Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD review

Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD (Earth Mother Music)

Seasons Of The Wolf was founded on 1988 and up to now the band established its name in the U.S. Underground scene by releasing 4 CD up to now. Their latest album, “Once In A Blue Moon” was released this summer and it’s starting to receive its first positive reviews. The band’s style remain unchanged as the deep blue sea: Obscure Heavy Metal, with haunting vocals that often remind me Udo Dirkschneider’s voice, while the whole atmosphere is haunting, eerie and totally obscure! The band also contributes some keyboard parts in their sound in order to make their sound more pompous and the result is clear in gloomy tunes like “Skulls”. SOTW’s music never followed the wave of a current trend, that’s why they kept a stable amount of fans. Some 70’s Hard Rock touches are reflected in their sound, but they have created an overall unique result, by making things heavier and quite more “metallic”. Their solid sound and the authenticity that characterizes their stuff in “Nocturnal Revelation” makes me predict that their new album is even better, since they seem to progress in each CD they release. I can’t wait to listen to their new album!! Check their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/seasonsofthewolf Band’s web-site: sotwmetal.com
Dimitris Starakis

The Famous-X promo CD review

The Famous-X – promo CD

This Italian project features Highlord’s guitarist Sted and singer Andrea who wanted to try their abilities into Hard Rock / Melodic Metal fields. The project started in the summer of 2005 and recently a promo was created in order to help them search for a record contract. What I like in their style is that they are powerful and not mellow, by keeping their power and also contributing some memorable and melodic choruses along with great solos. The self-titled track and “Bullet Time” are pretty good samples of how Hard Rock / Melodic Metal should be performed and I am pretty sure that the rest of the tracks that the band have completed, will be on the same level of quality. I really need to listen to some more stuff from them and I believe that pretty soon the project will be under a proper label. Good luck to you guys, I’m sure you’ll have it! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/afamousx
Dimitris Starakis

Faith Factor - 07/07/07 mini-CD review

Faith Factor – 07/07/07 mini-CD (Metallic Archangel Records)

From South New Jersey a new U.S. Metal sensation has risen! Faith Factor is a Christian Metal band who will take the world by storm. Their first EP titled “07/07/07” shows clearly that there’s a White Metal orientation in the band’s lyrical content. As for the music, galloping riffs and pompous rhythms combined with the wonderful and steel voice of Ski will definitely cause waves of enthusiasm in every U.S. Metal fan. For those who forgot or don’t know, Ski is the singer of another sensational U.S. band named Deadly Blessing in their first effort titled “Ascend From The Cauldron” and also on their comeback CD, entitled “An Eye To the Past”! He was also a member of the band Altered State. For those who are familiar with Ski’s voice will definitely go and buy his new effort without even reading the rest of this review! As for the Faith Factor EP, “Prayer Warriors” opens the CD and it’s a storming track with a galloping riff which leads you into pure metallic satisfaction! “The Angel And The Butterfly” is a brilliant Metal opus, which starts like a ballad and ends as a wonderful Power Metal Hymn! It’s needless to mention Ski’s monumental performance here! “Deceiver” reminded me at times the great legends of U.S. Metal Mystic Force and it is once again a furious U.S. Power Metal song which will delight each and everyone who digs this particular style! The band is really focusing in promoting their new CD and also plans to play some show in Europe next year, so prepare yourselves for some thundering live attack from Ski and his bandmates! Buy Or Die! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks Band’s web-site: http://www.faithfactor.info/
Dimitris Starakis

Ofsoski – Later Than Never CD review

Ofsoski – Later Than Never CD (Independent)

When I first reviewed Ofsoski’s promo tracks, I then stated that the scene welcomed a creative multi-instrumentalist. When I listened to his debut album, I can now strongly support the opinion that Richard is indeed a gifted man! Ten tracks of Neo-classical / Symphonic Metal filled with well-crafted melodies and intense feelings rule the album which really is labeled as "high-quality". In my previous review, I expressed my admiration to the wonderful song titled “Flame”. Now, along with “Flame”, I was surprised from another hymn which will be greatly received from every Neo-classical Metal aficionado! “Quest” is definitely once again one of the greatest songs composed this year in the genre and believe me, you don’t have to be a wise man of music to compose it; what is needed is inspiration and passion for what you do. Well, Richard combines both. From the sharp and melodic riffs he composes to his harsh and melodic voice, it clear that he must form a band in order to perform his songs with an overall better sound and of course get the distribution and attention he deserves. “Later Than Never” is an album destined to establish Richard’s fame and I believe that his next step will feature full-time members in his band. Highly recommended release! Check Ofsoski's profile in order to find out how you can order the album: http://www.myspace.com/ofsoski
Dimitris Starakis

Max The Axe’s Blazing Star – Demo CD review

Max The Axe’s Blazing Star – Demo CD

Italy is quite famous for a bunch of delicate guitarists that appear on the country’s Metal scene. Aldo Giuntini, Dario Mollo and many more guitarists in some fine Italian bands always presented their fine work through their albums, solo or band-guided. Max The Axe is another guitarist who released his first demo with the valuable help of bassist Tomas Ticciati and vocalist Tomasso Lanese who also handles the production duties. The demo includes 4 tracks of Heavy / Neo-classical Metal, filled with pretty high-demanding guitar leads and quite nice vocals. The band’s musical identity remains mostly on the Heavy side, without being too “symphonic”, perhaps due to the lack of intense keyboard parts. So, fans that like a heavier edge on Neo-classical Metal will definitely appreciate their sound. The opening song “Blazing Star” is a typical double-bass opener with a great chorus and flashy leads, while “Love Criminal” is quite melodic with some interesting vocal lines. “Father Time”, as you can guess from its title, is a cover on Stratovarius song, while “Adagio” is the instrumental track based on Albinoni’s theme and it creates an atmosphere with the all-time classic melody. I really wish to listen to more songs from the band since this project from Florence can really achieve a lot more. Contact the band through their mySpace profile and found out how you can purchase their demo: http://www.myspace.com/maxblazingstar. Band’s web-site (written in Italian: http://blazingstar.interfree.it/ )
Dimitris Starakis

7th Reign – S/t CD Review

7th Reign – S/t CD (Independent)

When I first received the 7th Reign CD, I had a strange feeling that it will be a major highlight. And thankfully I was 100% right! The U.S. quartet was formed in 2005 by guitarist Marios Panayiotis (yes, he is a Greek!) and ex-Eidolon vocalist Brian Soulard. The man who helped these two musicians to meet was none other than Glen Drover (ex- Megadeth / Eidolon guitarist). The band, after completing its line-up, started rehearsing and at the same time composing the songs that would end in their debut CD. During the recording of their 1st album, Fuz Z, the bassist of 7th Reign left and it was time for a third Eidolon member to join in. Adrian Robichaud joined forces and the recordings were completed with the band feeling absolutely satisfied with the final result. The CD was officially released on March 2007 and it featured 8 brilliant songs. I am using the cosmetic word “brilliant”, because a fan of the U.S. Power metal scene can now find in the album everything he is longing to listen! Wonderful and powerful vocals, astonishing riffs and a solid rhythm section is what 7th Reign consists of. Marios has the ability of composing songs that are destined to become immediate classics such as the neck breaking “Defied” (the chorus is a fine example of what U.S. band can only offer!) or the 10 minute long Opus “Asylum”. He is also adding a Neo-classical atmosphere to the songs with his highly-demanding solos and riffs that are storming out of his Stratocaster, something which makes the sound of the band so special. In the closing track titled “Executioner”, Marios present also his marvellous abilities by composing an 8-minute long instrumental track, without having any dull moment in it! He is without doubt a virtuoso and a true leader of the band. 7th Reign, along with Mindwarp Chamber, Katagory V etc. continue the great tradition of the U.S. Power Metal bands and they are proud messengers of the great heritage that was established form bands like Oliver Magnum, Mystic Force, Lethal and many more. I am pretty sure that their talent will not be wasted and their debut will not stay unnoticed. 7th Reign can offer much more ground-breaking moments since this is only in their very first step. As for you fans, what are you waiting for? Order immediately a masterpiece of the U.S. Power Metal Scene! Visit the band’s web-site: http://www.7threign.com/ and their mySpace profile:
http://www.myspace.com/7threign
Dimitris Starakis

Masa Fire Hoshino – Demo 2006 CD review

Masa Fire Hoshino – Demo 2006 CD

Japan has a great tradition when it comes to Melodic Metal. But. due to the fact that most bands sing in Japanese, their fame could not easily spread overseas. The great bands that emerged from the land of the rising sun are numerous to mention and thankfully we witness often new musicians appearing and adding some wonderful music to the country’s musical heritage. One of these promising musicians is Masaharu F. Hoshino, a guitarist who, after his graduation from the Guitar Institute Of Technology in Hollywood, started composing songs that ended up in his debut effort simply entitled “Demo 2006”. Masa didn’t include only instrumental tracks in this CD, but he also contributed mostly fine vocal songs, with the help of his friend Leo Loebenberg, who is also a student at the Vocal Institute Of Technology. Masa is a fan of Power Metal music and his passion is reflected on the songs he composes. “Engrave Your Names”, “At The Second Crossroads” and my favourite “Heavenwards” (yeap, the Neo-classical atmosphere here is quite intense, he, he!) are wonderful tracks with memorable riffs and fine vocal lines, something that proves that, apart from his excepted advanced guitar abilities, Masa is also a great composer, when it comes to Melodic Power Metal. There’s no way of listening to each song from Masa’s Demo and forgetting the basic riff and the main melody after each song is finished! Songs “Pop #001” and “Pop #002” are midi tunes in which Masa is trying to present a more melodic side of his songwriting. The song “Fire Ressurection” features some fine melodies and harmonies, but the death-like vocals are spoiling the whole result. I would love to listen to this song with “clean” vocals in it. As a conclusion, Masa Fire, who is currently searching for a band proves that he has a bright future ahead of him and I’m sure that we will witness his abilities in a proper band! Good Luck Masa! Check out his mySpace profile at: www.myspace.com/masafire and e-mail him at: flamesilently@yahoo.co.jp
Dimitris Starakis

Ioannis Anastassakis – Suspension Of Disbelief CD review

Ioannis Anastassakis – Suspension Of Disbelief CD (Wild Rose Angel Productions)

First of all, I am really flattered since an artist like Ioannis has sent out to me his CD for a review in my blog. For those who don’t know Ioannis, he’s a true virtuoso flamenco guitar player and his extraordinary abilities are clearly showcased in the already classic “Flamenco Live At Ioannina” CD which was released in 2001. Being a student of one of the greatest flamenco maestros, Juan Serrano, Ioannis’ talent could not stay hidden and soon the world and of course Greece discovered a true master of the six-string. At the same time, something that is also revealed in The “Flamenco Live..”, Ioannis couldn’t not hide his great passion for Metal music and he mentioned in his thanks list the numerous virtuosos of the genre such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Michael Romeo, etc.! His brand new CD “Suspension Of Disbelief” reflects also the “electric” side of him, since this time, only 3 tracks of out a total of 11 (“Variations Of Malaguena”, “Dos Hermanos (Bulerias)”, “Flamenco Journal – At A glance”) are flamenco-oriented. I am definitely not a flamenco–expert but I cannot hold myself from showing my admiration to the passionate Spanish sound of Ioannis guitar! A demanding style like flamenco can only performed fluently by great maestros and definitely Ioannis is a member of the pack!
The “electric” side of Ioannis is simply surprising. The opening self-titled track of the CD mixes various styles such as jazzy/fusion and a little funk elements with melodic harmonies as Ioannis comments also in the booklet. A truly enjoyable track, but the second track of the CD left me speechless! “Caravan Of Despair Suite” is an 11 minute and 13 second long masterpiece, an unrepeatable anthem in modern instrumental Metal music! Full of passionate and Phrygian-inspired moments, with the female vocal melodies giving a mysterious tone from the very beginning, the song is a great example of how Neo-classical Metal should be sound! Imagine that Ioannis dedicated this state-of-the-art song to Yngwie J. Malmsteen, when at the same time other so-called “geniuses” guitarists have always fear in mentioning his name (another bright example such as Ioannis is the always amazing Michael Romeo!)! I could comment a song like “Caravan...” for days but simply, there are no words to give a comprehensive description of its greatness! Another wonderful, catchy and worthy to mention instrumental tracks is “The Forgotten Quest”, with a “sweet” main melody that easily becomes familiar to your ear. This could easily become a vocal song also! Along with the above mentioned songs, I must also highlight “The Final Jam”, a “guitar battle” featuring bright hopes and already established guitar players that Ioannis gathered especially for this song. Alex Flouros, Lakis Regazas, 15-year-old George Emmanouel, Marcel Coenen, Theodore Ziras, Constantine, Bob Katsionis and of course Ioannis contribute their solo performances and once again the result is splendid! “Suspension Of Disbelief” is an album not only destined for instrumental music aficionados but also for every listener that enjoys music as an art form! Visit Ioannis’ mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/ioannisanastassakis and don’t forget to check also his web-site (http://www.ioannis.org/) if you want further details for his teaching courses and also his instructional releases.
P.S.: I must also not forget to mention the highly detailed booklet that accompanies the CD and it features songs comments, bio info and an interview of Ioannis. This is how well-cared releases should be done!

Dimitris Starakis

9/6/2007, Greek Metal Festival in Heraclion, Crete, Greece

Gray Broderick – Mythic Realms CD review

Gray Broderick – Mythic Realms CD (Fossil Records)

Gray is not a novice in the U.S. Underground scene. While picking the guitar at the age of six, he studied hard to develop an advanced guitar technique and he is now considered one of the virtuosos of the Neo-Classical genre in the U.S. scene. While co-operating with many bands including Timejam, Mass Of Virtue, Amethyst, Allegiance, Nyxx, Metal in Action and Final Prophecy, among others. Gray also was constantly working on new musical ideas for his solo project, entitled Mythic Force. Under that name, he released several albums, including “Dark Legions”, “Metal Machine”, “Realms Of Fire”, “Sacred Vision”, “Serenity”, “Mythic Force I”, “Mythic Force II” and “Mythic Force III”. While many of his tracks were also put on mp3.com, “Mythic Realms” came out in 2000 and is once again a collection of Gray’s ideas which ended up as instrumental songs. Even from a flashy listening, it’s obvious that his deeply focused on executing Neo-classical Metal songs with catchy melodies and quite skilful playing. Another fact which I quite enjoyed is that Gray flirts with Phrygian scales and there’s a strong “ala turca” feeling in many of his songs. One bright example is “Dawn Of The Dragon”, a significantly wonderful track that makes known to people that there’s much hidden quality out there and also notifies that Virtuoso guitarists are not an endangered species any more. “Horizons Of Glory” is another grand opus with a Phrygian-based riff and quite baroque atmosphere, which reveals also Gary’s abilities to compose lengthy tracks with even a dull second. It hard to pick favourite songs from “Mythic Realms”, since it’s an album destined for Neo-classical Metal fans and people who enjoy music with vision, passion and skilled performances.
If someone thinks that Gray’s career is on the end of the line, then he‘s proven wrong, since he’s already preparing his brand new effort! Check his mySpace profile for further updates on his work progress: http://www.myspace.com/mythicforce . Check also his web-site: http://mythicforce.com/home.html
Dimitris Starakis