RagenHeart – S/t CD review

RagenHeart – S/t CD (Metal On Metal Records)

Yes, it’s been already almost 4 years since the release of the band’s first demo release titled “In The Name Of God” and time has finally come for this superb band to release its first album. I always distinguish RagenHeart from the average Power Metal bands since they have something special that I really cannot describe it completely. I think it has to do with their music attitude in composing songs that stress emotion, melody and lyricism. Their self-titled debut now prepares the ground for a great career, if they overpass the obstacles that a newcomer band faces in today’s music industry (lack of sources to fund their recordings, poor distribution and a few more). I was from the very beginning obsessed with John Koroneo’s voice: touching, expressive and melodic, plays an important role in the band’s musical structure, while Angel’s fire-blazing guitar work is the band’s trademark. Moreover, RagenHeart compositions ranked them among Greece’s brightest hopes. The album includes re-recorded versions of the tracks featured in their brilliant demo, but also new songs like the opener “Illusion Of Life”, which prepares the ground for the rest of the album. The Eastern music - influenced intro “Winds From The East” and the majestic “Talos” showcase the quality that the Athenian quintet has. “Black Gold” is the darkest RageHeart song and will satisfy the fans that want them with a stronger edge. I also loved the re-recorded songs since the production is better, as expected, with the needed clear and powerful sound. It is really encouraging for the fans not to witness and dull or weak song in a debut, so this is the greatest advantage of this album!

Allow me to feel overwhelmed by the song “Here I Am”. I am pretty sure that if this power ballad was released during the 80’s, it would surely become a huge success. Almost no band can capture the shivering feeling that such a song creates to the listener and I really cannot stop praising this divine musical composition. You should definitely check it for yourselves, since the band rearranged the song and added also a powerful break near its end.

RagenHeart raised our expectations by releasing such a debut. I wish that their follow-up will be out soon. The genre needs bands like this, the brightest hope of the Greek Metal scene.

You can buy RagenHeart’s debut via paypal.com through Metal On Metal's shop. It comes in two editions: Regular CD case and Special Tin Case Edition. Special tin case Edition includes 2 exclusive photos, plus the booklets of the normal case edition CD, Price for regular case is 14 Euro and Special Tin Case Edition costs 18.50 Euro (all above prices include postage + shipping rates worldwide). Here's the link: http://www.metal-on-metal.com/shop.html. Band’s official website and mySpace profile.

Dimitris Starakis

Fibonacci Sequence – Numerology CD review

Fibonacci Sequence – Numerology CD (Fibonacci music / Independent Release)

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…..well, you are not reading my futile attemps to write a code or turn Magic Starlight ‘zine into a host for math lovers (well, also math lovers are still welcome here!). What you have just read is the Fibonacci Sequence. Now what is this sequence? Let’s see what Wikipedia tells us about: “By definition, the first two Fibonacci numbers are 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the previous two. The Fibonacci sequence is named after Leonardo of Pisa, who was known as Fibonacci (a contraction of filius Bonaccio, "son of Bonaccio"). Fibonacci's 1202 book “Liber Abaci” introduced the sequence to Western European mathematics, although the sequence had been previously described in Indian mathematics”.

So now you got the definition of Fibonacci’s sequence, since you already know the band from Milwaukee, WI that quite amazed me, after listening to their first ever release titled “We Three Kings”. I recently received their debut full-length album titled “Numerology” and since then it is once again my pick when I want to enjoy music that stimulates the soul.

10 instrumental songs cause the desired tension to the mind, which prepares the ground for objective judgement. That is what Socrates believed, so if we accept his opinion, then “Numerology” can act as the gadfly that will upset the status quo in your brain and make you realize that music without vocals is quite expressive and creative. It is really hard to pick up a certain favorite from the album. “Primrose Path” has the most versatile change in a song, from acoustic, groovy style to mystical eastern paths, followed by a sentimental piano solo that makes the song grandiose. “Work In Progress” has brilliant electric guitar and bass work, while acoustic parts and keyboard solos combine so smoothly. “Catlord” can easily become one of the finest and heaviest “hits” of the band. “Io” closes the album with its atmospheric intro and the guitar riffs and solos expresses intensively the word “farewell”. Yes, “Numerology” is a fine piece of art, destined to become an instant classic. I feel so lucky that I have expressed a concern for the band some months ago and believe me, I have already became a fan of their talent. I am sure that you will do the same. Last but not least: “Music without vocals carries the same passion and magic, just let the gadfly free in your mind”. You can (or should I say must?) order the cd through CDbaby or download it via iTunes. Band’s Facebook and mySpace page.

Dimitris Starakis

Innosense's new song, "Revolution Rise"

Innosense,the great Prog band from Larissa, Greece, uploaded a new track titled "Revolution Rise", which is taken from their forthcoming album. Good job guys!

We miss you so much Ronnie James Dio...

Our hearts bleed today...we miss our hero, our light in the black, our Dreamer...from now on, our life will never be the same again...I wish my baby daughter will be inspired from your lyrics Ronnie. You are now immortal and we all Fools want to sail away with you...

Your Greek follower, Dimitris

OSV - Chapter Three CD review

OSV – Chapter Three CD (Independent Release) 

The long-awaited third strike from this highly-talented project is out and it managed to exceed my expectations! Steve Sexton, bassist extraordinaire and Garry Oppert, the octopus-drummer have gathered again the cream of the crop and released a fine CD, full of unique musical ideas.
 “Chapter Three” features again a solid amalgam of talented guitarists, with the renowned Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged, Pre-Lemur Voice etc.) on top of them. OSV’s latest project includes fine guitar works from skillful guitarists like Achilleas Diamantis, Gianluca Ferro, Borge Olsen, Jonas Tamas and Phi Yaan-Zek. The musical project welcomes also multi-talented Russian keyboard player Sergey Boykov, member of the Estonian/Latvian band Shadow Cry. Sergey’s lines are proving that the music world will enjoy  the birth of a new keyboard hero, with some fine melodic arrangements that re-arrange the leading use of keyboards in a band. I was so happy to witness that Sergey contributes some fine keyboard solos in the songs (check out “Perilous Premonitions” and “Strategic Alliance” as a fine example) en route to a leading part in this experimental band. Don’t miss one of the finest keyboardists you’ve listened to lately!
“Chapter Three” is enjoyable from beginning to the end; “Timeless” is definitely a grand pick, while the all-star song “Rhyme Of Reason”, featuring solos from five guitarists, except Marcel, showcases the endless quality that this project has. A-class progressive music, with fusion/experimental musical parts, eastern musical influences (“Seven Times Seventy” is grandiose!), combined with catchy riffs and melody, stuck me on the wall once again! I want to highlight something I will never stop believing: instrumental music should be accepted from all fans since it creates equal emotions, compared to music with vocals. Let yourself free, remove any musical clichés that you might have and enjoy this album to the max. Maybe the best of all OSV releases so far and once again congratulations to Sexton and Oppert for the courage and “mental bravery” to walk against the typical musical paths! You can buy the Cd via cdbaby.com: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/osv3 . You can also download OSV’s stuff via iTunes. Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/osvchapter3 . OSV's facebook profile

Dimitris Starakis

Info Regarding ordering Innerwish's and Ragenheart's new CD's

Many people request info regarding two noticable releases that were announced through this blog, so here we are again to make things simpler and easier for you!


Innerwish's "No Turning Back" is available for pre-order through Ulterium Records' shop. Price is 15.00$ without shipping rates. No checkout is needed, if you have a paypal id !! All you need is to follow this link: http://ulteriumstore.bigcartel.com/product/innerwish-no-turning-back






Ragenheart's self-titled debut CD is already out. You can buy it it now via paypal.com through Metal On Metal's shop! It comes in two editions: Regular Cd case and Special Tin Case Edition. Price for regular case is 14 Euro and Special Tin Case Edition costs 18.50 Euro (all above prices include postage + shipping rates worldwide). Here's the link: http://www.metal-on-metal.com/shop.html



Support the bands by ordering their releases!

Hedda – The Calm Before… EP review

Hedda – The Calm Before… EP (Independent Release)
If you are a US-Metal addict and you’re desperately looking for your daily dose of Americal Steel, then Hedda came to cover your needs. The band from Wisconsin was formed in 2007 by Bassist Jamie Mac and guitarist Kent Herman and began to compose songs for their debut release. On July 2008, Hedda began recording four songs for their first EP "The Calm Before…" and in 2009 the EP came out revealing to the Underground scene the abilities of the band. From the opening song “Never Yield” the band sends their message: Uncompromising, Us Power Metal with triumphant vocals, solid guitar sound and catchy melodic guitar lines. Another favourite of mine was the most melodic song of the EP, titled “Gypsy’s Kiss”. I am sure that Hedda will built their reputation fast since they have the talent to compose fine songs that continue the important Metal heritage that U.S.A. has established over the years. The band is currently offering a new song for free downloading at the following address: http://www.heddatheband.com/HEDDA-media.html and is working for a full-length album that will come out during 2010. The EP costs 5$ for digital downloading and 5$+plus postage if you want it on CD format. Band’s web-site: http://www.heddatheband.com/

Dimitris Starakis

Ragenheart ready to unleash their debut through Metal On Metal Records

Ragenheart's self titled debut is coming out on April 23, 2010 !

Check out the press release info from their Italian label, metal On Metal Records:

"..and the most recent addition to our roster, Greek RAGENHEART won us over with their superbly played melodic heavy/power metal with some prog metal elements, rooted in hard rock. They had released only 1 demo (in 2006), which garnered enthusiastic reviews from all over the world. Since then they've become a much tighter band and perfected their sound, so the debut album "Ragenheart" offers versatile and passionate music with a usually dark and epic mood, remarkable melodies, fantastic singer with great emotion and range and excellent performance by every musician, topped with clean and solid production. Their music should appeal to fans of CONCEPTION, RAINBOW, MAGNITUDE 9, DIO, EVERGREY, HEIR APPARENT, MYSTIC FORCE, CRIMSON GLORY, WHITESNAKE..."

Fibonacci Sequence – We Three Kings EP review

Fibonacci Sequence – We Three Kings EP
When it comes to instrumental music, I am always fond of bands that create it with passion! And this particular trio from Wisconsin does it with style! This two-song EP came out during Christmas, in order to spread the word for the band’s forthcoming debut, “Numerology” and it showcases clearly their great talent! Even though the compositions are lengthy, the songwriting is inspirational. Melody, musical expression and improvising guitar solos with fire blazing arpeggios that take the listener by storm when the band decides to “turn the electricity on”! I also love the bass work on these two songs, while Michael J. Butzen is a virtuoso guitarist that forces the listener to pay attention to his wonderful playing. Both songs, “We Three Kings” and “Neap Tide” are constantly in my playlist over the last month and it think that they deserve a place in yours too! It is so rare for an instrumental band to compose such wonderful pieces of music without a single dull moment and they made me also to anticipate for their full-length album! If Progressive Metal/Fusion/Improvising instrumental music meets your taste, then Fibonacci Sequence has it all. If you prefer music with vocals, give them a try and will catch yourself changing your beliefs quite soon! Check out their songs at http://www.myspace.com/fibonaccisequenceband and buy their EP through CDbaby.com or download the songs via iTunes.
Dimitris Starakis


 

 

In The Machine Interview and review of the song "Running"

In The Machine - Running (demo version)

How can someone be totally objective when he receives a new recording from one of his favorite singers? Corey Brown, known from his astonishing performances in bands like the unforgettable Psyco Drama and Magnitude 9, Section 16, Metro Society etc. is back again! In The Machine from Colorado is the latest hot name in the Power/Prog scene and they just released their very first song, titled “Running”, which is already on their mySpace profile. The demo version of the song took me by storm, since it’s solid, dark, crunchy and majestic at the same time! Corey is as grandiose as expected, giving a pompous tone to the wonderful song and really makes it a memorable composition. I really cannot wait for their songs to come and of course their debut album! Check their mySpace profile http://www.myspace.com/itmband and don’t forget to express your support to their talent. Maybe this is the most anticipated album of 2010!

Dimitris Starakis

I recently contacted the band in order to ask them for an interview and drummer Doug Brown was really kind to answer the questions and let us know more about In The Machine...

Tell me how you decided to form In The Machine?

In The Machine came together last fall. We'd all played together in different bands over the years and have been in the same scene for a long time. We've all been friends for awhile and it seems the planets were aligned for us to finally work together on something! Corey had expressed interest in wanting to do something a little different, and was no longer working with Section 16. The timing seemed right so I made a few calls. Within a few weeks the five of us were playing together and wrote a couple songs on the spot!

Why you chose that particular name?

We spent a good month or so pondering different names, and everyone came to the table with some pretty cool ideas. We really liked the idea of "Machine" because playing together felt like a well oiled machine. Things just seemed to click.

Describe to me your influences.

We have a variety of different influences in this group! Some we all share are Alice in Chains, Queensryche, Faith No More, Sevendust and Kings X.

Corey Brown happens to be one of my favorite singers! How lucky can a band feel to have such a gifted vocalist in its marks?

Corey has an amazing talent and I think we're all very psyched to be working with him! Of course he is an amazing vocalist, but he's also very involved in the songwriting process.

"Running” combines might with melody and it receives already positive feedback from Power/Prog enthusiasts. Have you recorded any other tracks as well?

We're actually in the process of recording the full length album! I believe the plan is to release a couple more tracks via the internet within the next couple months to give the fans some idea of what they can expect.

Are there any offers from record companies to release your songs? Do you also plan to give it a digital release?

Currently we're self producing the album. We're in a unique situation because one of our guitarists Eric Madrid owns and operates EHarmonic studios out here in Colorado. We're very fortunate because we're not under the usual stresses of a typical recording situation. We can focus on doing things the way we feel. We are shopping

the demos around and hope to secure a distribution deal once the full length album is done. We will also release it digitally!

You recently gave your first concert. Have you had any proposals to attend any big metal events?

The first show was amazing! We are in the process of booking some pretty big shows and would love to play some of the metal festivals like Prog Power.

When shall we expect your debut release?

The plan is to have the full length album done by the end of this summer/early fall (2010)

How difficult is it for a Power/Prog band to survive in the metal scene?

I think most Power/Prog fans are some of the most loyal and devoted people I've ever met. When they find something they like they support you and make the effort to come to the shows and buy the albums even if it is something hard to find. That's what keeps it alive. In terms of current trends it can be difficult at times to get the music out there, especially in America. But I think alot of people are starting to come around and some of the newer mainstream bands have progressive elements. Musicianship is starting to be appreciated again.

Which current releases do you listen to nowadays?

I know the band has been listening to the latest Alice In Chains record "Black Gives Way to Blue" quite a bit. I've also been listening to the latest Queensryche album "American Soldier". The latest Kings X album rocks, and I'm looking forward to new Sevendust.

Add anything you may want.

For the latest news on IN THE MACHINE visit

www.myspace.com/itmband

www.itmband.com

http://signmeto.roadrunnerrecords.com/inthemachine

IN THE MACHINE:

COREY BROWN: Vocals

JSIN ELLIOTT: Guitars

ERIC MADRID: Guitars

IAN RINGLER: 12 String Bass

DOUG BROWN: Drums, Vocals