH - Scepter Of Black Knowledge · Last Episode
 Last Episode has once again surprised me by finding yet another talented Black Metal act that isn’t afraid to throw in something different. Admittedly, adding Folk elements (accordion, mandolin, violin and acoustic guitar), female vocals and such isn’t something that’s new but BLACK MESSIAH has managed to produce an album that hints at other bands (such as CRADLE OF FILTH and EMPEROR) but really sounds like nobody else. The lyrics on this are totally Satanic, and Zagan manages to be coherent enough so that even though there aren’t any lyrics printed in the booklet, you can figure out what most of the songs are about. Besides, with song titles like "Crusade of the Blackened," "Diabolic Rites," and "Queen of Darkness," you really don’t have to guess that these guys follow the left-hand path. - 9.25 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

BLACK PAGODA - Juggernaut · Pandemonium, Inc.
 Have you heard KYUSS and SOUNDGARDEN? Put 'em in a pot and boil for 6 hours. I guess this would be the result. Not really bad, in fact some enjoyable stuff is occasionally going on, but nothing I haven't heard on MTV until it sickens me. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

BLACK SABBATH - Forbidden · IRS
 Oh man, do I hate typing this review. I am having a hard time with this, because I worship early SAB, and this album hurts me. A lot of the problem here are the fuckin' horrible vocals of Tony "The Cat" Martin. He utterly ruins every riff with his whining, and rhymes "fire" and "desire" in about the first minute of the first track, "Illusion of Power." That song also features ICE-T on guest vocals, which is a very welcome relief from the terror of The Cat, but cannot save it. And this is by far the best track. Some of the riffs that the former master has come up with are heavy, but without Geezer to back them up, they suffer immensely, and then there are the completely stupid, WHITESNAKE riffs. The Martin-penned lyrics are perhaps inspired by the works of WINGER, or maybe WHITE LION. I could go on for several pages about this thing which should not be referred to as a BLACK SABBATH album, but I must spare all of us that pain. One final bit of advice to the members of this band: Call it a day, already, and let the once mighty BLACK SABBATH rest in peace. - 4 - <Ray> **MC9**

BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL - Remnants... · Projekt
 Seventy-six minutes of melancholy Gothic Ambient so depressing that you'd probably kill yourself if you listened to it all at once. This makes MY DYING BRIDE sound like the BEACH BOYS, in terms of how gloomy it is. The mixing of male and female vocals reminds me somewhat of DEAD CAN DANCE, but since I (unfortunately) have a rather small frame of reference for this type of music, that's only to be expected. I recommend that all devotees of dismal and joyless music give BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL a listen. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLACK VIRGIN - Sledgehammer Justice · DEMO
 At first, this power trio reminded me a bit of VENOM. However, as things progressed, I found that the similarities with VENOM were mostly superficial. This tape has a color cover and was digitally mastered. The sound quality ´is± excellent. The guitar and bass are both present, but the drums are somewhat minimalistic. Kenny's vocals are very thick and meaty, but not raw or screamy. That is kinda interesting. The lyrics are decent- until the chorus in each song. The titles are repeated until I can't stand it any longer. This detracts from an otherwise fine example of somewhat basic Thrash. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC5**

BLACK WITCHERY - Summoning of Infernal Legions 7" · Dark Horizon
 The sound quality was the first thing to impress me, but when these blasphemers broke out their acoustic guitars halfway through the first song (of two), I took notice once more, having previously been somewhat lost in the speedfest up to that point. Not bad at all, and I’ll be waiting to see what they can do with more than two songs. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLACK WITCHERY / CONQUEROR - Hellstorm of Evil Vengeance · Dark Horizon
Do you remember the cult Canadian Black Metal band BLASPHEMY? They've been silent for quite a while now and I often wonder if they are still around. Apparently, these two bands remember BLASPHEMY as well. Both bands have that early "American" style of Black Metal sound, which is essentially underproduced, raw Death Metal with snarling vocals that are not brutal enough to qualify as pure Death and not screamed enough to be considered Black Metal in the European style. Of the two, CONQUEROR sounds more akin to BLASPHEMY, but BLACK WITCHERY is not that far behind. BLACK WITCHERY even covers the song "Demoniac" by BLASPHEMY, and CONQUEROR has an intro called "Ross Bay Damnation" (for whatever reason, BLASPHEMY and Ross Bay are seemingly connected somehow). The sound is a bit rough on both halves of this split and I hear that the material for at least one of these bands is a demo repress, so this is explainable. Still, this is some good old-fashioned dirty Black Metal in the vein of the much-overlooked horde up north in Ross Bay. - 8 - <Ychoril>

BLACK, THE - Black Blood EP · Necropolis
 Although THE BLACK play pretty standard new-wave Black Metal, they wisely keep the songs short - less than 3 minutes - so that they are always at maximum intensity. And it is easier to remember shorter songs. Their use of keyboards is very effective, especially in the excellent "The Goat of Mendes," and this also helps them create a unique identity. These things, combined with the superbly tortured vocals of Rietas, raise this band above the competition, and give them a fairly individual sound. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLACKMAIL - A Female Impersonator EP · Ransom
 SOUNDGARDEN's Badmotorfinger springs to mind as I listen to this, but it's a little more varied than I remember that album (it's been a while since I spun that one), maybe with a touch of DANZIG (the first LPs), and perhaps KING's X. For what they're trying to do, this is probably great, and they are talented musicians, but this is honestly not a style that much appeals to me. But maybe if there had been more than four songs to convince me. - 8 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT - Shadow of the Moon · E.A.R.
 I certainly wasn’t expecting DEEP PURPLE guitarist Richie Blackmore to deliver an English Folk album, but here it is. I’m glad to report that he has left the vocal duties to the talented Candice Night. I can’t imagine a voice more suited to these songs. But as emotional as the compositions are, I’d have to really be in the right mood to listen to this. I’m certainly no expert on this style, but no one can argue with the talent of Blackmore or the beautiful voice of Night, and I do know what I like. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLACKNESS - Blackness · DEMO
 A warning to all lyricists: do NOT rhyme "fire" with "desire" unless you want me to make fun of you! Other than ignoring this warning in the very first line of the very first song on this demo (which is called "Burning Desire" -give me a fucking break, guys!), BLACKNESS don't do a lot else which is noteworthy. Musically kinda speedy Thrash, and vocally a semi-screechy yell. Not really bad, but they bring nothing new to this at all. It just doesn't do much for me. - 7 - <Ray> **MC8**

BLACKSTAR - Barbed Wire Soul · Prosthetic / Metal Blade
 I didn’t really like the final CARCASS album all that much, and this sounds even more like MEGADETH. - 5.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLACKSTORM - As Black as Thy Candles Burn EP · Darque
This is being marketed as a full-length album, but 6 songs in 24 minutes is not in any way, shape or form a full length album. And a lot of the time here is also wasted by pointless fucking around. I feel compelled to let my loyal readers know such things. Anyway, when not playing at superluminal speeds or just jerking off, this symphonic Black Metal band does okay. They liken themselves to CRADLE OF FILTH and DIMMU BORGIR, but really they're no where nearly that advanced. Which might not be bad news for you, but a cut-rate CRADLE OF FILTH doesn't exactly sound too awesome to me. - 7.5 - <Ray>

BLASPHEMY - Fallen Angel of Doom · Wild Rags
 This is probably one of the most Satanic albums I have yet to hear. The band members do not use the names given to them by the mortal wenches who incubated their unripe souls. Then again, I don't blame them. They are fairly adept at their instruments and the drums keep a constant beat throughout the album. It is all very Deathly with some decent guitar solos by the Caller of the Storms. Lyric-wise it is all black. Obviously Satan inspired. There is obvious back-masking, but I don't have the technology to decode my Lucifermas present-come-early. The music is decent enough, and the lyrics are true Hellspawn. If you like the lesion-infested penis of Satan stirring your soul like a bowl of blood and you have ten dollars lying around, then check this out. If, on the other hand, you would rather pour boiling holy water on the Darkened One's cock... you figure it out. - 6.5 - <Lar> **MC5**

BLASPHEMY - Gods of War  · JL America / Osmose
 I remember not liking these guys, but after hearing this album, I can't imagine why. This is certainly brutal and heavy, and although the production isn't too awesome, it's acceptable - and I'm sure this is supposed to be raw. Mostly the music is fast, and the vocals are completely rancid. I think you can figure out what the lyrics are about. - 8.75- <Ray> **MC8**

BLATHERSKITE - 40 Daze and 40 Nights · DEMO
 I was told these guys aren't really Death Metal: Well it's a pretty close approximation, although occasionally the vocals wander away from the standard Death vomit into a Punk-like scream or a more Rapesque chant. Sometimes the music changes style, too, but usually that's also pretty Deathly. Actually, these guys remind me of a less memorable (and less sick) PUNGENT STENCH - sorta. - 8- <Ray> **MC8**

BLAYLOK - Back to Reality · DEMO
 Back to Reality is an above average Thrash demo that has the following good points: 1. excellent recording and production, 2. two color cover and lyrics, 3. Jeff's vocals are very fitting for the music, and 4. the music is creative and memorable. This is pure Thrash, no elements of Death. BLAYLOK are very talented and deserve some support. If you like Thrash, this is it.  - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC5**

BLAZEMTH - For Centuries Left Behind EP · Abstract Emotions
 Beyond the atmospheric, spoken intro, which is sort of ominous, there is only the Blackest Metal. The guitar sound is that of steel being cut with a thousand little diamond blades. Of course, the vocals are of the screeched kind, but every now and then the spoken tone comes back for a second, before being banished. And then, they add some keyboards in for extra sickness. Hopefully they'll have a full-length album out soon. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

BLAZEMTH - Fatherland EP · Abstract Emotions
 Their For Centuries... EP was hard to beat, but it has been done. This has a thicker production, but is still total darkness - Black Metal more or less in the way of EMPEROR, with haunting keyboards. They also inject a touch more Death Metal into their old coffin spirit than do the aforementioned masters. This has produced a very worthy follow-up to their debut EP, but let’s have a full length already! - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLEED - So it Mote Be · DEMO
 The first song is a strange instrumental. The remaining are sorta speedy Deathrash. Many weird things happen musically, and the vocals are also interesting; sometimes trading off between the left and right channels. The recording and production are both kinda bad, but the songs are cool. Given their current situation (somewhere at sea on the USS Kitty Hawk), this is probably the best sound possible, but a real studio would really help. - 8.25- <Ray> **MC8**

BLEED - Womb · DEMO
 No relation to the BLEED in the above review. Very well produced and tight Death. You hardly notice the drum machine, and I actually think it fits right in. Everything is amazingly precise. Get this, it's excellent, and it's available on CD too, but possibly not from Thrash Corner, I'm not sure. - 9.25- <Ray> **MC8**

BLEED THE SKY - Paradigm in Entropy · Nuclear Blast
Here is a band trying to eat off the moment. If it's popular right now, you name it, BLEED THE SKY kind of sounds like them. LAMB OF GOD, MESHUGGAH, THE HAUNTED, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SHADOWS FALL, ARCH ENEMY, CHIMAIRA, it's all amalgamated here. Which ought to tell you all you need to know about their talent level. They can pull it off. The production is top notch, I'm not surprised. This band will most likely succeed. What they may lack in heart, they make up for with brains. My only real complaint is the vocals. The higher pitch screams and the clean vocals are just kind of faggy. That's okay, people like faggy. - 7.75 - <Jack>

BLEEDING LIGHT, THE - The Bleeding Light · Season of Mist
 This is a pretty harsh combination of Industrial and Metal, but it’s not really like anything I’ve heard before. They might have things plodding along all distorted with some crunchy riffs over top of it, and then just fade that out, and let acoustic guitars take over. Or maybe some horror movie soundtrack kind of background stuff could give way to crushing riffs and screams, which then is taken over by more straightforward songwriting for a little while, which slowly builds away from that to a million other things at once. But somehow they make it all work, which would have to be really difficult to accomplish. BETHLEHEM try to do this, but in a less Industrial setting, and don’t do anywhere nearly as good a job of it. Maybe the wasteland of Industrial sounds is what stitches this monster together, I’m not sure, but however they manage it, this is an engaging listen, but I’m not sure how often I’ll be playing it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLESSED SICKNESS - 7" · P.S. Records
 Fairly standard quality, sound wise, for a 7 ". The songs, however, are pretty cool, and would benefit greatly from a better quality reproduction. Very heavy guitar and distorted bass create a "dirty" sound, which allows a lot of power to show through. Raw vocals add to the overall effect, and if the sound quality were a bit better I might call this a masterpiece. - 8.75- <Ray> **MC8**

BLIND GUARDIAN - And Then There was Silence EP · Century Media
Returning with their first recording since Nightfall in Middle-Earth, a 2-song EP to hold fans over until the imminent release of A Night at the Opera, BLIND GUARDIAN are back to remind everyone why they are the true masters of their craft. The 14-minute title track is an epic piece of symphonic Power Metal vast in scope and grand in scheme. The musicianship displayed on this song is absolutely staggering. Huge, sweeping guitar-melodies shower the landscape painted by this tale and are the perfect accompaniment to the godly, unequaled voice of Hansi Kürsch. A host of guest-musicians creates an operatic ethereal atmosphere that only adds to this song's magnificence. A subdued melodic, acoustic-based piece entitled "Harvest of Sorrow" follows and further proves the unfaltering capabilities of this band. To top it all off, they were kind enough to include the CD-ROM video of "Born in a Mourning Hall." Hell yes, this EP is worth every penny! - 9.5 - <Painkiller>

BLIND MYSELF - Worst Case Scenario · Two Fat Men
This band is tough to pigeonhole, but they’re best described as melodic, aggressive Thrash with a sometimes overboard modern feel. They steer so far from any category, it’s hard to give comparisons for reference, other than the vocals occasionally peaking into Tomas Lindberg territory. I guess I’d have to say this would be perfect for someone looking for a unique array of heavy hooks, yet doesn’t mind the overall effort lacking that certain punch. - 8 - <Jack>

BLO.TORCH - Blo.Torch · Wicked World / Earache
BLO.TORCH? Have we really used up all the good band names? You'd think that a group this good could have thought of something better to call themselves. I don't know what the band name and album cover had me expecting (a terrible New Wave Industrial PANTERA hybrid piece of shit, most likely), but this quality Death / Thrash absolutely wasn't it. Okay, they have their weaker moments, complete with sissified vocals, such as the third song, "King of Karnage," but for the most part, this isn't bad at all. Certainly not amazing, though. - 7.75 - <Ray>

BLOCKHEADS - From Womb to Genocide · Bones Brigade
Sociopolitical Grind (with some Crust tendencies, such as multiple harsh vocal tracks) this fast and intense has absolutely no right at all to be memorable, but BLOCKHEADS don't give a fuck and went right ahead and made these songs more catchy than I'd have thought possible. And they didn't resort to any of the normal Grind crutches, like funny samples, to accomplish that daunting task, either. The only thing that I don't like about this CD (other than the last few minutes of weirdness at the end of the disc) is that everything (over an hour) is rammed together into one single track, so if you want to skip ahead to your favorite song, you're just fucked. Fortunately, that's not quite as much of an issue here as it would be with a lot of other CDs, but it's still enough. - 9 - <Ray>

BLOOD - Christbait · 1MF
 Twenty tracks of distorted-bass Death/ Grind. Ultra brutal vocals and fast tempos. These guys go for the kill with brute force alone. And kill they do. Mass destruction. Total genocide. It's brutal, but I've heard stuff I like way better. - 7.75 -
  <Ray> **MC7**

BLOOD - Mental Conflicts · Morbid
 As always, this band delivers the extreme heaviness you would expect. Every now and then, they even manage to throw in a little surprise. Very cool. - 8.25- <Ray> **MC9**

BLOOD / PSYCHO - (split) 7" · Ax/ction
 Which do I like more, the extreme Crust / Grind intensity of BLOOD, or the deranged sickness of PSYCHO’s Grind? I can’t pick, since they both kick more ass than you’ve ever seen. Leave it to Ax/ction to be cool enough to put two such extreme heavyweights on one marbled grey 7". Not for the weak of heart. - 9.5 - **MC11**

BLOOD AXIS - Blot-Sacrifice in Sweden (live) · Cold Meat
 This is the second release of the controversial BLOOD AXIS, a band that has been associated with Nazi ideology and racism by more than a few PC fascists out there. Of course, given the imagery and such, it’s easy to believe that they are just your run of the mill skinhead Industrial act. This CD does nothing to dispel that image, beginning with a speech by British Fascist leader, Oswald Mosley. The production on this is fucking incredible for a live recording. The music is very repetitive but has a certain militaristic feeling. The band also incorporates some Celtic influenced Folk bits into their music and it really adds to their sound. The strange thing about this "live recording" is the fact that you can’t hear the audience at all. Between songs, you get howling wolves in the distance, but no people. Regardless of their political ideology, I like this band. Hopefully, they will be able to actually play live here in San Francisco, but after the PC fascists (one of the protesters had a sign that said "no free speech for fascists" - what a bunch of hypocrites!) ruined things, I doubt that they’ll come back. - 9.5 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

BLOOD COVEN - Dark Harmonies · DEMO
 Massively heavy "no bullshit" Death Metal. Don't expect too much experimentation, variation or mutation. This is Death in the early Scream Bloody Gore style, and done nearly as well. Dark Harmonies is for those of us who remember back to the beginning, and haven't "grown tired" of real Death Metal. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLOOD CULT, THE - Night’s Plutonian Shore · Unisound
 "Dark and depressive Gothic Art Metal." Oh man, what’s next? Can’t anyone think of a way to be "dark" that does not involve vampires, or supposedly romantic "Gothic sexuality." And I just don’t see how this is "Metal" in any way. I’m not sure there are even guitars on this album. It’s all very friendly synths over top of simple drums and bass. I’m sure they think the spoken-word vocals are plenty "dark," but really they’re just low-pitched and buried in the mix. Maybe I don’t understand stuff like this, but it just puts me right to sleep. And I mean that in the bad way. - 4 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLOOD FOR BLOOD - Revenge on Society · Victory
 From the initial spoken-word seconds of the first track, I knew that this was going to be a classic. I would quote from the lyrics here, but I’d really have to quote the whole album. These bastards are nice and pissed off about everything, and I couldn’t agree more. Their thick, heavy Hardcore sometimes reminds me a bit of Retaliation era CARNIVORE, and other times of early SICK OF IT ALL (and a little early SUICIDAL TENDENCIES on the track "Shut My Eyes Forever"), and exactly matches the intensity of the lyrics and traditional gruff H.C. vox, while being very well played and catchy at the same time. Victory Records has put out some excellent Hardcore in the last few years, but BLOOD FOR BLOOD are in the elite of even the Victory roster. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLOOD FOR BLOOD - Livin’ in Exile EP · Victory
 Although just as good as the above-reviewed album, this does seem to be somewhat less heavy, perhaps a touch more Punk Rock influenced, and so maybe even more catchy, somehow. And the singer reminds me of Billy Milano, which I think is cool. Plus, their MOTÖRHEAD cover ("Ace of Spades") is included, although it’s not mentioned anywhere. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLOOD FOR BLOOD - Wasted Youth Brew · Victory
"...this next song goes out to the fantasy people out there, it goes out to all the wiggers, all the white people that wear FUBU gear, all the fuckin' MTV faggots who can't stand on their own two fuckin' feet and be fuckin' themselves..." Thus starts the last song (a live version of "Paper Gangster") on this 73+ minute look at the career of BLOOD FOR BLOOD. In fact, the last 11 songs were all recorded live at a show from January, 2001. The sound on the live tracks is excellent, and it's great to finally hear this Hardcore behemoth live, even if they do come off a little more like GANG GREEN than CARNIVORE, at least in the between-song rants. But, although the live show would be plenty of reason to own this CD, it's hardly the only one or even the most compelling. What I found to be the most indispensable part of this release is the first half, which is comprised of tracks from 7-inches, demos, compilations, and one less-than-awesome previously unreleased track (for which the band apologizes in the liner notes: "I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I hear that thing"). These songs include several covers (WRETCHED ONES' great sing-along "Goin' Down the Bar," SLAPSHOT, and DEADBOYS), as well as the cuts from the Hurt You demo, the absolutely incredible "Soulless," and more. If you ask me, this is about as essential as things get - a must buy situation, if you will. - 9.75 - <Ray>

BLOOD FOR BLOOD - Outlaw Anthems · Victory
I would list a few of the more inspirational quotes from this album, but I'd more or less have to transcribe all of the lyrics as well as the between-song rants. Allow me to say instead that the lyrics here are just as antisocial, and in fact anti-everything, as ever, even if the band's sound is perhaps slightly less thick and heavy, and a little more traditionally Punk, than it has been in the past, which is fine with me. They also rerecord their own "A Bitch Called Hope," retitling it "She's Still a Bitch (Called Hope)." This is not quite the flawless album I was hoping for (which is what I get for hoping at all, right?), but it is close. - 9 - <Ray>

BLOOD FROM THE SOIL - To Spite the Gland That Breeds · Earache
 Shane (NAPALM DEATH) Embury's vision of Industrial music combined, possibly for the first time ever, with the clearly Hardcore vocals of SICK OF IT ALL's Lou Koller makes for a very interesting combination. I think it works very well for them and I hope they decide to record again. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

BLOOD OF CHRIST - Blood of Christ · DEMO
 This two song demo is musically and vocally very cool. A mix of Death and Black Metal (nothing new there, but they do a good job of it). However, the production is bad and the level is way too low. I usually don't care about production and recording quality on a demo unless it's either really bad or great. With a good studio (or maybe an engineer or whatever), B.O.C. would be unstoppable. As it is, they are still an evil force. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

BLOOD OF THE DRAGON - Blood of the Dragon · Requiem
 Weird acid dreams washed up onto the shores of desolation. The suffocating insanity of deep space dementia. Hypnotic swarms of pulsating bass with real grooves, pushing their way up through interstellar damnation. Or, as Lemmy might say "a fucking black nightmare." And, no I’m not talking about HAWKWIND. BLOOD OF THE DRAGON very wisely avoid the one thing that would have likely done them in - vocals. This all instrumental disc engulfs the listener in a subdued storm of multilayered aural delights, and is not to be missed. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

BLOOD RITUAL - Cruciform Antithesis · DEMO
 More or less standard Death Metal, with gory, anti-god lyrics. Not bad, but nothing I haven't heard before. - 7.25- <Ray> **MC9**

BLOOD RITUAL - At the Mountains of Madness · DEMO
 I got a really advanced copy of this. It's not even the final mix. But, I can already tell that this is a big improvement over their last demo (see above). The intensity has been turned way up, and Tim's vocals are considerably more interesting. Very brutal, but also more memorable than before. They are developing a more unique sound, which is a really good idea. - 8.25- <Ray> **MC9**

BLOOD RITUAL - At the Mountains of Madness · Moribund
 Cool fucking CD. Sacred geometry gets me hard. These guys support the Church of Satan and the New Satanic Millennium. But unlike many other bands that sing of Satan, these guys are S.E.R.I.O.U.S! (Super Evil Ritualistic Idolaters Of Universal Satanism) The sound of this album is a bit under polished, but totally diseased in the good way. From start to finish, this is well composed and intense. The varying vocals keep it interesting and serve the dynamics well. My only problem is a printing error in the insert that keeps me from accessing all the lyrics. - 9 - <Bob> **MC12**

BLOOD RITUAL - Black Grimoire · Moribund
Without question, the biggest disappointment of 2005. I'm sorry, but I was highly anticipating this long overdue follow up to the classic At the Mountains of Madness, it had only been eight fucking years! At the Mountains... was a ferocious beast of dynamics, heaviness, and sheer demonic power. This album is nothing, absolutely nothing. An exercise in excruciatingly painful boredom brought on by the relentless monotony of nonstop, unmemorable brutality. Yes, it's brutal, the intensity never lets up for a split second, and yes, the lyrics still delve deeper into the pits of Hell than most bands could dream to go. Nevertheless, the end result is forgettable, so god damn forgettable. I gave this album every possible chance to grow on me, most times I ended up dozing off by track three. Maybe they can return to glory with their next album, that is if I haven't died of old age by the time it comes out. - 5 - <Jack>

BLOOD STAINED HOST - Individual Theatre · The Twelfth Planet
 I wouldn’t call this band Doom Metal at all. More like self-pity with fits of music. Very melodic songs stuffed with heavy guitars and strange keyboard tones. The odd thing is that it all fits together to make a very cohesive release. The band is good at arranging the parts for each song. The only thing that distracts me is the vocalist. He growls, he screams, he wails, he sounds like a hollow banshee. It’s not very compatible with the rest of the music in most places. Not horrible but I think I would listen to something else. - 5 - <Gerg> **MC12**

BLOOD STORM - The Atlantean Wardragon · Cacophonous
 This blasting Black Metal is almost all drums and vox. I mean the guitars and bass are there (at least I think there’s a bass) but the drums usually totally overpower everything except the heavily effected vocals. Cut the delay, or double tracking, or whatever it is, just cut it! Or at the very fucking least don’t use it every time there are lyrics! The vox would be good if not for this stupid idea. And the all-wind, all-vocal-effects outtro to the first track: it’s not eerie and it does not sound in any way "evil." "Goofy" is what I thought upon hearing it. When the drums are more simple, that is to say not some kind of blast beat, the guitars have more room in the mix and the music sounds a whole lot better. Too bad that doesn’t happen more often. And too bad about the vocals. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLOODBATH - Breeding Death EP · Century Media
Considering the all-star lineup (Dan Swanö, Anders "Blackheim" Nyström, Mikael Åkerfeldt, and Jonas Renkse), it's hardly surprising that this old-school Death Metal is utter perfection. But what is a little surprising, is that after years of moving away form this style (by both the label and bands), Century Media would release this. It's a real return to the label's early glory days of UNLEASHED, ASPHYX, and GRAVE, and I say it's about time! This is the way it should be done, my friends, and hopefully this won't prove to be a one-time project - I need more BLOODBATH! - 10 - <Ray>

BLOODBATH - Resurrection Through Carnage · Century Media
When an album moves your soul like it hasn't been moved in years, it's hard to find the right words to translate the feeling. Add to that the trials of filtering the hatred I'll experience when I read the multitude of reviews writing this off as merely a decent, retro Death, just-for-fun gag. Well, sorry Terrorizer, your NILEs and DILLINGERs can't hold a fucking candle to BLOODBATH's simplistic mastery of the not-so-ancient art. (Death Metal never died, the labels and the writers just jumped onto a more prosperous bandwagon.) Metalheads take note, the modern day Reign in Blood is upon us. I'm not even going to go into the members that comprise this project. If you don't know, you don't matter. This LP is a little different from the classic Breeding Death EP. The musicianship is upped a notch, that is to say the riffs are a tad more complex, and there are actually a couple solos, albeit they are in the vein of the spastic fretboard-slaughter variety a la DEICIDE's first album. So, it's not quite the same first-listen flooring as the EP, but after a week, I was twice as addicted. This album, more so than the EP, embraces the old Swedish sound that bands like ENTOMBED, GRAVE, and DISMEMBER brought to life in the early '90s, and it's none more evident than on the album's standout opener "Ways to the Grave." Layered in the Sunlight sound with one of the most diabolical melodies ever recorded, this song begins the journey, with the best vocalist in Metal today as your guide. Before you can pick up your jaw, up next is "So You Die," with a chorus so infectious your grandma would growl along, and "Mass Strangulation," with an opening riff almost BURZUMesque in its misanthropic flow. The heart of the album then forges on with unparalleled intensity and dynamics leading up to the final two cuts, the chunky groove-laden "Like Fire," and the apocalyptic closer, "Cry My Name." By the end of this sinister opus, you're drenched in sweat, your jaw's sore from grinding your teeth, and you're twitching from the adrenaline rush you've just endured. It's almost as if you become this album. Death Metal has never sounded this alive. -10- <Jack>

BLOODBATH - Nightmares Made Flesh · Century Media
You know, for about ten minutes into my first listen, I admit I was a tad concerned about the direction these Old School Death Metal immortals were heading in. With the addition of the dude from WITCHERY on drums, and the loss of the greatest Death Metal vocalist of all time, it'd have been impossible to not worry a little. And while it may be immediately evident that the "brutality comes through simplicity" mentality that the band was founded on has been slightly compromised by the addition of way more blasting, much faster speeds, more technical playing, and a lot more solos, I have a really hard time seeing the rationale of a blast beat and some showmanship being hindrances. By the second spin, I was doing the backing growls for the chorus of "Brave New Hell." Peter Tagtgren gives his most brutal vocal performance since the Inferior Devoties EP, proving the only way to replace a legend is with another legend. Speaking of legends, I suppose I was a little foolish in my doubt when you consider the involvement of the KATATONIA connection, as Nystrom and Renske have yet to touch anything that did not turn to gold. Oh yeah, and there's some guy named Dan Swanö on guitars. The elder Gods are still revered, as the feel of classic ENTOMBED is rich throughout the album, and when they do choose to grind, the intensity is in league with NAPALM DEATH. The diabolically evil-sounding high note melodies found on tracks like "Cancer of the Soul" and "Outnumbering the Day" also bring to mind echoes of NECROPHOBIC's debut masterpiece, The Nocturnal Silence, and I'd be willing to wager any amount that no other Death Metal song this year will come close to the infectious catchiness or all-out heaviness of the deliciously deranged "Eaten." The domestic version of this release contains two pre-Breeding Death demo tracks that serve to showcase that even through just a couple of raw mics, BLOODBATH kick more ass than the leading brand. Long live BLOODBATH. Long live Death. - 9.75 - <Jack>

BLOODCHURN - Ravenous Consumption · Unmatched Brutality
Slightly underproduced, fast Death Metal from Mississippi that bores to fucking tears. Dude, it’s called a vocal pattern. Listen to CANNIBAL CORPSE’s The Bleeding or anything by DEICIDE and notice how the vocals are structured to or around the riffs. Yes, riffs, the heart of the Death Metal anatomy, the engine of the Death Metal vehicle. Come up with better riffs and then pattern the vocals to or around them. It will work. People will actually remember how the songs go, I promise. And while I’ve turned this review into an instruction manual, could Death Metal bands please stop dedicating their albums to Douchebag Darrell? Douchebag Darrell gave less than a shit about Death Metal because there is no money in that genre. How about Chuck Schuldiner or Mieszko Talarczyk, the recent actual tragedies. The saddest thing about Abbott’s death is the wasted bullet. - 6.5 - <Jack>

BLOODHAG - Necrotic Bibliophilia · Rock and Roleplay
Here we have a good example of a band reaching a little too deep for a theme. Hoping to become the MACABRE of the librarian circuit, Seattle’s BLOODHAG have devoted 100% of their subject matter to their favorite authors. So much so that they actually name their songs after the literary figures, with the lyrical content for the tracks being information about that particular writer and/or critique of their works. A bit puzzled? Yes, I think you’re supposed to be. Look, I love a good book as much as anyone, and it’s good to know that Metalheads can still read, but it just comes off as odd, and honestly, flat-out lame. Maybe if they’d put more into making the music innovative and unique I could get into it more, but this is pretty middle-of-the-road Death/Grind with a touch of Thrash, and it doesn’t quite get the blood flowing. I appreciate and sympathize with an extreme band trying to say something other than the same old same-old, but that understanding doesn’t make this any less annoying. I wish BLOODHAG all the best of luck in their quest to globalize Dewey Decimal Core, but I think I’ll make the bold move and avoid the bandwagon. - 6.5 - <Jack>

BLOODLET - Entheogen · Victory
 The Victory label is well known for quality Hardcore, and BLOODLET is certainly no exception to that. However, they do incorporate some slower tempos and an untraditionally heavy guitar tone into their sound. I think these things help to give them an individual sound, but some may be put off by such "innovations." - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLOODLET - The Seraphim Fall · Victory
 As always, BLOODLET delivers a slower, heavier version of Hardcore. Actually, I’m tempted to not call this Hardcore, but I’m not exactly sure what other term to use. They seem to be more influenced by Sludge bands like GRIEF, but without all the noise and excess feedback, than by WARZONE or whoever. In any case, BLOODLET have a unique sound, & this disc is packed full of their massive tunes. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLOODLET - Three Humid Nights in the Cypress Trees · Victory
The reformed BLOODLET is back to kick our asses with their unique, and sometimes too-weird, version of Hardcore. But occasionally things just get too strange, with the different vocal styles and even constantly mutating riffs. The Steve Albini production is suitably think and dirty, and even powerful, but it makes this whole thing feel Sludgy, like GRIEF, maybe. The majority of this album is great, but there are moments of... insanity. - 8 - <Ray>

THE BLOODLINE - Opium Hearts · Last Episode / Serenades
Considering that former PYOGENESIS member Roman Schoemsee is in this band, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had really hated the last couple PYOGENESIS albums, so I put this in the player with the idea that it probably would be no good. But after hearing it, I'm sort of mixed. It is Doomy, I suppose. The press release says "Gothic Metal," and I'd go along with that. But, despite the harsh vocals, this really could be heavier. The acoustic guitars and keyboards (neither of which is always present) "lighten" things up too much sometimes. Maybe they're just trying too hard to create "atmosphere." Maybe it's the drum machine. But remember, I'm not machine-o-phobic! I'm not sure what the problem here is. But something just isn't quite right. Still, this is an interesting album, and everything does seem to come together just right in a few places closer to the end of the disc. A minute or so of the song "Bloodline" is excellent, for example. So, the real problem here might seriously be that I don't have the necessary time to listen to things 15 times before I review them (once again, count the number of reviews before commenting). - 8.25 - <Ray>

BLOODOLINE - Storm & Brilliance · Panik Terror Musik
Basic, boring Black Metal with awful vocals. No focus or character whatsoever, just mindlessly screaming into the mic. My cat snores with more zeal. - 5 - <Jack>

BLOODSHED - Skullcrusher EP · Code 666
Recorded once again at Sunlight Studios, the considerably upped level of brutality is immediately evident with Skullcrusher. The approach here places more emphasis on Death Metal than Black Metal this time around, and it definitely works to BLOODSHED's advantage. These four tracks are heavier, faster, and more aggressive than those on the Laughter of Destruction demo. Glenn's vocals are deeper and more sinister as well. In fact, the overall production is more polished and effective especially where the drumming and guitar riffs are concerned. BLOODSHED seem to be improving exponentially. Their debut album should be nothing short of brilliant. - 9.25 - <Painkiller>

BLOODSTAR - Anytime - Anywhere  · Red Decibel
 Industrial/Techno (as in technology, rather than technical) /Death. Far more harsh than MINISTRY or NIN, BLOODSTAR are the vanguards of this new style. Effortlessly combining elements of many genres together to create their own sound. Amazing and breathtaking. Favorite song: "The Gift of God." - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

BLOODSTORM - Pestilence from the Dragonstar · Soul Sold
Well, this is a clear improvement over their debut, The Atlantean Wardragon. BLOODSTORM has sort of controlled their earlier Black Metal chaos, but there is still plenty of speed and intensity here. However, there is also somewhat of an older, raw feeling to this recording, which I like. - 7.75 - <Ray>

BLOODTHORN - In the Shadow of Your Black Wings · Season of Mist
 BLOODTHORN integrate their Black Metal with keyboards and female vocals so seamlessly that it seems as if it could be no other way. They also wisely keep the tempo under control, which adds a strong Doom element to their impressive sound. That and the long duration of the songs helps to add to the "epic" feel of this disc. Hopefully we’ll be hearing more from BLOODTHORN soon. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

BLOODTHORN - Onwards into Battle · Season of Mist
Welcome to part two of the BLOODTHORN saga. Onwards into Battle continues the story started on BLOODTHORN's first release In the Shadow of Your Black Wings. This is the story of a mighty king who leads his faithful army to war against an unfathomable evil, which dwells within Tower Bloodthorn. This story is presented in the form of a masterpiece of symphonic Black Metal the likes of which you've never heard before. From the opening track, BLOODTHORN draws you in and floods your senses with a whirlwind of cascading guitar melodies, raspy Black Metal vocals, thundering drums, and atmospheric keyboard passages. Ethereal female vocals drift into the music to add a haunting yet beautiful dimension. Each aspect of the music seems to enhance another. For instance, the guitars and keyboards complement one another instead of one overwhelming the other. The male and female vocals blend quite well. And neither the drums nor the bass are buried in the production. Each instrument is produced with striking clarity. There's really no point in trying to compare BLOODTHORN to any other band. I've never heard anything quite like this; it's more than just mere music. This is a listening experience that will stay with you long after the music stops. The saga doesn't end with Onwards into Battle, there are yet more tales to be told... - 9.25 - <Painkiller>

BLOODTHORN - Under the Reign of Terror · Red Stream
This Norse horde is back again for their third full-length release (they also have a split Vs. album with …AND OCEANS), and when you compare it to their previous two discs, this is almost a complete 180 degree turn from what they were doing before. They've gone from being an epic, atmospheric Black Metal band to being a brutal as fuck quasi-atmospheric Death Metal band - and it kicks fucking ass, too! The guitars are thick and powerful, the drumming is tight and as far as production qualities go, this is some seriously awesome sounding shit. When the synth kicks in, there is an element of atmosphere, but you can clearly tell that the intention was to keep the keyboards in the background this time around. This is a guitar based album, not a keyboard-heavy one. There are some sound effects between songs that sort of connect all of the tracks, but I'm not really sure if there is a significance to them or not. Yes, the sounds of people screaming and shit getting shot up and explosions sound cool, but is there a purpose? I guess I'm going to have to read the lyrics again to see if there's a theme... There is even a cover of MAYHEM's "Deathcrush," and though it seems a bit out of place on this album, it does sound pretty good (when compared to the original). I thought, however, that they could have tweaked it out a bit more and made it more of a BLOODTHORN sounding song than sticking so closely to the original. All in all, a very solid release by a very talented band. - 9.5 - <Ychoril>

BLOODY MARY - Blood and Distortion · DEMO
 This demo has several good points: 1.awesome guitar sound, 2.excellent recording, and 3.interesting songs. Conversely, it has at least one bad point (possibly two): the mix is sort of bad, the vocals are too loud. Also I could see people having a problem with The Chainsaw's vocals. I kinda like 'em, though. Sort of yelled, but not monotone [and not like how Sean Killian (VIO-LENCE) is not monotone]. All things considered, this is one demo that you should have. And if they continue to improve at this rate, by about three more demos (or whatever) they will be in the top ten bands in the world. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC5**

BLOODY MARY - Live · DEMO
 This is really good for a live recording. The "feel" of actually being there comes across very well. BLOODY MARY play emotional, heavy Thrash and, apparently, with the addition of new singer, Randy Robinson, they are at their best live. His vocals are effective and harsh, without being too raw for the music. This is a band to watch out for and you should check this tape out. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

BLOODY MARY - Bitch Needs Psychotherapy · DEMO
 BLOODY MARY is a Thrash band with an attitude and a groove. This four song demo is completely and totally flawless, despite its few flaws. What's that supposed to mean? Just that Randy's vocals are one with the music, which flows so freely as to lock the listener into its embrace- Syrn-like (minus the rocks!). This is not extremely heavy (although it is heavy), nor is it exceptionally fast (although it's not without speed). What it is, is extremely memorable Thrash, played and recorded to a high standard. Awesome. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

BLOODY MARY - Blood Core · DEMO
 A little heavier than their fucking awesome Bitch Needs. demo, this is the best thing BLOODY have ever done. Still just as memorable as ever, but more intense. This is just amazing. Perhaps a little of the groove was lost, but not much - and it's been replaced by the increased Hardcore (Bloodcore, I mean) element which nuclear powers this Thrash onslaught. You will submit to the Core of Blood. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

BLOODY MARY - Five Years of Blood... · Blood Core
 Long time readers of Metal Curse will know how much I like this band. Their "Blood Core" held the Thrash flag of hate high when everyone was jumping on the Death bandwagon, or selling out and dying off. This CD compiles their Blood Core and Bitch Needs Psychotherapy demos, along with some extra studio work, and parts of a radio appearance. Inspirational work from a band that never gave a fuck what anyone thought, and did things their way. I can only hope that this is not the end of BLOODY MARY. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

BLOODY MESS & THE SKABS - Bloody Mess & the Skabs 7" · Mephisto
 Cool intro. Musically, I would describe this band by taking a quote from LAWNMOWER DETH: "Punk as Fuck." This is excellent stuff. The production is bad, the songs are pretty basic, the lyrics are offensive, and the artwork was done by serial a serial killer. Now, understand, I like the lyrics and the cover, but I guess I can understand how some people could find them offensive. So to those people I say "Fuck you!" The production flaws and the simplicity of the songs are, for once, very important to the sound. Punk is not about being an awesome guitarist or recording at Morrisound. This is it. This is the real shit. If you can deal with this much reality, then check this out. BLOODY MESS & THE SKABS have an album out too, so when you ask about this, check for that also. And remember, you were warned. Favorite song: "Cigarette on the Clit." - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

BLOODY MESS & THE SKABS - Empty 7" · Black & Blue
 You certainly know about the poster that comes with this 7", which was drawn by Kenneth Bianchi (The Hillside Strangler), so I won't mention it. These five songs are a bit slower, and less frantic than I expected. Well, Bloody always does like to throw me a curve. I like "Gay Party Favorite" the best, but the others are pretty great, too. The SKABS' Punk sound is probably too pure for most, but not me. I think Bloody may just be a genius - or insane. What the fuck ever you guys call it out there. - 9.25- <Ray> **MC8**

BLOODY MESS & THE SKABS - Hung Over and Stoned · Black & Blue
 Bloody Mess clearly has balls the size of the moon. The title track is a SKABified Country number, and that's a fuckin' nervy move if you ask me. It's