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

Review Archive: T - U

T.A.R. - Fear of Life · Heathendoom / T.A.R.
All I can say about this release is that it’s based on episodes in life that are very real. Before you get to the lyrics in the liner notes, you first come across this story about someone I assume is in the band, and he goes on and on with this story of his life and how certain events in his life have brought him to this point as a struggling writer. So, he chooses to write about how fucked up and evil things seem to be in life for anyone. Those writings are what ultimately became this album. It’s almost comparable to W.A.S.P.’s Crimson Idol. The music has some fairly good riffs, the drums are heavy and the vocalist resembles Dee Snider in his tone and style. A typical Metal piece, until you really read into what motivates it. - 8.75 - <ANG> **MC11** [accidentally originally reviewed under the band name "FEAR OF LIFE"]

T.A.R. - Tar and Feathers for the Millennium EP · Heathendoom
I must first apologize to both T.A.R. and Heathendoom for the confusion last issue, wherein this band was erroneously referred to by the name of their debut album, Fear of Life. I’ve told the writing staff to lay off the crack when reviewing stuff, so maybe that sort of cock up won’t happen again. But I guess I wouldn’t count on it. Anyway, on to the review: T.A.R. is unique - it’s very difficult to pin them down to a single style, or even a range of styles. It’s always heavy guitar driven Metal with sometimes less or more groove. The merging of different styles occasionally makes them seem like geniuses, while other times idiots. It’s interesting, and I can certainly see why they think it’s a good idea - and it probably is. But it’s also an idea that falls flat sometimes. I’m torn on this one. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

T-NAILED - Drown · DSFA
Horrible Alternative Techno distorted vox crap. - 1 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TY TABOR - Moonflower Lane · Metal Blade
Very happy Pop for KING’S X (Ty’s band) fans only. - 5 - <ANG> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TAD - 8-Way Santa · Sub Pop
First of all, I don’t know what the title is supposed to mean. I could guess... I think I’ll leave it to your imaginations. Anyway, TAD is a strange band. Sometimes they sound like a watered down Hardcore band, sometimes they sound like DRAMARAMA (how many of you know how they are?), or some other Rockish New Wave. Some of the songs are memorable and interesting and a couple are even powerful and actually cool, like "Jinx," "Stumblin’ Man" and "Candi." The rest are simply not for me. This band does a lot of different things. So be warned, TAD is not for everyone. - 7 - <Ray>
{I don’t know a lot about TAD except that they got in some trouble over the original cover art for this album, which was a pretty old photo of some guy with his hand on his girl’s boobs. Apparently the chick in question, now much older and more into god, somehow saw the album and freaked out, since the band didn’t have her permission to use her image - the band had found the photo in a coat or suitcase or something, that they had gotten from Goodwill... Anyway, they were forced to change the cover. That and that they were always searching for the exact right tone to make people shit themselves.} **MC4**

TAD - Inhaler · Giant / Mechanic
Surprisingly good production, thanks to DINOSAUR JR.'s J. Mascis, but this is, for the most part, a little more refined than I was expecting. I thought TAD were the guys who wanted to find the magic bass tone which makes one's bowels release. Oh well, still not a bad album. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

TAD MOROSE - Sender of Thoughts · Black Mark
Anyone for a little traditional Power Metal in the vein of HELLOWEEN or GAMMA RAY, but with extensive keyboards? As you might expect, the band's writing and playing skills are stellar, and they even do a pretty good cover of "Gates of Babylon," but this falls short of being in the same league as the aforementioned masters. - 8 - <Ray> **MC10**

TAD MOROSE - Paradigma EP · Black Mark
This is a bit slower and heavier than their Sender... LP, and it sounds somewhat more natural for them. There are some weird parts, such as some of the vocals in "Where Dreams Collide," but mostly this is an improvement. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

TAD MOROSE - Reflections · Black Mark
Well, this starts nice and heavy. But that evaporates when the singing starts, and T.M. settles into their usual Power Metal. But there are parts of this that are really inspired, such as the little bursts of double bass in the second track (sorry, I can't make out the first four song titles since they're printed in black on a black background...), and they really make it for me. - 8 - <Ray>

TAD MOROSE - Undead · Century Media
Their first album for Century Media (but I believe their fifth overall) sees TAD MOROSE staying the course with their well done traditional Power Metal. - 8 - <Ray>

TAETRE - The Art · Diehard
TAETRE would seem to be a new kind of Crossover band. Crossover from new-style Black Metal to Thrash to traditional Metal. I’m not sure if they’re just trying to cover all the bases or if they’re geniuses. But the result of their efforts is awesome: The Art really is just that. Plus one of the guys is wearing a MOTÖRHEAD shirt in the band photo. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

TAKODA - Takoda II · DEMO
The heavy Groove of bands like KYUSS comes to mind, but TAKODA take that a bit further into the Thrash arena, and for some reason they remind me of DEATH ANGEL. Their bio describes them as "brutally aggressive," and although that's really not true (to me DERANGED is brutally aggressive), compared to other bands of the same type, I guess they are fairly brutal. Other outstanding qualities must include the great production and the technical ability of the band. I'm looking forward to hearing more from them. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

TALAS - If Only We Knew Then... · Metal Blade
I’m not sure how many Metal Curse readers will care about the reunion of this venerable Progressive Hard Rock band, but I’m just glad to see that Billy Sheehan is still alive. Honestly this is pretty light weight stuff (although very energetic), but man if you’re not impressed by the playing on here (especially Billy’s ever-awesome basswork), then you must be dead or deaf. And the songs are all really catchy. I found myself liking this for a lot more than just the impressive basslines. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

TALES OF DARKNORD - Obliteration Allegory · Mortal Dreams
Every time I review a Russian band, I notice that their members are technical masters of their instruments. These guys must practice nonstop. The playing and writing on this album is absolutely flawless. Their unique style blends some Thrash with Black Metal and Doom, but their production and vocals cement them into Death Metal. This gives them an original sound and constantly changing style, which usually delivers very catchy songs, but sometimes not. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

TANGRYCAN - Signing the Flare Up Fires · Counter Attack
After some ambience, the Black / War Metal kicks in. It’s fast & intense. So far all is well. But the vox are all wrong. Rather than sounding tortured or tormented, they break the cardinal Metal rule and sound stupid - maybe like a muppet on crack, and since this guy never shuts up, that pretty much ruins things. - 6 - <Ray> **MC11**

TARANTULA HAWK - s/t · Life Is Abuse
About as cool as you’d think a band with this gay of a name would be. These guys are an all-instrumental band. I know, try to contain your excitement. These arrangements are pretty experimental, primarily driven by keyboards and swirling bass lines. One minute they’ll sound Metal, then space out to some psychedelic drone, go total Prog, and then out of nowhere hit you with a wall of rampant noise. Originality they’ve achieved for sure, however, my interest eludes them. Highly recommended for those in search of something different, weird, or unusual. - 5.75 - <Jack>

TARTAROS - The Grand Psychotic Castle EP · Necropolis
After some synth torture (did this idiot first see a keyboard 5 seconds before recording this crap?), the actual songs start. They’re better than the intro, but this attempt at Black Metal is neither haunting, energetic, nor very interesting. Not the worst I’ve ever heard, though. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

TARATOS - The Red Jewel · Necropolis
Hey, what a cool intro! Yes, I'm kidding. Chanting and keyboards might have been eerie 50 years ago, but I really don't need 2:15 of it to "set the mood" for the very fast, sleep-inducing boredom that follows. Speed is great. Evil is great. I have long since learned to deal with keyboards. But I've heard this all before, and better. I'll admit that this does have its moments, but really it's nothing special. - 7.5 - <Ray>

TAUNTED - Taunted · DEMO
Kinda old-style sounding Thrash, complete with melodic, occasionally high pitched, vocals. Only two songs, but both are good, and the production is excellent. If you're still interested in this sound, they are very good at it, and this is worth checking out. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

TAUNTED - Taunted II · DEMO
Basically in the same vein as their first demo, these guys deliver solid Thrash. The sung vocals may seem old fashioned to some, but would probably appeal to those among us who like such things as ANTHRAX. Not bad, with some very interesting parts, but I don't like all the repetition of the title at the end of "Body of Lead." I'm kinda weird like that. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

TAXIDERMIST - Chambers of Desecration · DEMO
Matt does everything himself, and with that in mind this is pretty accomplished. His vox sound sorta like the dude from BROKEN HOPE, so I can't make out what he's saying at all, but I'll bet it's got to do with dead, rotting people and the Devil. Two things would help him out considerably: A better sound (which I know is difficult on a limited budget, and especially by yourself), and better lyrics (which is easy). Not bad, but certainly not the best. Totally cool cover, though. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

TCH - Sinflower · Darkwave
Almost an hour of Ambient background music. If I ever make a film (other than pornos, I mean), I might consider using some of this stuff on the soundtrack. The weird thing is that there are occasionally drums, which sort of mess up the "ambient" vibe. I suppose I sort of like it, in an insane kind of way. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

TEARS FROM THE SKY - Power Symbol · Life Sentence
Very well done Metalcore from these fired up Canucks. Breakdowns, ‘80s Thrash Metal riffing, Gothenberg-style melodicism, okay so maybe it’s nothing you haven’t heard before. Still, it’s done well and that’s what counts. Vocally there is a variance of screaming styles, but occasionally the singer will belt out a Chuck Billyesque howl ("Angel’s Dance") that takes a little getting used to, but I’m there already after just a handful of spins. Fans of everything from ATREYU to EIGHTEEN VISIONS to DARKEST HOUR will consider this a worthwhile addition. - 9 - <Jack>

TEARS OF CHRIST - Within My Forgotten Woods of Mystery 7" · Maggot
Raw, fast and demonic, this Black Metal assault is everything but memorable. A better production would help immensely, but they might not want one. Still, not bad. - 7.75 - **MC11**

TELLURIUM - LV426 · Root-o-Evil
Guitar driven Industrial / Techno, with gruff vocals. I wasn’t going to make fun of this homoeroticism until the second song kicked in [Why not?!? -Ed.], but even Michael Jackson would bitch slap these boy-lovers and call them pussies. What the fuck was Earl Root thinking when he signed these embarrassing fruit-booties? - 1 - <Ray> **MC12**

TEMPER - Severed · DEMO
Any listener would have to be impressed by this band's skill in both songwriting and playing. Their style is a Hardcore / Thrash crossover, in some ways reminding me of FORCED ENTRY. Every once in awhile they submit to a bad riff or slightly overdriven vocals, but this is mostly on target. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

TEMPERANCE - Hypnoparatized · DEMO
Incredible Deathrash with some Doomish elements. The production is great, as are the songs. Musically varied and intricate, yet memorable. I just can't say enough good things about this band. Get this. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

TEMPERANCE - Promo '96 · DEMO
I'm glad to finally hear some new stuff from my friends in TEMPERANCE.. This is very angry Death / Thrash, with some Hardcore influences. I'm in same ways reminded of COMECON's Fable Frolic or MORGOTH's Feel Sorry for the Fanatic, so this is a bit of a change from their earlier stuff, but it's still intense, especially the sometimes out-of-control vocals. Let's hear more soon! - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

TEMPESTAS - Clandestine Ways · DEMO
The vocals sound like PUNGENT STENCH, and are mixed too high. The music is occasionally complex Deathrash. Generally speaking, nothing too memorable, although some parts are technically impressive. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

TENDENCIA - No Mercy · DEMO
Although the sound isn't the best, it's not too bad (I was warned that it would be), and the songs are well written and played, memorable Thrashy Death. There are some supporting keyboards here and there, as well as clean and screamed vocals (in addition to the growled kind) to ensure that TENDENCIA rise above the crowd. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

TENDENCIA - Brutal Reality · DEMO
This is a little slower and heavier (perhaps it’s more solidly older style Death Metal) than their No Mercy demo, and the songs seem to stick with me a bit more this time, too. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

TENDER FURY - If Anger Were Soul, I'd be James Brown · Triple X
Alternative. Sometimes almost Dancy Alternative. I'm occasionally reminded of THE CURE, but usually it's a bit harder than that. But not always. All eleven songs are strange, and I think, at least in part, that's exactly what was wanted. This is pretty out there for me, but it's easily listenable and could appeal to someone with a really wide range of influences. Of course it might be worth getting so that when your girlfriend's over, you have something mellower than CARNAGE for her. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

TERATA - Mourning Glory · DEMO
A fairly "clean" sounding recording helps here. Songwise, this is pretty standard, but a bunch of fun to hear. Each song is distinct, but nothing really pushes them above the huge Death crowd. Improvements could be made, but this is pretty cool. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

TERATA - Triumvirate · DEMO
This is a brand of Death in the vein of DEICIDE, but better. They have some really cool guitar parts in places, but then in the next part they suffer from Blast beat overdose. The song "Prelude to Purgatory" has a small Groove part. Groove in Death Metal? Never! I'm waiting to see what direction they go with their next tape. This is good, brutal Death, with raw vocals, but there is room for improvement. They are off to a good start, though. - 7.5 - <Darrell> **MC8**

TERMINAL DESCENT - Mortuary... / Abysmal... / Slaughtering... · DEMO (CDs)
I have nothing against self produced, solo projects per se, but these discs point out the one true danger of this form of expression: With no one else to work with, there is no one to tell you that you sound like crap! This kid, and he must still be in high school, gets some credit for initiative, but he’s come up with an almost comically unlistenable collection of abysmally repetitive drivel. I hate when non-drummers try to program drum machines, and from a guitar player’s point of view, please, oh please, get off the rhythm pickup setting & learn how to solo in key. I’m sure that your friends tell you how cool this is when you play it for them, but out here in the real world (where musicians actually interact with each other) this junk just won’t cut it. And lastly, I liked the logo better when MORBID ANGEL used it. - 2 - <Brainhammer / Doktor Necrosis> **MC12**

TERMINAL GRACE - We’re Crushing Your Head · DEMO
OK, first the bad stuff (to get it out of the way): all the songs are on one side (side 2 is blank!) and the guys didn’t print their names anywhere (so we can’t tell who’s in the band). That’s all! Now for the cool stuff: a lyric sheet, a thank you list, a cover that would make Pushead shit his pants & most importantly five death-dealing songs. The songs are: "Carnage," "Spectral Exile" (my personal favorite), the instrumental "Third Song On The Tape," the S.O.D. tribute "Blobot" & "Vengeance is Mine." Their sound is all their own, it must be heard to be believed. What else can I say?! Get a copy of this demo or you will surely die of un-coolness. <Ray> **MC1**

TERMINUS - Creations · Stinkfist
Occasionally these guys really impress me with their very well-played Thrashy Death, and that's enough to elevate them above the masses. A unique musical identity is difficult enough to achieve, but TERMINUS are not afraid to do some experimenting with tempo, dynamics, and songwriting, but they never forget to keep the songs heavy and memorable. That's a damn tough combination to beat. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

TERRA COTTA - Terra Cotta · DEMO
Groovy "tough guy Metal" from Canada. Not the worst I’ve ever heard, but who cares? - 5 - <Ray> **MC12**

TERRA FIRMA - Terra Firma · The Music Cartel
More Stoner Rock. Emphasis on "Rock," as this isn’t exactly heavy, and the vocals can be pretty annoying at times. However, the playing is great, and the songs are sort of catchy. After repeated listens, this sort of grew on me... - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

TERROR SQUAD - The Wild Stream of Eternal Sin · World Chaos
This ultra-intense Thrash seems more inspired by various Grind bands than it does KREATOR or DARK ANGEL. The music is kept fairly simple so that the ferocity level stays nuclear at all times, but for all the balls out aggression, the songs are still really memorable, and after a couple listens, I was already screaming along. - 8 - <Ray>

TERROR THRONE - Rehearsal 97 · DEMO
When I heard that my friend Robert Campos, the sickest bastard alive, had a band, I wasted no time contacting him about it. Long time sickos should remember his zine Pagan Pages, which actually used to be called Terror Throne. So upon discovering that the band was named after the zine, I knew that everything would once again be well with this fucked-up world. And so it is. Of course, the "production" of rehearsal tapes is nonexistent, but to be honest, this doesn’t sound all that bad. In fact it sounds better than quite a few demos I have that were supposedly recorded in studios. And considering that T.T. play Unholy Black Metal Art, this raw sound is sort of natural. But, despite that, I’d really like to hear what this material would sound like recorded in a quality studio. There are still some fairly obvious rough edges to this, but that’s also what "rehearsal" means, and the evil energy and passion are there in abundance. Hail Victory! - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

TESTAMENT - Souls of Black · Atlantic/Megaforce
How many of you remember when TESTAMENT was still LEGACY? Or even remember the first two TESTAMENT albums? Well, if you don’t, I think you should. TESTAMENT is a classic case of "only selling out a little." They used to be a lot heavier and faster, then someone told them that they would become the next METALLICA if they wrote a song like "The Ballad," so they did. They also mellowed out a bit, too. Now then, if you compare Souls of Black to The Legacy you will see a striking difference in the vocal delivery as well as the overall tone of the music. To be more fair to TESTAMENT, I will try not to think about what they used to sound like and only compare this LP against Practice What You Preach, I guess that’s what they want you to do. With that in mind, this LP is not too bad, it’s still pretty heavy and the vocals are occasionally very aggressive and formidable. There is another slow one, "The Legacy" (that’s an odd title for the slow song, don’t you think?), which is actually quite good. This LP is impressive and diverse. - 8.5 - <Ray>
{After continuing their plummet into commercial radio-friendliness, TESTAMENT one day just wised up and got rid of guitarist Alex Skolnick, replacing him with James Murphy (temporarily, of course), and all of a sudden learned the lesson I had been trying to teach them for a long time: don’t be sissified wimps! They released the album Low to confused, but happy, fans, and then after a strange live album, came back strong with the monstrous Demonic. Who would have ever thought that one day I would again sing the praises of TESTAMENT? Anything can happen in this insane world, my friends.} **MC3**

TESTAMENT - Low · Atlantic
This is the best that TESTAMENT has sounded in s long time. They should have gotten rid of Skolnick after the first album. Of course James Murphy joined after most of this was recorded, so he had apparently little to do with the vastly increased heaviness of this record. If you liked their first album, the stone classic The Legacy, but gave up on them shortly thereafter (as I did), then you may want to check this out. It's maybe their second best. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

TESTAMENT - Live at the Fillmore · Burnt Offerings
TESTAMENT have always been better live, so this is a natural thing to do for the first release on their very own label. Yes, you'll notice that they're no longer on Atlantic. The sound quality is as good as you're gonna find on any live album, and they actually play some old songs, but not "Over the Wall," which is their best song ever. Uhh, then there are the 3 "bonus" acoustic tracks at the end of the disc. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

TESTAMENT - Demonic · Mayhem
First of all, is that really Chuck Billy doing these brutally awesome vocals? According to the liner notes it is. This album really proves that TESTAMENT has come a long way since the eighties. I felt the same way about their previous release, Low, but after listening to this newest work I feel it has topped that album by far. This CD is made complete with phenomenal vocal brutality, strong lyricism and kick ass guitar riffs. The most powerful release in TESTAMENT’s history. - 9.75 - <ANG> **MC11**

TESTAMENT - The Gathering · Spitfire / Burnt Offerings
Can TESTAMENT ever get a stable lineup? This time Chuck and Eric have convinced James Murphy to come back after his one album absence on Demonic, as well as recruiting Steve DiGiorgio on bass, and none other than Dave Lombardo on drums. If any drummer could hope to follow Gene Hoglan, Dave can do it. And does. This album is not quite as thoroughly heavy as the aforementioned Demonic, but it does seem to recall their earliest Thrash roots a touch more, even in Chuck’s singing (okay, not their earliest roots with the vox, since Chuck wasn’t in the band yet) to some degree. This really seems to have captured their live aggression, while preserving a sense of their more melodic tendencies, or at least as melodic as they were by Souls of Black or Practice What You Preach. I only wish my advance review copy would have come with a lyric sheet so I could more easily sing along. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

TESTAMENT - First Strike Still Deadly · Burnt Offerings / Spitfire
Maybe I'm nuts (and I likely am), but I really can understand why a band might want to rerecord some of their old songs. I'm not sure that TESTAMENT needed to do so, but I will say that I like these newly recorded versions. Do I like them better than the originals? Really I don't know... But this is sure a lot cooler to have and listen to than yet another "Greatest Hits" collection. I think TESTAMENT has at least two or three of those already. - 8.25 - <Ray>

TEXTURES - Polars · Listenable
I don’t get the new ABORTED MCD (The Haematobic EP) to review from Listenable, but I do get this, which is close, since it’s a plastic abortion. ABORTED, abortion - no, I guess that’s not really close enough at all. - 2 - <Ray>

THALARION - Tales of the Woods... Thus Was Written · Mighty
From the song titles, and lyrics, I’d have thought that this would be 100% really depressing Doom, but some faster tempos and growled vocals make this a strange hybrid of styles. There are times when this really works, sections of songs that are utterly brilliant. But there are also places that don’t, and can make things seem sort of thrown together. A little more time to perfect their craft could well see THALRION achieve greatness. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

THANATOPSIS - A View of Death · DEMO
This is impressive. Extremely brutal and fast. THANATOPSIS is Death Metal on speed. Tim's vox are raw, yet have a degree of understandability to them. The music is technically brutal and very memorable. A View of Death is one of the best demos I've heard so far. However, the lyrics would have been a cool addition. I would pick a favorite song but all four are godslayers. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC5**

THANATOS - Realm of Ecstasy · Cargo/ Shark
Very cool Death Band. Enough originality to keep my attention and enough brutality to make me want to kill (actually a lot more than that - I always want to kill). Nothing too fancy, but they get the job done. No weird, experimental wimpy shit. Just solid, evil Death. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

THANATOS - Emerging from the Netherworlds · Hammerheart / Unveiling the Wicked
Hell yes! Cheers to Hammerheart / Unveiling the Wicked for reissuing this classic album! Originally released on Shark records, all the way back in 1990, this Death / Thrash masterpiece has been completely remastered, and features 8 bonus tracks! Now, this is how to properly re-release something! - 9.5 - <Ray>

THANATOS - Realm of Ecstacy · Hammerheart / Unveiling the Wicked
Ahh, the reissue of the legendary Realm of Ecstasy. As with their reissued debut, this has been remastered, and now comes with 4 bonus tracks. I've always preferred this album to Emerging..., and now with the new mastering and bonus tracks it really reigns supreme in all ways. - 9.75 - <Ray>

THANE - Hardball · DEMO
I may be wrong, but I think this is a one man band, and if that's the case I'm doubly impressed. The intense Thrash is only deficient in one area: the vocals are normally a bit too much in the "tough guy" style for me, but Brian alters them occasionally, and I can't really expect him to be great at everything. Which is exactly what he is at all of the instrumentation. I'm going to keep an eye on THANE. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

THEATER OF THE MACABRE - A Paradise in Flesh and Blood · Root of All Evil
I suppose that this is okay symphonic Black Metal. It's pretty basic, but if the band got their name from the movie Bloodsucking Freaks, they get extra credit. Also, I appreciated that they saved the several minutes of wind for the last tracks, and didn't make it an intro. - 7.5 - <Ray>

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY - Velvet Darkness They Fear · Century Media
"Beautiful" female vocals on top of Gothy Death / Doom. That part is pretty good, maybe not as great as LEFTHAND SOLUTION can be at their best, but still pretty kick ass. There are also some male vox on here, both clean, which is a bad idea, and growled Death-style, which is a good idea. All in all, impressive, although not flawless. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY - Aégis · Century Black
By far this is one of the hardest things I have had to do. To objectively review something I love already only brought me closer to the sounds I was hearing. The tension between male and female vocals is only enhanced by the best arranged and performed music I have ever experienced. I will admit I preferred the vocals on Velvet Darkness They Fear (their 2nd album), but this work has a mature and seductive sound I found appealing. - 9.75 - <Charon> **MC12**

THEATRES DES VAMPIRES - Vampyrisme... · Beyond Productions
The 2003 rerelease of this obscure Black Metal act’s debut album featuring bonus tracks and guest appearances from Gian Pyras (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH/EXTREME NOISE TERROR/RAW NOISE/CHRISTIAN DEATH) and Valor (CHRISTIAN DEATH). I’ve never heard their newer stuff, nor do I care to, as this sucks big time. CRADLE OF FILTH filler meets CELTIC FROST’s Cold Lake, loaded with Goth cliches. Anyone who says they like this should be given a mandatory polygraph test, and if they pass, shoot them in the face. - 2 - <Jack>

THEISTIC INFERNO - Embryo · DEMO
I think there was a problem with my copy of this, since the sound is really messed up in the first song: The extreme lack of production just kills it. I think that it might be pretty cool Death / Doom, but the music is so quiet that the natural tape hiss interferes with it, and all that can really be heard are the keyboards. And the vocals, which are mixed so far over the top of the music, that everything else is obliterated whenever they are present. But then when the next song starts, it’s like taking out earplugs; the music becomes louder to match the vocals, and although the mix and production are still not great, they’re vastly improved from the first track. Which is why I can only assume that it was a duplication error, and hopefully no other copies would suffer this defect. So, the remainder of the songs are alternatively Thrashy or Doomy, with still loud keyboards and normally totally brutal Death vocals, although there is some mostly failed experimentation. With better production, this would really be great, and is certainly worth a listen as is. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

THERAPY? - Nurse · A&M
Better than a lot of what passes for "hard" Alternative these days. Still, I don't know how appealing this will be to a CANNIBAL CORPSE fan, but I thought it was more than listenable. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

THERAPY? - Hats Off to the Insane · A&M
A little more polished than Nurse. This is sort of like a slightly more mellow HELMET, but not exactly. I think it has to do with the production, but the songs are a bit different too, and I prefer the sound and style of Nurse. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

THERION - Of Darkness... · Grindcore/ Deaf
I had heard, ad nauseam, that these guys "borrow" a lot of riffs. And, yeah, occasionally I heard a riff and thought, "That sounds like..." But most of the time I was reasonably impressed. And if you care, this was recorded at Sunlight. Anyway, this is a solid album. Plenty of skill involved, if not total originality. But what is totally original? - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

THERION - Symphony Masses Ho Drakon Ho Megas · Pavement / Megarock
This is pretty amazing. With their use of keyboards to create an eerie atmosphere, not unlike some Black Metal bands, THERION have emerged as one of the more original Death acts. And also one of the best. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

THERION - Lepaca Kliffoth · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
Now, that's not what I was expecting. I wonder why so many bands seem to think that making the vocals more smooth will in any way be a good idea. But, you know, the more I listen to this, the more I like this new vocal approach. The music is still pretty intense, and a bit weird. Give it a complete listen before you make up your mind on the vox, okay? - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

THERION - Theli · Nuclear Blast
After being rather nonplused by their last LP, Lepaca Kliffoth, I wasn't exactly expecting Theli to be a masterpiece. But that's exactly what it is. THERION have enlisted the aid of choirs, pianos, and keyboards to create what can only be described as Symphonic Metal. It's stunningly dark and powerful, executed to perfection. THERION has proven that it is possible to evolve and grow without losing musical integrity and conviction. This is the band's best, most diverse, creative release ever, and I'm certain it's an album against which many others will be compared and fall short. It can only receive the highest honor. - 10 - <Ray> **MC10**

THERION - A’Arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming · Nuclear Blast
Did you know that THERION has been around for 10 years? Well, it’s true and to celebrate they’ve released a new CD, a collection of various things actually. Apart from some Theli sessions leftovers, it contains some covers: RUNNING WILD ("Under Jolly Roger"), IRON MAIDEN ("Children of the Damned"), SCORPIONS ("Fly to the Rainbow") and JUDAS PRIEST ("Here Comes the Tears"), the soundtrack to an artsy Swedish film called The Golden Embrace and the "THERION-ized" versions a few songs from the same soundtrack.
The CD as a whole is no unadulterated sonic orgy. The covers don’t really convince much, and the climax of the CD are the "THERION-ized" soundtrack songs. The original soundtrack is not exactly brilliant but, rather captivated and interesting. With over 70 minutes of music on a well-designed digipak with personal notes by Mr. Johansson himself, I suppose this is still a good buy. - 7 - <RK> **MC11**

THERION - Vovin · Nuclear Blast
Less heavy and less Metal than the perfect Theli, but still good. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

THERION - Crowning of Atlantis · Nuclear Blast
These guys just keep getting weirder and weirder. The first song is musically great Traditional Metal, I guess, but it’s also got these operatic female vocals. It’s not bad, exactly, but it is confusing. Plus we’ve got some covers on here, the best of which being a great version of MANOWAR’s "Thor," along with less than awesome versions of "Crazy Nights" (LOUDNESS), and the utterly ancient ACCEPT track "Seawinds." Man, when I said that any ACCEPT cover would have to be cool, I didn’t think I’d get tested this quickly. And then there are the live tracks... It’s an interesting release, but it seems as if THERION just try to do too much at once. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

THERION - Deggial · Nuclear Blast
This band covers so much ground that it's difficult to accurately describe this without resorting to play-by-play commentary. A strong Thrash / Metal component is more or less always present, but this is probably their least "heavy" album to date. Still, the more I listen to it, the more I like it. Of course, I don't have a problem with the female backing choirs, or decidedly IRON MAIDEN and/or JUDAS PRIEST worshipping riffs, but I realize that some might. And I think this is a clear improvement over the somewhat lackluster Vovin. - 8.5 - <Ray>

THERION - Secret of the Runes · Nuclear Blast
This has got to fucking stop! The insanity started out when some record labels became too cheap to send us reviewers the completely packaged version of the albums they want us to critique, and instead began mailing out special "promo" versions of their releases, without essential stuff like the booklet and traycard. In some cases they don't even bother with a god damn tracklisting! I think it's crazy that I'm expected to offer a legitimate opinion on something that I haven't fully experienced. How could that even be possible?!? And half the time, the accompanying press release begs me to mention the "lavish packaging" that I've never even seen, because it's great and a big selling point, but clearly not important enough to actually include. That bullshit was obviously bad enough. But now Nuclear Blast has truly outdone themselves, and taken a stupid idea to ridiculous new depths of idiocy. This CD, which I am expected to review, does not even contain all the music from this album! And, far worse, is that it's not the case that it has a few songs, and is just missing the rest (which would still suck). No, in a move of unheard of extreme disrespect to all fans of any form of music, Nuclear Blast has sent me a CD with only the first minute or so of each song, after which time they fade out! What the FUCK?!?!
With the above in mind, this will be the only review to ever be featured in these unhallowed pages of anything that does not, at the very least, contian 100% of the audio:
"Okay, so this new THERION is really... The guitars... Vocals... Man, it's..."
(Having not heard this album in its true form, I am unable to assign it any kind of rating at all, so the following number represents my utter contempt for the concept of this review copy, and my complete shock that Nuclear Blast would do such a thing.) - 0 - <Ray>

THINE - Journeys · DEMO
This is a band with a future. THINE brings this 2-song EP to the majestic realms of Gothic Metal. With their crystal clear production, well constructed guitar anthems, ambient male and female vocals, a gift for poetic lyricism and no credit to anyone playing bass, the only complaint I have is that I wish this was longer than 20 minutes. - 9 - <ANG> **MC11**

THINGS FALL APART - s/t · Crustacean
By looking at this band’s CD, you’d bet the farm you were in for some kind of Metalcore/Emocore affair. Actually, this is more of a slower Punk with slight traditional Heavy Metal leanings. Imagine IRON MAIDEN and GUNS N’ WANKERS in a bar fight (top that fucking comparison, anybody)! Unfortunately this band features the worst singer ever. I give the guy props for giving it a shot, but he has no skill whatsoever. A dry throat yell that it is absolute torture to behold. - 6.25 - <Jack>

THOR - Thor Against the World · Smog Veil
Way back in the dark recesses of my mind, I dimly remember something about the band THOR. Something about sounding like MANOWAR, I think... So, I was sort of looking forward to hearing this CD. Allow me to now apologize to MANOWAR for ever associating them with this Ass Rock lameness. Imagine some early ‘80s bar band with a cleaned up musclehead Rockabilly version the Mentor’s late yeller El Duce on vocals singing "It’s Thor against the world, and the world is tuuuuurnin’! It’s Thor against the world, and the bridges are buuuuurnin’!" with multi-layered girl-harmonies here and there. That’s from the first song, and I was laughing so hard when I heard it that I missed the entire rest of the album, and although I hate my reference CD player, I won’t torture it enough to play this disc again. Where is the World Serpent, Jörmungandr, when we need it to make this faux Thor (the band’s singer, main-man, and weakest link) stumble those final nine steps? - 1.5 - <Ray>

THORAZINE - C12H19CIN2S · DEMO
Five super-brutal Death tracks from this band’s self-released (I think) CD. Everything about this is amazing, and I’ll be looking forward to the CD’s release. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

THORNS - Thorns · Moonfog
This is more of that egotistical, new wave Black Metal with Industrial leanings. Boredom personified. Even with Hellhammer on drums I can't stay awake through this pretentious astral take on the same old Black Metal structures. Yawn. - 3.75 - <Jack>

THOU ART LORD - Eosforos · Unisound
As you would expect from this Black Metal "supergroup," which features members of ROTTING CHRIST, VARATHRON, NECROMANTIA, and guest vocals on one track from Mika of IMPALED NAZARENE, this album is amazing. Of course, it is in the same style as the aforementioned bands (well, the first 3), but that's fine with me - I like it, and into the abyss with the lot of you if you don't. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

THOU ART LORD - Apollyon · Unisound
This is pretty god damn ass-kicking. Not surprisingly, it sounds something like NECROMANTIA and ROTTING CHRIST [T.A.L. has members of these two bands in it - Ed.], although this time more like NECROMANTIA than R.C. In case you're somehow not familiar with those bands consider suicide. The promo copy I got didn't come with a bio or any information about this disc at all (clearly an oversight, since it was in a package with several other CDs, all of which had bios and track-listings), so I don't know the names of the songs, but whatever track 5 is called, it's the best one - Evil, majestic, Thrashy, memorable, and has an unsurpassed keyboard infused slow part. These guys have the potential to write an absolutely flawless album, but, although close, they're not quite there yet. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

THOU SHALT SUFFER - Somnium · Candlelight
For those of you who don't remember this band's early days, THOU SHALT SUFFER was originally a Death Metal band featuring Samoth and Ihsahn of EMPEROR (as well as Ildjarn of SORT VOKTER/ILDJARN) before they decided to start playing Black Metal. They released one demo and a 7" under that name (both re-released on a CD with rehearsal stuff as bonus tracks, called Into the Woods of Belialb, by Samoth's label, Nocturnal Art Productions) before calling it quits and forming EMPEROR. Ihsahn later decided to resurrect the band as a solo project using only synthesizers to create the music. I remember back around the time of the EMPEROR Reverence MCD, when Ihsahn did that remake of one of the tracks from In the Nightside Eclipse that there was talk of a full-length album featuring nothing but stuff in this style. From the liner notes, Ihsahn spent the better part of a decade working on this album with music being written for this CD as early as 1991. All music is composed in a Classical vein and contains all the structures and feel of great Classical music. Fans of Classically influenced Black Metal (bands like EMPEROR, DARZAMAT, CRADLE OF FILTH and Twilight of the Gods era BATHORY) will fucking love this album. Also, if you like the music from epic medieval fantasy or horror movie (real horror movies, not shit like Scream (ing to be let out of the theater) or I Still Think I Can Make Money Off What You Did Last Summer) soundtracks then this is definitely worth getting. - 9.75 - <Ychoril>

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Songs for Insects · Metal Blade
Hmm, Industrial Thrash. And fast too. Kind of like Industrialized Dimension Hatröss VOI VOD, only heavier. Sorta. MUCKY PUPish vox make this way less Death than the music alone would suggest. A very original approach, and it's often close to greatness. Unfortunately, occasionally it is not. Certainly listenable and heavy in its way. I'm interested to see where this band goes from here. - 8 - <Ray> **MC7**

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Mods Carve the Pig · Metal Blade
These freaks are weird - in the good way. Any band to make reference to the Lorax, and have it be cool, has got to be awesome. Interesting lyrics, which, at least, share characters through some of the songs. This may be some sort of a concept album. I am caught by the thought that these guys are supreme, then, without warning, I think they're useless - it's fucked up. This covers a lot of musical styles, and may not be for everyone, but you probably ought to listen to it at least once. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Gelatin 7" · Metal Blade
Uhh, well not as entertaining as their last album, but fairly memorable, and also kinda weird. Very cool duo-shade green / white combo vinyl, though. - 6.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Outer Space is Just a Martini Away · Metal Blade
Much like their last album, Mods Carve the Pig, this is musically all over the damn place. One moment awesome, the next terrible. They try too hard to be weird and mostly end up being goofy. When they're good, it's outstanding, but that's just not often enough. I understand that they are trying some different stuff, but being weird doesn't mean that you'll also be any good. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Black Unbrella · Metal Blade
It’s more focused than their before, but sadly on the parts I didn’t like. Their sound now is something like "Hard" Alternative Rock, with a slight touch of fuzzy distortion over the whole mess. - 5.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

THOUGHT INDUSTRY - Recruited to Do Good Deeds for the Devil · Metal Blade
A terrible odds & ends collection for fans only, if there are any. - 2 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

THRASH FORWARD - Thrash Forward · DEMO
THRASH FORWARD is a heavy Speedcore Thrash band. No Death here. Speed is power. Rough screaming vocals, guitars blazing at the speed of light. This Thrash is super powered. I’m glad someone even tries to play FAST anymore. I think these guys: Dan Englund (drums), Bill Cook (guitars), Terry Humbert (vocals) and Lonny Loomis (bass); pull it off really well. This is a classic. Favorite titles include: "Speed, Death & Destruction," "Speed Metal Hell," "Fuck You" (not an OVERKILL cover), and "Mosh Backward" (even though these guys are mostly too fast for moshing!). This demo is highly recommended. - 9 - <Ray> **MC4**

THREAT - 1991 Demo · DEMO
These guys remind me of older ANTHRAX. The 3 songs have a "happy" feel to them and the vox are sung in a melodic way, and like ANTHRAX they sound sappy. The music is Thrashy and the production is really quite good. The songs are even sorta catchy. But the lyrics are kinda stupid. Take the title "Crash the Bash" for example. Need I say more? Anyway, this isn't that bad, I just didn't really get into it. - 7 - <Ray> **MC7**

THRESHOLD OF PAIN - One O One · DEMO
Here's a Thrash/ Hardcore band. It's hard to believe, but this band has four vocalists and I think they all suck. I did not care for this demo much. The guitar work is OK. The bass work is good, but I can't say much for the drums. This band is very low on my list, but maybe someone will like them. - 5.25 - <Tom> **MC7**

THROES OF DAWN - Pak Kasherra · Woodcut
I really like this very memorable Thrashy Black Metal. It’s played and written extremely well, and there are a few utterly amazing guitar solos. It’s not perfect, but I’m certainly impressed. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

THROES OF DAWN - Binding of the Spirit · Wounded Love / Avantgarde / Mercenary / WWIII
Symphonic, Gothic Black Metal. Or "Dark Metal," if you prefer. And I suppose it's a more apt description, since the band does occasionally venture out into the territory of acoustic guitars, cleanly sung vocals, and atmosphere over ferocity. The omnipresent keyboards are exprety used here, creating a real sense of epic foreboding. When charging full speed into a barrage of blsitering Black Metal, THROES OF DAWN is impressive indeed, but it's when the band slows down and amps up the heaviness and melancholy that things really get suicidal, and that is when things are at their near-perfect best. - 9.5 - <Ray>

THRON’ - Seductions of the Unbaptized Darkness · DEMO
This vicious Russian Black Metal is played more or less SATYRICON style, with near-insane speed and power. The screechy wail of the vocals, the majestic keyboards, the deadly riffs, the lightspeed drumming - everything is in place for this full-length (8 songs) evil masterpiece. Certainly, this has got to get them signed. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

THRON’ - Seductions of the Unbaptized Darkness · Metal Agen
Black Metal from Russia. Yeah, it seems like an odd concept to me, too, but these guys really know what they’re doing, and manage to combine demonic speed with riffs, and create majestic, epic sounds without resorting to drowning everything in an endless sea of keyboards. Some of this CD (usually the slower parts) is just beyond belief, and the rest isn’t far behind. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

THRONEAEON - With Sardonic Wrath EP · Helgrind
This is a Swedish horde that play Satanic Death Metal in the veins of the older ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER and HYPOCRISY albums. Musically, these guys pack some punch but are still a little lacking in the songwriting department. Some of the riffs don't flow all that well and have a jarring quality about them. To explain further, it's like the riffs were slapped on in places. You play one series then abruptly change into another without a proper transition, giving the feeling that it didn't belong there. Of course, being from Sweden, the comparison to the old masters is inevitable, but the band that these guys remind me the most of, however, is INVERTED. This sounds almost exactly like Revocation of the Beast, INVERTED's first MCD, on Wild Rags. Of course, that EP sounded a whole lot like older HYPOCRISY (before Peter started doing all the vocals), but with a dual vocal assault similar to the one employed on the new VITAL REMAINS album (guttural Death growls and raspy Black Metal screams traded off). THRONEAEON shows a lot of promise. - 8 - <Ychoril>

THRONED - ...There Where the Moon Rises · B.T.O.D.
Musically, this is a ten. This band rips off DARKTHRONE and BURZUM to perfection. Slow, simple, suicidal, misanthropic Black Metal. Dreary and darker than Wesley Snipes. Why, I repeat, why do the vocals sound like Brian Johnson doing his best Satyr impersonation? Why?! "In Front of the Golden Throne" even features an Eddie Vedder singing style! Just what every truly evil Black Metal song needs: a CREED arrangement. I just can't fathom how a band can put so much bitterness and hatred into the music, and then do the vocals half-ass and corny. I wish I could buy the master recordings of just the music. Then I could buy a vocal harmonizer, do my best Varg, and then just wait for the Moonfog contract to show up. Good job, THRONED! Way to drop the ball. - 7.75 - <Jack>

THUMB - 3 · Victory
It figures, right after I go and give Victory their propers they go and sign Germany's answer to SUM 41. This is pure fucking shit!! Ultra-Poppy Rap-Rock. Only the lamest white motherfucker you know would like this. Their press release claims them to be superior to the leading brands of this so-called genre, LIMP BIZKIT and PAPA ROACH. Sorry, I'll take LIMP BIZKIT over this shit any day. That's how fucking pathetic it is. - 1 - <Jack>

THUNDERFUCK 69 - Meltdown #1 · DEMO
Groove Metal is go. Beyond that, I'm not sure what else to say. I just don't really like this kind of stuff. but I guess it's better than MONSTER MAGNET. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

THUNDERING LIZARDS - Width of an Octopus · Moving Target / Celluloid
I don't really know what to say about these guys. They sorta sound like a watered-down, happy Punk band, but also really freaky - in the bad way. I just don't like it at all. - 5 - <Ray> **MC8**

THUNDERSTONE - Tools of Destruction · Nuclear Blast
Power Metal. - 1 - <Jack>

THURISAZ - Scent of a Dream · Two Fat Men
An exceptional album from this Belgian quintet. The heart of THURISAZ’s sound is primarily melodic Black Metal, but they bring so much more than that. A lot of what I hear reminds me of what’s coming out of Finland lately. Dark, depressing, Folk-tinged accents with the addition of exquisitely sung clean vocals. A fair comparison for this band would be THY SERPENT, and perhaps INSOMNIUM fans would appreciate Scent of a Dream as well. Although, comparisons don’t quite do THURISAZ justice, as their sound is as unique as it is addictive. It’s something everyone should hear for themselves, and I would be shocked and as equally upset if this was the last I got to hear from this promising young act. Suggested mix selections: "A Timeless Flame" and "When Images Are Fading." - 9.5 - <Jack>

THUS DEFILED - Wings of the Nightstorm · Dark Trinity
This has all the heaviness of Death Metal with the atmosphere of Black Metal. I have to say that they have come a long way from their first album, which sounded more like a Death Metal version of CRADLE OF FILTH. Their new material is much more brutal, yet just as atmospheric. The C.O.F. influence is still there to some degree, mostly in the song structures, but THUS DEFILED manage to produce their own sound by using acoustic guitars and minimal keyboards. If you like AMORPHIS (first album) or other bands in that vein, you will enjoy THUS DEFILED. - 9 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

THY ENDLESS WRATH - Next to the Throne of Chaos · Hateworks
A decent Black Metal offering that convincingly crossbreeds the feel of the Old School Greek and Norwegian styles, while adding a modern symphonic edge. Yet somehow this fails to reach the plateau of irresistability. So much of what I hear, I admire, but nothing really sticks. Good, but not great. At least it did not annoy me or bore me to tears. - 7.75 - <Jack>

THY INFERNAL - Satan’s Wrath · DEMO
One of the guys in this band is apparently named "Slut" and his job description is "Cunt Destroyer." If he ever dies in the line of duty, I hope THY INFERNAL keeps me in mind as a replacement. Anyway, cool stage names aside, this is nuclear powered Satanic Death / Black Metal. I won’t say I’ve never heard a better demo, but this has got to be one of the best. Just by virtue of their unrelenting onslaught, this would be awesome, but that’s hardly all we have here. T.I. go the extra step and write songs that are hard to get out of your head once you hear them -not that you’d want to, though. Sure, the near flawless production helps, but it’s really the writing and execution. And the vocals. I’m not exactly sure if Nihilist is their singer, but whoever it is has a unique style that, like the music, sort of combines Black & Death Metal at the same time. This should not be missed. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

THY INFERNAL - Satan's Wrath · Moribund
This masterpiece is the band's last demo (also called Satan's Wrath -see above), along with several newly recorded bonus tracks, including a blistering cover of SLAYER's "Black Magic." If you read the review I did of their aforementioned demo (buy Metal Curse #11 and read it!), you'd know that this Black / Death Metal was close to perfection as is. With the addition of the somewhat more directly Black Metal bonus tracks, and such an excellent layout job (yeah, I did it, but it's not bragging if it's true!), there can be no doubt that this is extremely close to total flawlessness. - 9.75 - <Ray>

THY INFERNAL - Satan's Wrath · Moribund
Solid Black Metal you've already heard and a SLAYER cover. How do you like your Black Metal? Medium, rare, or overdone? - 7.75 - <Bob>

THY PRIMORDIAL - Under Iskall Troll Mane · WWIII
This reissue of THY PRIMORDIAL's first album sees the early days of the band when they had a much more raw, unrefined sound. The music is fast-paced and brutal, with plenty of blast beats to be found. Some of these songs feel a little directionless at times though. They just don't seem to go anywhere, and the fact that most of the tracks are overly long doesn't help matters either. The band has come a long way since this was recorded. Those of you who have any of TP's recent releases will probably want to investigate this album just to see how much they have developed over the years. I would not recommend this to anyone not already aquatinted with THY PRIMORIDAL, as this simply isn't their finest work. - 8 - <Painkiller>

THY SERPENT - Christcrusher · Radiation / Nuclear Blast
These guys are good, so I hate to describe them as standard symphonic Black Metal, but that’s fairly accurate. There are the traditional keyboards and several different vocals style, plus a few Death Metalish riffs and a heavy guitar tone (which push this up a little) and excellent production. Which all sounds awesome until you stop and think about how many other bands sound like this. That said, there is nothing at all wrong with this album, or style. THY SERPENT even write pretty catchy songs, but so do the others. There is just not a lot to separate them from the rest of the corpsepaint pack. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

TIAMAT - Clouds · Century Media
TIAMAT are pioneers of Spectral Death Metal. They ditch the usual rapin', slayin', sacrificin' and blood-gulpin' in favor of going into trances, turning into dust, and having dreams about getting blown by witches. To maintain the mood of evil spiritually, they never play very fast, which also tends to lead to plodding around. But where their debut was dynamic -trippy Hammond organ solos and freaky effects- Clouds' songs all sound basically the same. Another problem is Johan's voice. At times, he breaks the cardinal rule of Death Metal vocalists: NEVER SOUND GOOFY. His lyrics are imaginative and unique, except for "In a Dream" and the bunk love ballad/ suicide call "The Sleeping Beauty." Otherwise, Clouds is pretty fuckin' strong. It's finest song, "The Scapegoat," might be the best Satanist anthem done this year by anybody. If TIAMAT can transcend their limitations and keep their originality, their next one will be fucking godlike. - 8 - <J.J.> **MC7**

TIAMAT - Wildhoney · Century Media
Some of this is actually still sort of heavy, but with ten tons of atmosphere. Then there are the extended acoustic guitar parts, where Johan croons on endlessly. I'm surprised by the wide range of material on here. It's from Death Ambient, to Folk, or some weird mutation of it. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

TIAMAT - A Deeper Kind of Slumber · Century Media
These guys listened to a lot of PINK FLOYD in their younger years. I hate to compare one band with another, but in this case nothing else comes to mind. Totally unoriginal, TIAMAT is lacking in many areas. The music at its best is nothing short of endless, repetitive, trendy bullshit. The vocalist is very tired and missing any remote clue of what creative is. If you want to be entranced in "A Deeper Kind of Slumber" and are really into keyboard structure that resembles the same as the last three DEPECHE MODE albums, this one’s for you! - 5 - <ANG> **MC11**

TIAMAT - Skeleton Skeletron · Century Media
Couldn't I just once get a god damn break? What in the name of Hell itself is this crap? This inanely titled album is so utterly devoid of energy that it actually sapped my strength to listen to it. I can't believe that Century Media heard this and decided to go ahead with the release. It's neither dark, nor oppressive, as the press release would indicate. Although I'd agree that it is a downward spiral - right into the trash can. And the ROLLING STONES cover, "Sympathy for the Devil," is… Well, let's just say the original was about 666 times heavier. - 1 - <Ray>

TIAMAT - Prey · Century Media
I gave up on this band a long time ago, and so really had no idea at all what to expect from this album. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't sound like 50 Cent, or whatever is popular this week. But it's still not very good, though, sounding at times like a more self-conscious and even wimpier TYPE O NEGATIVE combined with the gayest parts of DEPECHE MODE or something. I will say that there are occasionally some "artsy" parts that are well done, but never for any real duration. If you knew a really hot Goth chick who wanted to listen to this while you fucked her, then okay. But otherwise it's mostly unlistneable. - 4.24 - <Ray>

TIAMAT - Prey · Century Media
This band was arguably the first Goth Metal band ever and Prey is quite possibly their most musically solid Goth album yet. This album takes all the best parts from Judas Christ, throws in some of the PINK FLOYD influences they forgot on their post-Wildhoney albums and creates a steady stream of dark, melancholic music that never dips in quality or consistency. In fact, this album flows from track to track very well, sounding almost like one long track rather than a collection of songs. Even the W.A.S.P. cover, "Sleeping (In the Fire)" sounds like it belongs on the album, as opposed to it being "just a bonus track." I’ve found myself spinning this album an awful lot lately and if you’re a fan of harder-edged Goth music a-la MOONSPELL or LOVE LIKE BLOOD, you’re sure to like Prey. - 9 - <Ychoril>

TIERMES - s.a.g. II · Elfenblut / Misanthropy
The first track is over 11 minutes of feedback and guitar drone, with a loop of what might be a two-note riff in the background. But it seems to want build towards something, but it never manages it. The remaining songs employ different sounds, but all have the same aimless background noise sort of feel. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

TIERRA SANTA - Sangre De Reyes · Locomotive
Those soaring guitar melodies have me thinking this may be Spain's answer to IRON MAIDEN. Melodic Power Metal of this caliber is something I'm not used to hearing. The production is crystal-clear, the songs are high-energy, and I'll be damned if I didn't find myself head-banging time and time again while spinning Sangre De Reyes. Remember that addictive riff from IRON MAIDEN's "Flash of the Blade"? That's exactly the kind of guitar-work you'll find all over the place on this album. The only draw-back I can find is that the lyrics are sung completely in Spanish. For some of you, all those words ending with that "rrrrrrrrrrr" sound may take some getting used to. I think you'll find it a minor problem considering the power of the music. - 9 - <Painkiller>

TIME KILLS EVERYTHING - Promo · demo
This 8-song demo is ten minutes of pure annoyance. Just looking at this thing pisses me off. For one, it's a construction paper slipcase. And what exactly is this a "promo" of? It's a cheap-ass, poorly recorded, self-financed demo/CDR; give it a fucking name. Actually, looking at the song titles, maybe it's better they didn't name it. They seriously have a song called "Left Hand Path," and another called "A Soulside Journey." Not sure if they're a) little kids b) clueless posers c) just plain fucking stupid or d) all of the above. Oh wait, there's a song called "Doin' Blow in a Public Stall" and they call themselves Discocore, it's definitely d). They also have a song called "Tech-Metal," and that particular track is... BRILLIANT!! The other tracks are rambunctious, noisy, clusterfuck slop with a shitty-sounding drum machine and stupid samples. Highly recommended for those who like DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and PIG DESTROYER this week. Oh goodness, I understand now. I just looked at where they're from and instantly it all made sense, buddy. - 3 - <Jack>
23 Tower Rd · Napean · ON K2G 2E4 · CANADA

TIME MACHINE - Secret Oceans Part 1 EP · Lucretia
Prog Rock, like early U2 or whatever, but with somewhat more distorted guitars. I guess they’re good at what they do, but who cares? - 3 - <Ray> **MC12**

TIMEGHOUL - Tumultuous Travelings · DEMO
These guys are freaks. Motherfucking freaks! This demo contains four songs that combine Thrash, Death, Doom and a little Grind, with one of the the most versatile and interesting vocalists I've heard. Jeff varies his vox from chior-like melody to a MY DYING BRIDE-ish Death attack. Excellent recording, extremely interesting lyrics, memorable, heavy, songs and interesting lyrics! Oh man! I must be having a dream. This fucking kills! It better get them signed. Buy it. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

TIMEGHOUL - Promo Advance '94 · DEMO
I'm not sure exactly where these two tracks ended up, perhaps on a 7". Whatever the format, these nutty guys have made the music even more complex, and in an unexpected turn of events, also heavier, stranger, and more memorable. Before they were amazing, and sort of groundbreaking, but they transcended even that, and stand as gods among us. Their very unique sound has never been more interesting or compelling. The combination of Death, orchestrated Doom, and even Grind, may not be a completely new idea (although it is certainly not very common), but their execution of it is unparalleled. As is their songwriting, playing, sound and everything else. Easily two of the greatest Extreme Metal songs ever written. Period. That TIMEGHOUL isn't signed is one of the biggest musical crimes ever committed. - 10 - <Ray> **MC9**

TINIEBLAS - Dark Infernal Light · Thrash Corner
From the first seconds of song 1, TINIEBLAS prove themselves worthy by combining memorable riffs and drum beats with interesting keyboards and tortured vocals. Their Black Metal is very much modern sounding, but also occasionally has a bit of Thrash thrown in, so that I’ll like it even more. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

TIPPER GOR - At Last · DEMO
Three songs of pretty interesting Thrash, with yelled vocals. The sound quality is great, and the songs themselves are very energetic. Yet, I'm not really too moved by this. Everything seems to be there, but something is missing, and I'm not sure what exactly. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

TO DIE FOR - All Eternity · Nuclear Blast
Has the world gone some new kind of insane?!? - 1 - <Ray>

TO DIE FOR - Epilogue · Nuclear Blast
I had a long review about how utterly worthless this album is, but on second thought, I've decided that TO DIE FOR doesn't deserve that much space. I'm stunned that Nuclear Blast would release somethine like this. Clearly the chick in the band must be fucking the right people. - 1 - <Ray>

THE TOADSTOOLS BY YOUR SIDE - Toadstoil · DEMO
Steinbock, the fuckin' Noise master, manages to get more weird that I expected, by apparently varying the tape speed. It's sort of mesmerizing, and unsettling, and for once, also kind of Ambient. I have come to appreciate the work of Steinbock and his partners more and more over the years, and I think that this is one of their most accomplished, and listenable effort so far. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

TOBY DAMMIT - Top Dollar · Omplatten
Art-Noise bullshit. It's makes me sad that someone spent money to record this mess. The good news is that my CD player actually rejected this disc during the first song, and absolutely refused to play any further, forcing me to eject it and never listen to the rest of it. Thank you CD player! - 1 - <Ray>

TODAY IS THE DAY - Willpower · Amphetamine Reptile
Parts of this are noisy, high energy, feedback, scream-fests. The rest is pretty boring. It gets old fast, and is only about a half hour long anyway. - 6 - <Ray> **MC9**

TODESGEIST - Aversion to the Human Scene · DEMO
It seems like every Russian band I hear is awesome. Not that I’m complaining of course, but it just seems odd that they’re all so good. Anyway, TODESGEIST is certainly no exception. They play very catchy melodic Death Metal, with some Black Metal elements thrown in, as well. This has just got to get these guys signed. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

TOLERANCE - Tolerance · Metal Agen
This Hard Rock / Metal sometimes reminds me of the SCORPIONS, but is often considerably less heavy than even that. Although these Russian dudes are good at what they do, and obviously great players, I really just can’t take this style at all. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

TIMO TOLKKI - Hymn to Life · Nuclear Blast
Christian Metal = Nazi Reggae! - 1 - <Jack>

TON - Point of View · DEMO
Well, this is well played, and the production isn't bad, but other than that it's pretty straight-forward, even though their flyer promises that TON "sets a new standard in death-metal." I can hear the fairly impressive bass lines, maybe that's what they mean. Actually, this is pretty good, but let's not claim to be the vanguard when what we really are is good at doing something old - there's nothing wrong with that. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

TON - Blind Follower · DEMO
This is Grindcore with brutally aggressive vocals. But, they lack in imagination from one song to the next. Each song has the same pattern of vocals, growl, scream, growl. The drum work from the first song could easily fit in the other songs and the guitar and bass are lost in a giant slew. Every song sounds the same. - 6 - <ANG> **MC11**

TORCHURE - Beyond the Veil · 1MF
Heavy, brutal, fast, Death Metal. Oh yeah, they have really freaky keyboards too. Check out "The Veil of Sanity" and "Mortal at Last." Both are hauntingly ominous. The rest of the tracks are more Death, yet all are memorable and the vocals are bestial and raw, but also show a range of emotion similar to Barney (NAPALM DEATH) combined with Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST). I can find no real flaws with the production or in the songs. This is a must for everyone. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

TORTOISE CORPSE - Worlds Got a Problem · Progressive / Tombstone
Sometimes kinda Thrashy, sometimes pretty wimpy. Lyrically, they range from marginal to shit. They do happen to have a lot of energy, though, and are fairly competent musicians. But that's it. Not horrible, but certainly not great. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

TORTOISE CORPSE - Standard of Misery · Progressive/Communiquè
The last I heard from T.C. was their less-than-impressive Worlds Got a Problem album. And although this was apparently released in 1996, I’d say they had time for a bit of practice before recording, since this is a very clear improvement. Their sound has been heavied up a little, and are pretty consistently Thrash now. And they also really know how to play their instruments, but writing catchy songs often evades them. As does a truly compelling vocal style. At least they have improved, so there is hope that they will continue to do so. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

TOTAL DEATH - Silencio de Soledad 7" · Dream Age
Atmospheric and emotional Doom with sort of Black Metal screechy vocals. It’s a bit weird, but cool. The songwriting is interesting, and the playing is great. Hopefully a full length is coming soon. - 9 - **MC11**

TOTAL DEVASTATION - Roadmap of Pain · Arctic Music Group
Now this is something you don't hear every day. Finland's TOTAL DEVASTATION has successfully tapped into the vibe found on FEAR FACTORY's classic debut, Soul of a New Machine. A unique and rarely attempted feat in and of itself, but what's even more impressive is that they have refined it and given it new life. Pounding, brutal, Industrial Death Metal! I can't remember the last time I typed those words! Crushing at any speed, with bestial growls and an overall feeling of mechanical precision, this rocks my speakers like they haven't been rocked in years. Boy, is Finland the new hotbed for Extreme Metal or what? TOTAL DEVASTATION, my stereo and I would just like to say thank you, and keep up the good work. Favorites: "I am God," "Struggling from Chokehold," and "Production Peak." - 9.25 - <Jack>

TOTTENKORPS - Tharnheim: Athi-Land-Nhi; Ciclopean Crypts of Citadels · WWIII / Mercenary
When this is slow, I can dig it. When this brutal Black / Death band speed up, they lose all sense of rhythm and the vocalist just starts belching at random 100 words a minute behind uncontrolled blasting and what is rumored to be a muddy wall of low end guitar fuzz. Nonetheless, at mid-tempo to all-out Doominess, these guys put together some pretty cult riffs that the vocals follow, as they most often should. So, with TOTTENKORPS you get two methods of attack. One, a brothel of fist-pumping, headbanging delight, the other a sonic endurance test resulting in embarrassing slop. The good do outweigh the bad here, but some fine-tuning is in order if they want my entertainment ration. - 8.5 - <Jack>

TOURNIQUET - Psycho Surgery · Metal Blade
This, musically and vocally, usually reminds me of the kind of Thrash played by RIGOR MORTIS. However, some may be bothered by the christian message in most of the lyrics -don't be. It's not so forced here. This has it's moments, such as the title track, but fails to maintain this level of energy for the entire album. Good, but not completely great. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

TOURNIQUET - Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance · Metal Blade
Hey it's Christian Metal. The music is mostly dated and boring, but there is the occasional spark to keep you from nodding off. And these guys have a tune ("Phantom Limb") about how Christ will hurt you if you cut him out of your life. They also have the nerve to give a song a CARCASSish title like "Gelatinous Tubercles of Purulent Ossification" and have it carry a niceguy moral. Last line on the album: "Children are a gift of love/ Sent from the Lord." - 6 - <J.J.> **MC8**

TOURNIQUET - Mircoscopic View of a Telescopic World · Metal Blade
Give me a god damn break. "Hi, we like god, but hate and pity you, and furthermore think you're really stupid for daring to have a rational opinion about anything. And, oh yeah, be sure to buy our new album!" If they want to waste their lives worshipping a concept created only to keep them enslaved, that's fine with me. I just wish they'd find a way to do it that doesn't involve me ever having to listen to their sermons again. But the worst part about this coaster - I mean, album - is that I can't decide what's more extremely pretentious: The music or the lyrics! - 1 - <Ray>

TOXIC NARCOTIC - Wunt Dunt Dunt! · DEMO
This three song demo has excellent production, and more importantly, an interesting sound. Vocally, Bill reminds me of a crossover Hardcore/ Thrash singer, but the music is closer to Deathrash. This is a pretty interesting combination and coupled with their great musicianship and song writing, it's an unstoppable force. They have a really full sound for only 3 guys. I'm reminded of Retaliation era CARNIVORE meets Beneath the Remains era SEPULTURA. By the way, my favorite song here is "The War Song." Now what does "Wunt Dunt Dunt!" mean? - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

TOXIC NARCOTIC - Populution 7" · Rodent Popsicle
Bands like these guys and SEA OF TRANQUILLITY are at the forefront of a new crossover: Death Metal and Hardcore. And, although way more Hardcore than S.O.T., TOXIC NARCOTIC create a very successful combo that produces heavy, memorable songs, with important social issues raised in the lyrics (which are included). For only three bucks, this is certainly a must. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

TOXIC NARCOTIC - We're All Doomed · Go-Kart
Holy Hell! How many years has it been since I heard anything from TOXIC NARCOTIC?!? It's good to know that that their Crust onslaught is still just as intense as ever - not that I had any doubts it would be once I found out the band was still together. This is an impressive slab of misanthropic (check out "5 Billion People Must Die") aggression, and I just hope I don't have to wait another decade to hear more from this band. - 8.75 - <Ray>

TOXIDETH - Toxideth · DEMO
The vocals kill it for me. They sound too much like the straining-to-take-a-shit grunts of the hated PANTERA. And that utterly sucks, because the music isn't bad at all - when they play it slow that is. These guys come up with more than a few weighty riffs. Memorable, too. But then they'll speed it up and try for a little of that tough guy sound. It's a damn shame. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

TOXODETH - Mysteries About Life and Death · Wild Rags
Everybody, from NOCTURNUS to PESTILENCE, claim Mexico is the scene to play in. TOXODETH probably influenced that. This is a fairly decent heavy, Thrash album, put together by Raul Guzman, the band's frontman. The lyrics tell some cool stories about many things. The guitars are also diversified in that they swing from straight Thrash to Traditional Hispanic to Classical. It all works pretty well. The drums and bass do their job. It's all pretty cool. Send ten of your grubby dollars to Wild Rags (address above) and listen; you'll like it. By the way, this is the last you'll hear of TOXODETH. They have changed their name to TOXODEAD. - 7.5 - <Lar> **MC5**

TRAFFIC JAMMERS - Traffic Jammers · DEMO
Twenty-four tracks of Grinding Noise from more or less the freaks in the band ANTHROPOPHAGY. Each "song" has an interesting intro before the vomitation commences. You would have to like Noise to like this at all, so I think it's pretty cool, although not the best Noise I've ever heard. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

THE TRAGICALLY HIP - Day For Night · Atlantic
Wow. This is so damn horrible I can't believe it. Acoustic psudo-Alterna-crap. Someone needs to help Atlantic decide which bands to sign, since they apparently have no clue. - 1.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

TRAIL OF TEARS - Disclosure In Red · DSFA
Yet another band going for the THEATRE OF TRAGEDY thing. It’s pretty tolerable when the growls are present, but I’ve no desire to hear opera-style female vocals whatsoever. This has its moments, the beginning of "The Daughters Of Innocence" is cool, but once again the female cries of Italian obesity ruin the moment. This isn’t the most horrible thing in the world, but it’s been done more convincing and more powerful by bands like THEATRE OF TRAGEDY and WITHIN TEMPTATION, even though they both suck now. - 7 - <Jack> **MC12**

TRAIL OF TEARS - A New Dimension of Might · Napalm
If you've ever wondered what the Three Tenors' take on cheesy, cliche Goth Metal would sound like, the answer lies encrypted within this wasted plastic. Hopefully you pick this one up at a record store with a pliable return policy. - 1 - <Jack>

TRAIL OF TEARS - Free Fall Into Fear · Napalm
Here we have an amalgam of everything gay in Metal at the present time. There is the foundation of boring Gothenberg-style Death/Thrash. Not the album’s most offensive flaw, but a tiresome one nonetheless. Then we have the ultra-Glam Ass Metal vocals, very refreshing. Speaking of Glam, there’s the homage-to-PANTERA riffs, like the opener on "Carrier of the Scars of Life." And what would any album be without Debbie Gibson vocals? Just not gay enough obviously. All we’re missing here is clown suits, people. The only thing we’re missing here is clown suits. - 1 - <Jack>

TRAINING FOR UTOPIA - Plastic Soul Impalement · Tooth & Nail
It’s not enough that bands like MACHINE HEAD and KORN exist only to fuck with me. Now TRAINING FOR UTOPIA show up, take that KORN formula, and remove what energy and balls it does have, replacing them with endless, supposedly Industrial, dogshit. That’s pretty bad, right? How could it get worse you ask? They’re Jesus freaks, too. A message to the band: Look you fuckheads, if the god you worship actually existed, he would laugh his ass off at this pitiful attempt at a record album. Do the world a favor and commit suicide. - 1 - <Ray> **MC11**

TRANSCENDENCE - Extrenal Stream · Gaïa Disc
Metal of some (wimpy) kind with female vox. I’m sure these guys are great musicians and all, but this doesn’t do anything for me. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

TRANSGRESSOR - Ether for Scapegoat · Cyber Music
This has everything needed for an excellent Death album: Excellent production, songs that are extremely heavy yet memorable, and raw vocals. Just like all the other Cyber releases, this is superb. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

TRANSMETAL - Burial at Sea · Grindcore
Very memorable Mexican Deathrash. This isn't mega brutal or extremely fast, but something about it is cool. The guitar sound is really thick and heavy. And Thrash's [the vocalist] very thick accent helps the vox quite a bit. The real interesting part, is that after only one listen, I could remember the songs, and that after 10, I still liked them. Favorite track: "Exhumated." - 9 - <Ray> **MC7**

TRANSPORT LEAGUE - Satanic Panic · Pavement
I guess these guys are somewhat less horrible than most "New Metal" bands, but I just don't like this crap. - 5 - <Ray>

TRANSPORT LEAGUE - Grand Amputation · Crash
"Nu-Metal." No way. - 1 - <Ray>

TRAIL OF TEARS - Profoundemonium · Napalm
Hey, more Gothic Metal! What a huge surprise from Napalm! Ahh, now that I guess I've gotten the jokes out of the way, I'd like to mention that T. OF T. is really pretty good at what they do, even incorporating occasional double bass action, and far-more-raspy-than-I-was-expecting vocals. Of course then we have the chorus of female vocals, but it's usually not all that bad. - 8 - <Ray>

TRAUMA - Daimonion · Pagan
Containing both old and new songs, this blistering Death Metal attack will leave you either dead or begging for more. Since I’m already dead, my only choice is to want to hear more of TRAUMA’s brutality. It’s good to hear that pure Death Metal is alive undead and well. Once again, another winner for the undefeated Pagan Records. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

TRAVAIL - Travail · DEMO (CD)
Neither overly heavy nor fast, TRAVAIL prefer instead to concentrate on solid riffs and excellent playing. The result is 10 songs, still very much true Death, which are pretty easy to remember, and are intense enough to hold my interest. That's a good idea, since I tend to listen to stuff more if I remember it. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

TRAVAIL - Demo ‘98 · DEMO
You can always count on TRAVAIL to deliver energetic Thrash. My old friend Steve has a hard time holding a line up together, but he seems to find better and better guys to join up every time. This is the most memorable stuff he’s delivered so far, with a clean sound that musically, at least, occasionally reminds me of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. Hopefully some labels will wake up and start signing deserving bands like TRAVAIL. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

TREPONEM PAL - Aggravation · Roadracer
This is a strange LP. It's sort of Industrial in the same way that GODFLESH is. The bass is a major force in the mix, with the guitar not as up-front as most of us are used to hearing. This makes for a really "thick" sound. Really heavy. This reminds me of a faster WINTER mixed together with GODFLESH. Some songs just don't grab me, but a few do. This is interesting... - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC5**

TREPONEM PAL - Excess & Overdirve · Roadrunner
Hey, this is one of those Industrial/Metal things, not totally unlike MINISTRY, I guess. Actually, this album is pretty interesting. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

TRIAL BY STONE - The Special Place · demo
A one-man Old School Death Metal project, and one of the better attempts of that variety in recent memory. Things are mostly kept slow and meticulous, and the melodies are thick, rich and varied. Now, Billy ain’t the best vocalist or drum machine programmer, but the lyrical approach is respectable and he has a knack for writing really good riffs. I know it isn’t easy, dude, but you ought to at least attempt to assemble a band and take things to the next level. (And while I’m at it, could everybody have some real fucking CDs manufactured! This CDR shit is getting old!) - 8 - <Jack>
2115 West Walnut · Springfield, MO 65806

TRIBES WITH KNIVES - You May Safely Graze · Red Decibel
To me, this sounds like a mostly wimpier version of ALICE IN CHAINS, but it has its moments.- 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

TRIBHANGA - Soul Freak · Global Underground
PRIMUS on crack with a talentless female singer. - 1 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TRISTANIA - Beyond the Veil · Napalm
Let's try to ignore the generic album title (I must know of half a dozen other albums already called that) and concentrate on the music. Well, they try to be gloomy and use violins, but the heaviness simply isn't there. And then there are the vocals. If you're going to attempt to actually "sing," then please be able to do it, or get someone who can. The female vocals are a lot better, I guess, but its hard to maintain interest long enough to get to them. When they try to be a little more intense, and use the raspy male vocals, it's okay, but derivative. If they want atmosphere and depression to replace heaviness, this isn't really the way to do it. And if they don't care about heaviness, atmosphere, depression, gloom, speed, aggression, intensity, or writing memorable songs, then what's left? Yeah, I don't care, either. - 7 - <Ray>

TRISTANIA - World of Glass · Napalm
Here we have yet another offering in the already-overcrowded Gothic / Black Metal scene. As is typical of this style of music, the vocals are predominantly female. Clean and/or raspy male vocals sometimes come into the picture to serve as a contrast. The music is immensely symphonic, and clearly-produced, yet extravagantly composed. I found it difficult to tell where one song stopped and another one started. They all sound alike! As far as I'm concerned, this is a genre of music that has long since worn out its welcome. - 3 - <Painkiller>

TRISTITIA - One With Darkness · Holy
The vocals shift from a very interesting "clean" voice to a sort of Black Metalish screech, which is also pretty cool. Likewise, the music moves from guitar riffs to keyboards and back, or both (and more) at once. There's so much going on that each time I listen to this, I notice a little bit I had missed before. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

TRISTITIA - Crucidiction · Holy
The music is all gloom and melancholy, with a near perfect production to back it up. Vocally, it's a little more diverse. The normal, dismal voice (something like DEAD CAN DANCE) gives way to a more raw, tormented style, making this sound almost as much like atmospheric Black Metal, as Doom. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

TRIUMPHATOR - Wings of Antichrist · Necropolis
Super-fast raw Black Metal with absolutely no personality to call it's own. - 7 - <Ray>

TROGLODYTE - Horribly Bad and Serving Satan · demo
These guys aren’t terrible, they’re just horrifically bad at naming things. What I can make out of the lyrics isn’t promising either. They do play a decent Thrashy Death Metal with solid growls, but the Marge Simpson backing screams really ought to go, along with this anti-production. This might be worth checking out, if you don’t mind the whole shitty-sounding, shitty-looking, stupidity aspect. - 6.75 - <Jack>
discocore@yahoo.com

TROM - Evil · Shivadarshana
Well, this is a unique sound. The music is very intricate, and well played, and mostly interesting. I even like the vocals, which are not so much growled as sort of gurgled. The sound is really great, especially considering that this is a live album. Pretty impressive. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

TROUBLE - Plastic Green Head · Century Media
These venerable Metal masters of the heavy Doom style still have a lot of crunch, and I'm glad to hear it. Sometimes the vocals seem a little wimpy, and sometimes the music also lets me down, but for the most part, this is not bad. And that's sort of a disappointment, since I had expected TROUBLE to really be better than "not bad." - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

TRUCK STOP LOVE - How I Spent My Summer Vacation · Backyard
Sometimes my promise to review everything I get sent can be a real headache. I think these guys want to sound like a County version of URGE OVERKILL, minus anything interesting at all. No one could possibly like this crap. Let the pain end! - 1.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

TUNNGSTEN - 183.85 · Pavement
Not too far off of what CROWBAR or maybe even HELMET are doing, yet noticeably different. These guys cover ANVIL's "Forged in Fire," which takes a lot of balls, since BENEDICTION also covered this track. Of course this version is pretty different. Anyway, they keep the songs short, only 3 of the 12 on the album surpass 3 minutes, and for me at least, this helps to hold my interest. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

TURA SATANA - Relief Through Release · F.A.D.
This band pushes what I’m sure they think are all the right buttons to become popular: Hot babe singer with a dirty mouth who likes to scream and yell; "New Thrash" music that’s sort of dumbed down for easy consumption. Plus the CD is "enhanced" with videos and stuff. It’s not bad, really - sometimes even pretty good for a few seconds here and there - and I’d sure fuck this chick shitless (I’m sure I’d be a lot better than the gay homosexual singer of QUEER FACTORY, baby, so think about it), but to hear how something like this should be properly done, I’d suggest listening to FEAR OF GOD’s Within the Veil. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

TURMOIL - From Bleeding Hands · Century Media
Basic, repetitive, and pretty boring Hardcore. It was supposed to be aggressive, but I just couldn't stay awake. With all the great Hardcore bands around today, I would have thought that Century Media could have found one a little better than this. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

JOE LYNN TURNER - Under Cover 2 · Shrapnel
Comprised almost entirely of covers (hence the album’s name) of Hard Rock classics such as "Helter Skelter," "Born to Be Wild," "The Boys Are Back in Town," and "Mississippi Queen," to name but a few, plus a song of Joe’s own. The track listing is incorrect on my copy, which really threw me off for a minute. Maybe it’s just ‘cause I’ve been awake for 3 days straight, doing nothing but reviews and low-grade crack I "found" on Johnson St. in South Bend, but I kind of liked most of this. Although by no means all of it. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

TURNING BLACK - With Madness I Relate · DEMO
Basic Death Metal in need of a better production. - 7 -  <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TURNING OF THE GEARS - Murder Through Discord · DEMO (CD)
Self described as "Grind/Death affixed with anomalies of Industrial discomposure," but all I heard was the Death/Grind part and a sparse selection of samples, which is plenty for me. Very fast and extra brutal describes both music and vocals. Not exactly super memorable, but then again I guess it doesn't have to be. This can kill at 50 yards, and that's what I like. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

TURNING OF THE GEARS - Sensory Obliteration · DEMO (CD)
Generally slower than Murder Through Discord, & also heavier. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TWIN OBSCENITY - Where the Light Touches None · Head Not Found
Fairly kick-ass combination of Black and Death Metal. Interesting guitar solos, varied musical and vocal styles, and good use of keyboards. Pretty memorable, too. ‘Nuff said. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

TWIN OBSCENITY - For Blood, Honour and Soil · Century Media
Having not listened to their debut, Where Light Touches None, very much after reviewing it (although it is quite good), I’m suddenly possessed to go back and give it a spin. This new album is more straightforward new wave Black Metal than I dimly recall their debut being, and really pretty good. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

TWISTED TOWER DIRE - Twisted Tower Dire EP · Sinistrari
Two songs grace this cassette-single. The music is kind of progressive Metal/Thrash, with a hint of Doom. The vox are clear, but not exactly like those normally associated with "Classic Metal." I guess TTD are trying to be like CANDLEMASS, and musically, at least, not doing a bad job. The vox need more practice, but are minimally acceptable. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

TWITCH - Twitch · DEMO
A strange Acoustic/ Thrash/ Alternative hybrid. The final song of the five, "Spanish," shows tremendous potential and complexity. All songs are long- perhaps too long- and technical. I appreciate the level they have achieved and the risks they take stylistically and musically, but it seems to be missing that "something." - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

TYNATOR - Living in Pain/1990 Sampler · DEMO
TYNATOR are: Steve Bashford -guitars &vocals, Ryan Maloney -drums, Andre Noe -guitars, and Aric Avina -bass. Their 1989 release, ·Living in Pain±, contains three songs. Lyrically they range from average to pretty decent. Vocally they are not Deathly, I do not believe the music is powerful enough to carry such vocals. Steve uses the tone of QUEENSRYCHE, if not the range or control. There are several DAMIEN THORNE like screams, which I was never too fond of. Otherwise the rest holds up pretty well. As for the 1990 release, which consists of only two songs, they start off with a lot more power. Steve seems more sure of his vocals. Ryan appears to have found his groove and drives the band well on drums. I found Excuses" to be better than "Forced Control" which was still good. If TYNATOR improves this much on their next release they will conquer. (1989) - 7.25 - (1990) - 8 - <Lar> **MC4**

TYPE-O NEGATIVE - Slow, Deep and Hard · RoadRacer
This is one hell of an LP. The first song, "Unsuccessfully Coping With the Natural Beauty of Infidelity," is over 12 and a half minutes long and the cool part is that it is never anything less than exceptional. TYPE-O-NEGATIVE is not as straight-forward as CARNIVORE (Pete's prior band) was, but that is the key here. The songs are experimental and the keyboard element is used in an interesting way. The result of this experimentation is that the songs are Hardcore/ Death/ Industrial/ Sex/ Negative Metal. Shit, I guess when it's that hard to describe and I still like it, then that's a good sign. Their motto is "None more negative" and I think that's true. This is very impressive. - 9 - <Ray> **MC6**

TYPE O NEGATIVE - Origin of the Feces EP · Roadrunner
So is this a live EP or not? Ahh, who cares? Real or not, the "crowd" response is interesting and the songs are all well done. I'm not exactly sure how serious I should take TYPE O these days, but if you liked Slow, Deep and Hard, you'll like this. And I did, and still do. They even cover HENDRIX's "Hey Joe," but they call it "Hey Pete." Classic. - 9 - <Ray> **MC7**

TYPE O NEGATIVE - Bloody Kisses · Roadrunner
This is pretty far removed from Peter's old band, CARNIVORE. More keyboard oriented than the two previous TYPE O releases, it actually might be better classified as Alternative, rather than any kind of Metal. Not that this is bad at all. In fact, this is their best album so far. They turn "Summer Breeze" into a haunting, mournful dirge. TYPE O NEGATIVE have evolved into a band that can convincingly use styles ranging from Industrial to CURE-esque Alternative to at least Hardcore in the space of a single song - and often do. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

TYPE O NEGATIVE - October Rust · Roadrunner
TYPE O NEGATIVE is one of the few bands that has been able to negotiate its transition from the Metal scene into something that's commercially viable on the mass-market but also still a very enjoyable album. October Rust is another progression for Pete Steele and gang, this one being even more into the Gothic scene. Imagine taking Bloody Kisses and stripping away some of the cheesiness and faster Metal stuff, and building an entire twelve-song album with the remaining emotion, bleakness, and smooth sound. Songs like "Love You to Death" and "Haunted" are prime examples of their near-perfect mixture of keyboards, striking sounds, and excellent songwriting. There's a Neil Young cover ("Cinnamon Girl"), along with songs like "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend" and "Be My Druidess" that have enough of a pop appeal to get them exposure on radio and MTV - but the lyrics are still tongue in cheek stuff, playing with the whole Goth, vampire, running in the woods kinda crowd. The whole album reminds me of a run in the woods though - as the title suggests, a very Autumn kind of feel. I only docked their rating from a perfect ten because they spelled my name wrong in the liner notes of Bloody Kisses. - 9.75 - <Psycho> **MC10**

TYPHOID - Ruptured Self Control · Immortal Souls
Fast and brutal Death / Grind can be hard to make memorable for anything other than its intensity. But some bands can do it - the good ones. Better add TYPHOID to that list. - 9 - <Ray>

TYR - Eric the Red · Napalm
Musically, this, like a lot of recent Power Metal, is really good. I’m almost reminded of CANDLEMASS for a nano-second here and there. The vocals, however, are just the worst kind of limp-wristed "singing" that people make fun of when they hear the term "Heavy Metal." Would the ancient Norse god of ass-kicking really want to be associated with this? If only I had that long-desired "vocal eliminator," Eric the Red would probably be worth hearing, but as is... where is the monster dog Garm when I need it? If you ask me, the musical Ragnarok just can’t arrive soon enough to wipe out all these bands besmirching the names of the Norse gods! - 5 - <Ray>

TYRAN’ PACE - Take a Seat in the High Row · B.O.
Classic German Metal, that is very energetic. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

TYRAN PACE - Take a Seat in the High Row · Last Episode
Let’s face it, this band always was but a feeble c-rate rip off of JUDAS PRIEST. Just because their former vocalist became famous over the years, they now try to cash in on that and pester us with yet another album nobody wants and nobody needs. Their label now tries to push them as a former Metal legend, but everyone who was around in 1985 (sadly enough not too many of us are left) knows bloody well this band always was crap and they are worse than ever, take my word! If you try to build the return of true Metal on shit like this you really must be ignorant beyond words. If it would be a new band, they’d get 5 points, but such a feeble attempt of cashing in cannot go unpunished. - 1 - <Opyros> **MC12**

U.D.O. - Holy · Nuclear Blast
This is an album that is guaranteed to become a classic for Metal. The former ACCEPT frontman has returned proclaiming, "Metal is our religion." The anathemic song "Holy" reinforces this statement ten fold. I know there are veterans in the scene who would appreciate the glory even more than myself, but I'm not a veteran by the standards of Udo Dirkschneider, nor do I claim to be one. However, I do know solid Heavy Metal (a term that's apparently out-of-date) when I hear it and I would rather listen to this over a lot of the shit that claims to be Metal but doesn't respect their roots. "Metal will never die!" - 8.75 - <Quade>

U.F.O. - Walk on Water · CMC
A mediocre batch of 80’s guitar hero licks. - 1- <ANG> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

UGLYSTICK - Uglystick · Pavement
This sort of AlternaMetal does little for me, really, but UGLY STICK occasionally come up with a really good riff, and sometimes get fairly heavy. Certainly not great, but not really bad. Just sort of there, I guess. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

ULCUS - Cherish the Obscure · Shiver
Interesting Black Thrash - I suppose - with "symphonic" keyboards that are sometimes a bit heavy-handed. It's all fairly well done, and will hold your interest while it's playing. - 8 - <Ray>

ULTRAVIOLENCE - Psycho Drama · Earache
A Techno concept album. On Earache. Okay, the world is ending, I guess, so let's make the most of it. This is just all over the place musically - from ultra-fast distorted drums to slow mellow bits. I just don't know how to describe it, but it's pretty entertaining, and the story is interesting. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

ULVER - The Madrigal of Night · Century Black
Very rawly produced fast, simple, new-wave Black Metal. And all the song titles start with "Wolf &..." For once, maybe I’m glad that I didn’t get a lyric sheet with my review copy. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

ULVER - Themes from William Blake’s... · Jester / Voices of Wonder
Well, the packaging for this 2-CD set is certainly lush, but their combination of "orchestral," Folk, "electronic," and what they try to pass off as Metal, is generally really sleep inducing. Although, when the chick sings, it’s somewhat more tolerable, as all of the male vocals are pretty bad. And someone is credited with "vinyl scratching." This is absolutely not "innovative" or "avant-garde," but rather a pretentious egomaniacal abortion of irritation and boredom. Even the words of Blake cannot make me enjoy this mess. - 4 - <Ray> **MC12**

UMBILICAL CORD - Waste of Nutrients · DEMO (CD)
This is the best Death Metal band hailing from Spokane. While this release is about two years old, I thought a little publicity wouldn’t hurt the band. I won’t bullshit you, there really isn’t anything original about U.C., but very few Death Metal bands are anyway. What I can tell you about the band is they are excellent musicians, and play a style of Death Metal reminiscent of the slower parts on SEA OF TRANQUILLITY’s "Berserk" with a lot of blast beats. Anybody who wants to check out a solid underground Death bands sound contact these guys. - 8 - <QUADE> **MC11**

UNANIMATED - In the Forest of the Dreaming Dead · Pavement / Necropolis
Sometimes you only need to hear a second from a band to know you'll like them. UNANIMATED is such a band. From the first instant, this was bound for greatness. Excellent production, music and somewhat unique vocals. Their have a sound unlike other bands, and that will help them tremendously. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

UNBORN - Sounds of Agony · DEMO
A sense of humor is pretty rare in the Extreme Underground Metal scene, but UNBORN is one of the few exceptions. And the funny liner notes aren’t even the best part of this demo! These four cuts of energetic and Thrashy Death Metal are pretty impressive, sometimes reminding me a bit of the playing style (but not the vocals, of course) of RIGOR MORTIS. And although the recording is admittedly raw, I think it’s really not bad, and hope that when UNBORN record in a studio, they manage to retain the frantic feeling of this tape. I don’t know how much this demo costs, but these dudes deserve your support no matter the price. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNBURIED - Tortured Remains · DEMO
With the infamous artist Mark Riddick on bass and drum programming, this catchy Death Metal is sure to get some attention, as well it should. I’m having a hard time believing that Rebecca is really responsible for these demonically brutal vocals, but if so, she’s got one powerful throat. I wouldn’t say that they have everything perfected with their music quite yet, but it’s pretty good, and they keep things fairly simple and plenty heavy. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNCOMPOSING - Northernmost Epic · DEMO
This one man band was formerly known as PESSIMYST. Anyway, about this demo: Musically it's kind of complex Deathrash, but nothing too far out of the ordinary, although it is played well. It's really the weird vocals which set them apart from others. Sometimes screechy, but occasionally sung clean, but in a voice insane. I upped this a little since playing every instrument by yourself is a damn hard job. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

UNCONCERN - Deep in Subconscious · DEMO
Intense, progressive Death. These freaks will stop dead in the middle of extreme brutality for a "beautiful" guitar solo. I think it’s cool, and it sort of gives them something of a mystical, Doomy quality - sometimes. The rest of the time, asses are getting kicked left and right. Only technical masters could get away with such radical tempo / style changes, and UNCONCERN manage it with ease. Very impressive. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNCREATION - Uncreation EP · Repulse
When the first song title is "It Up My Ass," I really think that including a lyric sheet with the review copies would be a good idea, so that we reviewers don’t get the wrong idea. Since I’m going to give the band the benefit of the doubt on that anal issue, I’ll just mention that this EP will likely satisfy the desires of extreme Death Metal fans everywhere. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNDER BLACK CLOUDS - As Darkness Falls · Ars Metalli
Every now and then the drum machine sounds a little strange, but for the most part everything about this band's brand of Doomy Death is pretty good. Sometimes there is something of a Black Metal feel to the vocals, which is cool. But sometimes the music gets a little too repetitious, which is not cool. The Unisound recording and Dan Swano playing all the guitar leads helps, but some of this is simply less than stellar. - 8 - <Ray> **MC10**

UNDER MOONLIGHT SADNESS - Echoes of Ancient Music · Reborn
A little sticker on the J-card says, "Intense and etherial Death Metal with the echoes of solitude." I guess that about sums it up, other than the pretty obvious CRADLE OF FILTH-style Black Metal influence, and the excellent musicianship displayed. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNDER MOONLIGHT SADNESS - After the Cosmic Gate · Oz
Bands before have combined Death and Doom, even Thrash and Doom, or Death and Thrash, or Traditional Metal and Death, Thrash, or Doom. UNDER MOONLIGHT SADNESS put ‘em all together and are at times quite slow and depressive, or speedy and intense. It is at all times expertly played, and the fusion is made more impressive by its seamlessness and the heavy catchiness of the songs. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNDERTAKER - Yuck! · DEMO
Death Metal that incorporates some Groove isn’t new, but it seems that some bands just get it all wrong. UNDERTAKER, however, have a firm grasp on how it should be done. They keep things heavy, and yet a lot of times, Groovy as well. This is accomplished mostly through the drumming, rather than using less-than-heavy riffs. Not awesome, but they certainly have their moments. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNDERTAKERS - Suffering Within · Cryptic Soul
Straightforward brutal Death Metal done right. Sometimes I’m a bit reminded of newer NAPALM DEATH in both the vox & the music. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNDERTHREAT - Behind Mankind’s Disguise · Conquest MusicBlistering melodic Death/Thrash that frequently injects an old IN FLAMES-like atmosphere. The vocals are the standard Gothenberg fair. Chalk another one up to nothing new but extremely well done. - 8.5 - <Jack>

UNEARTH - Endless · Eulogy
If you missed out on UNEARTH's Eulogy debut, The Stings of Conscience, shame on you! This 4-song EP is your chance to make up for it. Not unlike GOD FORBID, the METAL-MAIDEN-MOSH formula of UNEARTH is equally addictive as it is effective. Well, hell, if you behave they might even throw in a Doomy riff now and then. The musicianship is tighter than Oriental pussy and the vocals are a passionate throaty scream, and speaking of passion, the title track here features a new weapon in the band's poignant arsenal, some very well done clean vocals. So that may be something to look forward to on future efforts. The only thing keeping this from perfection is the inclusion of the "My Desire" demo version. A great tune for sure, but in no way musically different from the Stings... recording. C'mon guys, you could've at least laid down a cover for my ass! - 9.75 - <Jack>

UNFOUNDED - Corrode EP · Copro
It’s the ass-bastard of newer SEPULTURA and FEAR FACTORY. As if the poor world needed more of this crap. I wonder if they know they’re a joke. - 1 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNGOD / CABAL - Split · Merciless
The well known desecrators in UNGOD deliver two songs of their patented speedy, vehement Black Metal (plus an intro), while CABAL have a style closer to that of Death Metal for their blasphemies. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

UNGODLY - Defiled Dismembered Desecrated · DEMO (CD)
On the inside of single sheet of paper that passes for this CD’s booklet, it says that you should write for lyrics. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably have to again, but that’s stupid. Would it really be so fucking impossible to just send the lyrics out with the CDs? There are only 6 songs on this, so it’s not like it would add $50 to the postage costs. Stupidity bothers me, is all. Why would any band, but especially a demo band, want to make things hard on their fans by forcing them write to get the complete package? That aside, this is tremendously brutal Death, and is well produced. Both music and vox are very intense, and the songs are fairly memorable, too. Not to beat a dead horse, but if I could just check out the lyrics for "Bathed in Gutted Twat," or "Rape the Virgin Mary," this would likely be even closer to perfection. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

THE UNHEARD OF - The Struggle · demo
This is the perfect band name for these Christian faggots. They are "unheard of" for a good reason. It’s because they fucking suck donkey balls! This music is the bastard creation of every shitty, gutless Rock band played on the radio in small towns everywhere for the last 30 years. Yet, they’re not even half that talented. I’ve never heard such a parentally-approved guitar distortion. Everything sounds so disgustingly nice and clean and safe. Hearing the cheese overdose on the ballad, "Your Face," I’d like to personally dismember and disembowel each member of this band while listening to INIQUITY’s Grime. - 1 - <Jack>
theunheardofmusic@yahoo.com

UNHOLA - Inferno · Plasmatica
No, I didn't mistype the band's name. But try to not judge them by that, when musically they are worthy of only praise. Imagine fast Black Metal, somewhat on the raw side of things, but with some keyboards, and a few more mellow moments. Now contemplate what that would sound like with sick Death vocals. And I mean the really extreme gurgle, low, rumbly, PATHOLOGIST kind. It's also produced more like Death Metal, too, with a very thick, heavy sound. These elements really make an incredible combination that is further heightened by the band's ability to write catchy riffs. If they can overcome their goofy name (7UP, the UNHOLA!), look the fuck out! - 9.25 - <Ray>

UNHOLY - Rapture · Avantgarde
A fairly experimental combination of Death, Doom, & Black Metal. Sometimes it’s just too plodding. Sometimes they seem to be trying too hard to be different, but this is cool, if not exactly rapturous. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNHOLY - Gracefallen · Avantgarde
Super heavy, mournful dirges with uniquely melancholy female vocals, and raspy Death growls. This is fairly fucking awesome. UNHOLY have really got things figured out this time, and this is one of the best Doom albums I’ve ever heard. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNHOLY ARCHANGEL - Unholy Archangel · DEMO
With better production, this Black Metal would be supreme. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

UNHOLY CADAVER - Demo Number One · DEMO (CD)
Very nicely done Doomy, sorrowful, melodic Black Metal. And even though there are only 3 songs, this is about 26 minutes long. I’ll be keeping my ears open for more from these guys. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNHOLY DEATH - Unholy Death 94 · DEMO
These guys are cool. Heavy, interesting riffs, with a thick guitar sound, raw vocals, and solid drum work are exactly what this band is about. Not very original, I'll grant you, but there is something about them which I really like. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

UNHOLY DEATH - Unholy Death 94 + Live 97 · DEMO
Side 1 is their kick ass Unholy Death 94 demo [reviewed in ish. 9], plus one bonus track of the same coolness. Side 2, as the title indicates, is a live show from 1997. The sound is pretty good, although the level is quite low. But for $1.50, this is pretty hard to pass up. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNHOLY DEATH - Unholy Death · DEMO (CD)
A production this raw can only hurt a band. I happen to know that these songs are good, but it’s honestly hard to tell that from listening to this disc. Admittedly, UNHOLY DEATH’s brand of sickness might be somewhat toned down with a overly slick production, but something better than this is really mandatory. Obviously studio time is not free, but this material deserves to be better represented. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNHOLY DEATH - Lost Children 7" · Transparent
Strangely enough, this actually sounds better than their self-released CD. I wonder if maybe I just got a "bad" copy of the disc or something... Anyway, here we have two tracks of Thrashy Black Death. Now that I think about it, I’m maybe a little reminded of earlier MALICIOUS ONSLAUGHT. Other cool things about this 7": You get an actual lyric sheet, and it’s pressed on translucent blue vinyl. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNHOLY DESCENT - Unholy Descent · DEMO (CD)
U.D. combine Death, Black, and Doom into a melodic form of European sounding Metal, perhaps not unlike the earlier masterpieces of IN FLAMES. The production is nearly perfect, and except for the packaging, really everything else is very close, too. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNHOLY FLAMES - Christian Denial EP · Demise
After a "nice" acoustic & snyth intro, the Black Metal starts, fast and deadly. The thick, raw production adds some heaviness to the sound, and occasionally they slow things down and do some really serious damage. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

UNITED - Distorted Vision · Howling Bull
This band's fifth album sees them take an aggressive, somewhat "modern" approach to their Thrash attack, sometimes incorporating a little more "groove" than I'd really like, but really doing a good job otherwise. - 7.75 - <Ray>

UNJUST - Promotional Demo CD ‘96 · DEMO
Distorted vox, some growls here and there, "same old shit, different song" guitar riffs, trendy "Alternative Metal." Wrong again! - 2 - <ANG> **MC11**

UNLEASH THE DOG - Matter of Time · Communiquè / Progressive
Well, there’s a revival of ‘80s Thrash going on, so why not more mainstream stuff, too? UTD sound like they listened to TWISTED SISTER’s Stay Hungry a few times to get this Hard Rock / Metal style down. Maybe the first W.A.S.P. album a little, too, possibly even KING’S X, and certainly some lighter-weight stuff. But UTD also occasionally incorporate more modern double bass drumming, and oddly enough, Bluesy guitar solos. That has given them a unique sound, and an album that’s hard to not like. Matter of Time is for the most part, "radio friendly" (or would have been in 1983), and I’d usually hate that, but since the term has recently come to mean "KORN-like" and these guys couldn’t be further from that, I’m gonna give them a break and admit to liking this LP, but I’d have probably loved it 15 years ago. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

UNLEASHED - Where No Life Dwells · Century Media
UNLEASHED hails from what seems to be the haven of Death Metal: Sweden. They feature the ex-bass player of NIHILIST (now ENTOMBED, for the uneducated), Johnny Hedlund. And they sound nothing like ENTOMBED! Having been pretty familiar with their demos (The Utter Dark & ...Revenge), I must say that I wasn't even ready for this. This album just annihilates everything they've done before! The production is 100% better for one thing (no, it wasn't recorded at Sunlight, either). Now Johnny is doing all the vocals, which is cool. I will say Where No Life Dwells isn't quite the masterpiece, like Left Hand Path, but it's pretty damn close. For a debut LP, it definitely pulls its weight and more. It's everything you want in a Death Metal album: brutal, evil, and heavy as fuck! My favorite tracks are: "Before the Creation of Time," "Into Glory Ride," and "The Dark One" (far superior to the demo version). - 9 - <George G> **MC6**

UNLEASHED - Shadows in the Deep · Century Media
Let me start by saying that Johnny Hedlund is the coolest freak on earth. Even cool enough to cover VENOM's "Countess Bathory" (if only on the CD). This album is an all time classic. The songs are heavy, brutal, and memorable. The vocals are understandable enough that I can even growl along. This ranks among the top 10 albums of the year, if not all time. Buy or die. Favorite title: "Never Ending Hate." - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

UNLEASHED - Across the Open Sea · Century Media
I had built this album up in my mind so much before I actually heard it, that there was no way it could be as great as I expected. There are two big problems with this: First their badly timed cover of "Breaking the Law" will have every Beavis-wanna-be on earth thinking that Johnny Hedlund gives a fuck about what they think. And, much like Shadows in the Deep, this sounds very similar to their debut, Where No life Dwells. This is good, and is even is some ways fairly original, but I honestly expected something a little different. This certainly does not change the fact that Johnny is the coolest person ever to live. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

UNLEASHED - Live in Vienna '93 · Century Media
Apparently this show was bootlegged and Century Media decided to release it as an official live album. The sound quality is fairly raw, but it usually seems to add to the power of the music. Since this was recorded before Across the Open Sea came out, there are only two songs from that album, "Open Wide," and their cover of "Breaking the Law." The other 12 tracks are from their first two albums, and they