Reviews written by: Death8699

Reviews

Savatage - Gutter Ballet

Avatar, Savatage's previous name was also the name of a European outfit back in the early 1980's. That band was originally going to sue Jon and his late brother Criss Oliva if they didn't change their title. So instead of pursuing the name of Avatar in order to avoid being sued, they managed to change it interesting enough to Savatage. Jon and Cris...

08/08/2010

Slayer - Reign In Blood

Slayer's origin dates back to 1981 when the band was founded by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Tom Araya then joined playing out the parts of bass and vocals. Dave Lombardo decided to join on drums soon thereafter. Their first release "Show no Mercy" was a great debut though it wasn't entirely flawless. But for a debut, it was good enough...

08/08/2010

Slayer - South Of Heaven

This release was Slayer's 4th full-length studio effort. Though not as fast and speed oriented as their energized predecessor, "Reign in Blood", the songwriting still showed a different approach by the band. Their tracks focused more on a slower and more diverse riff structure to them. The lineup consisted, once again, with Tom Araya on bass/vocals...

08/08/2010

Testament - First Strike Still Deadly

First formed as Legacy between 1983-1986, the band changed their name to Testament in 1986. This best of/Compilation features selected tracks taken from their first two releases "The Legacy" and "The New Order." The line-up here was Chuck Billy on vocals, Steve "Zetro" Souza on guest vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitars, Eric Peterson on rhythm gu...

08/08/2010

Burned In Effigy - Burned In Effigy

Thanks goes to the band for sending me this 60 minute self-titled debut that explores a blend of thrash metal and hard rock with some intriguing groove to each track. According to Alex their guitarist "we play what we like", which is entirely evident because Burned In Effigy offers some innovation to the metal scene. With Jared on guitar and vocals...

08/08/2010

Cardiac Arrest - Cadaverous Presence

This band belts out some serious old school death metal in the vein of Cannibal Corpse. The songs are filled with all different time signatures and some even hyper blasts! The leads feature mostly sweeps, arpeggios, etc. Vocal wise it's Adam Scott (lead guitar/lead vocals) belting out some deep throat. Tom (rhythm guitar/vocals), Dave (bass/vocals)...

08/08/2010

Cardiac Arrest - Morgue Mutilations

For a debut release, Cardiac Arrest simply sticks with the old school death metal sound and conquers it. The album has all of the elements that make this genre sound revived again. I haven't heard this type of Metal from any newer bands really. It is a good refreshing sound to hear this being played as it is on here. In terms of the riffs and mu...

08/08/2010

Children Of Bodom - Blooddrunk

This Finnish based band was formed in 1997. Their name came from a murder which occurred in 1960 at Lake Bodom. 3 out of 4 teens were stabbed to death but the murder mystery is still unresolved. On 'Something Wild', the band started off playing melodic death metal. However, 'Hatebreeder' was the first album that I've ever heard by them. It was whol...

08/08/2010

Cradle Of Filth - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder

Cradle of Filth (COF) have come a long way since they first formed in the United Kingdom back in 1991. Originally, they started out playing death metal. Then, they have evolved into a gothic metal group and at present are playing extreme gothic metal with some hints of black metal influence. Dani Filth is the only original member left. The full act...

08/08/2010

Dark Fortress - Eidolon

Since their formation in Germany of 1994, Dark Fortress have managed to complete 5 full-length releases. This current album has a new vocalist who goes by the name of Morean. He is briefly featured on their past release entitled 'Seance.' Their previous vocalist Azathoth departed from the band in 2007 due to personal reasons. The band decided to re...

08/08/2010

Dark Funeral - Vobiscum Satanas

Wow, I don't think that it gets more evil than this! "Vobiscum Satanas" is an utter abomination to say the least. There's so much on these 8 tracks which are filled with lyrics that pretty much tackle Satanism entirely. This is black metal played in it's most extreme form. What else to say about this release of a pure holocaust! Featured here on th...

08/08/2010

Darkane - Demonic Art

Formed in 1998, this Swedish act has managed to produce 5 full-length CD's. 'Demonic Art' is their latest onslaught. The only other album I've heard from them is 'Rusted Angel' (1998). I'd have to conclude that 'Rusted Angel' is a better release. However, I do like this new album a lot. The meaning of "Darkane" is a comes from two words: "dark" and...

08/08/2010