Album Reviews – Page 148

Beltfed Weapon – Raining Plague EP

Beltfed Weapon – Raining Plague EP
Self-released
Release Date: 31/10/2015
Running Time:
Review by Dawn King
9/10

One thing I love about my job as a reviewer is the range of metal I have access to now, genres I would not normally listen to and bands that haven’t, as yet, come into my radar.

Beltfed Weapon was one such band. Having never even heard the name before, I probably would still be none the wiser to them if it hadn’t been for the power of social media and becoming friends with Frank Hetzel on Facebook and LinkedIn. Now, here was a guy determined to get his music out, sending me a hard copy cd in the post when all electronic methods let him down. And I am so glad he did.

Beltfed Weapon was formed by rhythm guitarist/songwriter Frank in Seattle, Washington in 1999 and they have since played alongside bands such as Overkill, Metal Church, Nile, Kreator, Nevermore, Obituary and Testament, to name but a few.

Frank put the band into a hiatus in 2009 after various line-up changes but relaunched it in 2014 and “Raining Plague” was released on 31^st October 2015.

Featuring the talents of many musicians, this is a band who have expanded their sound with increased speed, precision and melody while keeping the aggression fans have come to expect.

Brutally thrashing yet melodic, punchy but groovy guitar sounds of Andy Beech on lead and Frank Hetzel on rhythm coupled with great guest solos from Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore) and Matt Wicklund (God Forbid, Warrel Dane), some of metal’s most impressive shredders, have given these thrash metallers a much more progressive sound than previous Beltfed Weapon releases, appealing to a wider audience, and the rhythm section of Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death) on bass and Frederik Widigs (still with Marduk) on drums feature in their own right and don’t just fade into the background.

Vocalist Dean Sternberg combines his clean vocals with rougher ones, normally more suited to death metal, and although I am not usually a fan of so-called ‘dirty’ vocals, the mix works well here.

All in all, I loved this 6 track EP. I have already featured my favourite track “Darkness Falls” on my radio show and I hope to play more in the future. I have seen this EP being called ‘a killer ep’ and I must say I have to agree. Each time I listen through it, I hear something different, so although it is in your face brutal thrash metal, it is also deep with lots of layers. It gives any metal loving fan everything they could possibly want, and all in six tracks.

So get yourself a copy and thrash til your head hurts. You know you want to!

TRACKLISTING:
1. Szcred Reprisal
2. Mind Rape
3. Darkness Falls
4. Black Matter Clarity
5. Spread Your Wings
6. Raining Plague

LINE-UP:
Frank Hetzel – Guitars
Andy Beech – Guitars (lead)

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn ‘The Metal Priestess’ King and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Maranua-Storey Project – A Shoulder for the Crow

Maranua-Storey Project – A Shoulder for the Crow
Self-released (original) / Dr John Surgery Records (re-release)
Release Date: 2016(orginal) 16/09/2019 (re-release)
Running time: 48:01
Review by Dawn King
9/10

Personally, I love listening to music that cannot be defined into any one particular genre of metal and this is true of “A Shoulder for the Crow” by Maranua-Storey Project. As soon as the first song kicked in I knew this one wasn’t going to fall into a solitary category on the metal/rock spectrum.

Officially formed in September 2011, the Maranua-Storey Project is an anglo-indonesian collaboration between Uk based singer/songwriter Mark Storey and Indonesia based guitarist/producer Tommy Maranua, and “A Shoulder for the Crow” is their latest offering.

So, how do we pigeonhole this album? The answer is simple…..we don’t. Combining different styles and influences, a hard and heavy groove with catchy melodies and singalong choruses, the result is kick-ass rock with a very real ‘in-your-face’ attitude. These guys will play what the hell they want and they don’t care if you like it or not.

Siting bands such as Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Disturbed, Motley Crue and Iggy Pop as influences, this is very apparent in their sound. But this does not take away from the fact they have added their own unique twist. Throwing in a bluesy influence to their obvious rock and metal roots, they have developed a sound that is entirely their own.

With blistering guitar solos and tight drumming coupled together with Mark’s distinctive vocals, this is an album that will have you headbanging to its heavy riffs one minute and dancing around the living room the next. It is a highly energetic performance but one that is packed with raw passion and an evident belief in themselves.

Title track “A Shoulder for the Crow” could easily be played on Planet Rock, its listenability well suited to radio play, while opening track “Down in the Basement”, my favourite on the album, would be more appropriate for an underground, metal-orientated station, showing that these guys have a versatility that means the “only thing predictable about them is the fact they are going to deliver kick-ass tunes.”

So get yourself off to Planet S and get yourself a copy of “A Shoulder for the Crow.”

You will NOT be disappointed.

TRACKLISTING:
1. Down In The Basement
2. Dance Ourselves To Death
3. Price You Pay
4. Dirty Little Mouth
5. Glamoured
6. Voodoo Blues
7. Devil In Ya
8. Good Love
9. Wonderland
10. Play God
11. Again
12. A Shoulder For The Crow
13. Scatterbrain

LINE-UP:
Mark Storey – Vocals & Blues Harp
Tommy Maranua – Lead & Rhythm Guitar / Bass
Faried Badjeber – Drums

LINKS:

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Electus – The Dark

Electus – The Dark
Self-released
Release Date: 05/09/2016
Running Time: 39:17
Review by Dawn King
8/10

“Electus” are a hard rock band from the West Midlands in the UK formed in 2008 by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Russell Peake and it was him who approached me via social media to review their debut album “The Dark” which was released in 2015.

The album starts off with the ambient “Shelter”, an instrumental which, having a vocalist who also plays rhythm guitar, shows the talents of every member of this very gifted foursome. The song ends to the sound of rain and an air raid siren in the background before the album truly kicks off with the rock and roll riffs of “18”, a song about taking control of one’s own life.

“Aphrodite” has a blistering guitar solo and stand out song for me “Just For One Night” grabs you right from the start with its punchy riffs and catchy lyrics.

The pace slows down a bit with the more ballady “Sunflower” although this does build up again mid-song with Priest-like guitar work, and the album finishes with “Rider”, a bass-lead song that has some great riffs, a fantastic guitar solo and confident drumming. If the follow up album carries on in the same vein as this track, then the band are on to another winner.

This is not an intricate album but one that so obviously has some classic rock and metal influences. It has everything from gripping intros to heavy bass lines and catchy drum beats, bluesy in some places, dark in others. The vocals of Russell Peake, which have been compared to those of Scott Weiland in his Velvet Revolver days, give the band a distinctive sound that sets them apart from other hard rock bands.

And what this album does have is a ‘what you see is what you get‘ attitude, with hard rock songs written the way hard rock songs should be. It is a classic rock and roll album with a hint of grunginess and a pinch of country (a la Molly Hatchett).

In the words of “Electus” themselves, they “will always create music which conjures the full range of emotions and deliver a visual live performance that leaves the audience thinking ‘wow…more please!’”

I, personally, love the whole sound of this album and even after a week in my car, I never tired of it, re-visiting again to write the review.

“Electus” are an up and coming band who show just what sheer hard work can achieve and with some dates set for the rest of the year and, hopefully, another album in the pipeline, this is a band who are destined for much bigger things.

“The Dark” is available now for digital download from Googleplay.

TRACKLISTING:
1. 18
2. Aphrodite
3. Just for One Night
4. Fake Love
5. Babylon Brother
6. Sunflower
7. Morning Psalm
8. Tomorrow
9. Rider

LINE-UP:
Mick Hales – Drums
Pete Checkley – Lead Guitar
Russell Peake – Vocals /Rhythm Guitar
Dan Smith – Bass

LINKS:

The Pete Flesh Death Trip – Svartnad

The Pete Flesh Death Trip – Svartnad
Critical Mass Recordings
Release Date: 16/05/2016
Running time:
Review by Dawn King
8/10

Starting out on my review writing career I never thought I would veer away from the genres of metal that I knew and loved, but when Pete Flesh from The Pete Flesh Deathtrip approached me to review his new album “Svartnad” I thought why not give it a go?

Although Pete Flesh himself, ex-Flesh, Deceiver, Thrown and Maze of Torment, has been on the scene for much longer, his solo project The Pete Flesh Deathtrip was conceived in 2009 and was originally classed as a one man band, releasing first album “Morti Vivos Docent” in 2013.

“Svartnad” is the second album from the Swedish death metal outfit, and, released by Critical Mass Recordings in 2016, it is the first to feature a session drummer, namely Henrik Borg, with Mr Flesh playing both guitar and bass as well as providing vocals.

“Svartnad” is a very atmospheric album, dark and moody with the ability to get under your skin and stuck in your head. Melodies combine with beautiful riffs that are sometimes there just to compliment the lyrics, while at others, they can completely dominate the track.

The first track “In Ruinam Iniquitas” opens the album with pumping riffs, sounding almost thrashy in places, and the record maintains the same pace throughout, ending abruptly with a gunshot.

The album has a typical Scandinavian sound and, although it’s not the genre of metal I would usually listen to, it’s obvious this guy is a very talented musician indeed. There is great songwriting throughout, the guitar solos are fantastic and although the vocals are guttural growls, there are no dirty vocals and the lyrics can easily be understood, always a good thing in my opinion.

The stand out songs for me were “Winter of the Wolves”, which I also played on my radio show a few weeks back, and opening track “In Ruinam Iniquitas”

Even you are not a fan of death metal I recommend you give this album a whirl. I am a thrash girl at heart but I actually really enjoyed it, learning the lesson that you should never judge anything before you have actually listened to it.

This may be the work of just one man, but this is one man with the heart, feeling and talents of an entire band. Ignore him at your peril.

TRACKLISTING:
1. In Ruinam Iniquitas
2. Burial Shore
3. All The Serpents
4. The Sun Will Fail
5. Melting The Frost From Your Eyes
6. The Winter Of The Wolves
7. She Dwells Into The Dark
8. Svartnad

LINE-UP:
Peter “Pete Flesh” Karlsson – Everything

LINKS:

Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts

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‘The Fall of Hearts’ by Katatonia (no, not the ‘Mulder and Scully’ Catatonia that is spelt with a ‘C’) is the eagerly awaited tenth studio album from the Swedish dark progressive rock/metal band. Formed in 1991 by Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström, the band’s first two albums were more death/doom metal but over the years they have added more progressive traits to their work, resulting in the sound they have today.
Not knowing anything about the band, “progressive” would have been the word that could have turned me away. I have never hidden the fact I am not a big prog rock/metal fan but this was the factor that made me want to review this one even more. I was not disappointed.
At sixty-seven minutes long, the twelve tracks, although separate songs in their own right, fit together perfectly, and with ease. Creating an eerie and melancholic atmosphere whilst at the same time, not appearing too depressing. The haunting vocals of Jonas Renkse have such depth, he literally brings the excellently written lyrics to life. The guitar work switches effortlessly between heavy riffs and delicate picking, using both electric and acoustic sounds. The drumming from new drummer Daniel Moilanen, is intensive yet not overpowering. Add into the mix the orchestral keyboard sounds from Nyström and you have a progressive masterpiece that is well written and extremely well played.
With hints of Opeth, Tool and Porcupine Tree, and just a pinch of Riverside thrown in for good measure, they can be classed as one of the best of their genre. The album as a whole is complex yet remarkably easy to listen to and obviously contains some immense musical talent and ability, all of which complements the others impeccably. For me, the whole sound is brought together by the vocals, Renkse’s voice soothing and tender yet powerful enough to get you right in the heart.
I have seen this album being likened to the journey depression can take us on and the light at the end of the tunnel and I would say this was a very fair representation. There is a much laid back ambience to the album and, although I listened to it in my car to and from work, it would be more suited to a dark room, lying on the bed, eyes closed with the rain lashing at the windows.
I admit, I am a traditional heavy metal gal, often casting aside the technicalities and intricacies of progressive music but I am glad I did not throw this album to one side. Even if you are not a great fan of prog music ‘The Fall of Hearts’ will grow on you and I will definitely be listening to it again…..in a dark room, lying on the bed with my eyes closed and raining lashing at the window!
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn ‘The Metal Priestess’ King and Loud Stuff. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
Reproduced here with kind permission from Loud STuff

Attica Rage -Warheads Ltd

Attica Rage -Warheads Ltd
Off Yer Rocka Recordings
Release Date: 06/06/2016
Running Time: 44:21
Review by Dawn King
9/10

Warheads Ltd, released on 6^th June 2016, is the fourth album by this heavy rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. Now signed to Off Ya Rocka Recordings, the home of bands such as The Quireboys and Bonafide, Attica Rage were formed in 2003 by brothers Richie Rage (drums) and Johnny Parr (vocals/guitar) and released an early ep in 2005.

The line up was completed with Steve Bell (guitar) joining the band in 2007 and the arrival of bassist Matthew Ward in 2014 and the band have, over the years, built up a global fanbase, supporting the likes of Black Label Society, Testament, Saxon, Skindred, Diamond Head and Armored Saint as well sharing festival bills will the likes of Judas Priest, Slash, Blind Guardian and WASP.

Being three and a half years since their last album, 88MPH, which consistently received good reviews, this latest release has been eagerly anticipated.

If I am honest I had heard OF Attica Rage, as they were on the bill at High Voltage festival, but I had actually never heard any of their stuff. Upon hearing the album teaser on Youtube I jumped at the chance to review it, and I am so glad I did.

Produced, engineered and mixed by vocalist/guitarist Jonny Parr, with the drum tracking and final mastering added by Roddy Macaudio, Warheads Ltd, its 10 songs lasting 44 minutes, is an album full of catchy rock anthems with heavy metal riffs and classic ballads thrown in.

Not quite a heavy metal band but so obviously much more than a rock band, it’s clear who they are greatly influenced by, and they are not afraid to show it. With the sound of Black Sabbath, Ozzy and Black Label Society, they also have the brashness of Motorhead and the heavy metal attitude of Metallica, Iron Maiden and Anthrax. If ever there was a band that would appeal to a wide variety of rock and metal fans then Attica Rage would be it.

Track 2 on the album “Falling Down” was released as a digital single on 6^th May 2016, accompanied by a video, and features two live bonus tracks, ‘Killer Carousel’ and a cover of the Motorhead song “Overkill” as a tribute to the late, great Lemmy who passed away last year.

Stand out track for me was the title track “Warheads Ltd”, its heavy guitars and thumping drums, appealing more to my heavy metal side but every track has its own merits and there is not a bad song on the album, including the instrumental.

The band, who have a “solid reputation for energetic and powerful performances” will be going on tour in the autumn of this year and I, for one, hope to catch them at The Black Heart in Camden.

I absolutely loved this album and I will definitely be checking out their previous releases.

Anyone who has the slightest interest in rock or heavy metal should get themselves a copy of this album and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

TRACKLISTING:
1. Beyond the 45
2. Falling Down
3. Warheads Ltd.
4. El Chupacabra
5. All Summer Long
6. Lost In Memory
7. Into The Ether
8. New World Decay
9. Haunted (Prelude)
10. Haunted

LINE-UP:
Richie Rage – drums
Matthew Ward – bass
Jonny Parr – vocals, guitar
Lawrence O’Brien – guitar

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn ‘The Metal Priestess’ King and Loud Stuff. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities. Reproduced here with kind permission from Loud Stuff

My Affected Reality – Window In Time

My Affected Reality – Window In Time
Self-released
Release Date: 22/11/2015
Running Time: 51:40
Review by Dawn King
7/10

Being a big heavy metal fan it’s not very often that something other than metal lands in my inbox but that’s exactly what happened when Ron Irwin of the band My Affected Reality asked me to review their album “Window in Time.”

Formed in 2008 in Oshawa, Ontario in Canada, all three members of My Affected Reality are formerly of the band Juice, which also featured the talents of Darren Smith, Jake E Lee’s singer, and JD Fortune of INXS, and they have since opened for the likes of Motley Crue, INXS and 3 Days Grace.

On the first play through it’s really quite difficult to categorise where this band should fall on the music spectrum. Is it rock? Is it metal or should it be classified under 80’s electro-funk? Subsequent listens dispel all previous thinking and the album should be taken at face-value. Its guitar rock with a few heavy metal riffs and the funk of electric pop all fused together in such a way that the sound is almost somewhat unique. In the words of the band themselves “My Affected Reality has a dark driving flavour with melodic hooks.”

Opening with “Damage”, one of my favourite tracks on the album, listeners could be fooled into thinking they were listening to a metal band with the heavy riffs associated with that genre but with the melodic “Believe” and the funky sounding “Beautiful” coming later on, it’s evident there is so much more to this band.

The members are all clearly talented musicians and play extremely together well. The singer has the sort of voice that would be suited to singing any genre of rock music and is complimented perfectly by the backing vocals. The electronic sounds intermingle perfectly with the drumming and guitar riffs, never overpowering the whole vibe of the album and the overall result is an eclectic sound that could transport you back to the 1980’s or keep you firmly in the present day.

I under-estimated this album the first time I listened through it, being influenced by my heavy metal roots, but I am glad I gave it another chance. Having had it in my car for five days straight I still have not tired of it which, in my opinion, is always a good thing.

If you are a metal head through and through then this might not be the album for you, but you are willing to explore other types of rock music, then give this album a go. You might just like it…….

TRACKLISTING:
1. Damage
2. Life Is for the Living
3. Sorry
4. Beautiful
5. My Affected Reality
6. Shiver
7. Just Like You
8. Hero
9. Fight or Flight
10. Shine
11. I Believe
12. Dig

LINE-UP:
Patt Shore – Vocals
Ron Irwin – Guitar
Trevor Forbes – Bass
Rob Boutcher – Drums

LINKS:

Temtris – Enter The Asylum

Temtris – Enter The Asylum
Battlegod Productions
Release Date: 09/04/2016
Running Time: 51:29
Review by Dawn King
8/10

The only thing I knew about the band Temtris when I was given this album to review was that two of the members were ex-Mortal Sin. I had never heard any of their previous material nor did I know anything about their background.

Hailing from the south coast of New South Wales in Australia, the remnants of the band Labyrinth, namely Genevieve Rodda on vocals and Anthony “Fox” Roberts on guitar, are joined by ex-Mortal Sin members Anthony Hoffman also on guitar and Wayne Campbell on drums, with the line up completed by Adam Wotherspoon on bass. “Enter The Asylum” is their fourth album to date, released on 9^th april 2016 by Battlegod Productions.

At just over 51 minutes long, the twelve songs are a mix of power and traditional heavy metal that will hit you like a speeding bullet train. The twin guitars of Hoffman and Fox pack an absolute punch and get you right between the eyes, and the solos kick some serious butt too.

Rodda’s strong vocals throughout the album are complimented by low growls dotted here and there from Hoffman, and she commands the well written lyrics perfectly. The guitar and drum work is extremely well played and it is clear the band have given 110% in the recording process.

Stand out songs for me are “Mind Games” which truly pounds the brain, title track “Enter The Asylum”,a pure heavy metal song throughout and “The Summoning”, which begins with the sounds of a church organ before it kicks in full throttle battering your ears as only heavy metal should.

The one instrumental “Too Deep” will defy anyone not to bang their head and the only “ballad” on the album, the piano led “Lament”, displays just how good a singer Genevieve is. But don’t get too comfortable because this is only a temporary breather as final song “Phoenix” cranks it back up again, ending the album with a crash, a bang and a wallop.

If I am totally honest, at the first play I wasn’t sure about this album but I am glad I gave it another run through, and then another, and another, a true opinion of the album soon setting it. I love the album’s artwork which was painted on a 1m x 1m square canvas and I shall definitely be checking out the band’s back catalogue.

“Enter The Asylum” is a well-written, well produced piece of work and the band should be extremely proud of what they have created. I can’t compare it to previous albums they have recorded but it’s one that definitely should be in any metal fan’s collection.

But don’t take my word for, go and check it out for yourself.

TRACKLISTING:

LINE-UP:
Adam Wotherspoon – Bass
Wayne Campbell – Drums
Anthony Fox – Guitars
Genevieve Rodda – Vocals (lead)
Anthony Hoffman – Guitars, Vocals

LINKS:

Syr Daria – Voices

Syr Daria – Voices
Brennus Music
Release Date: 13/12/2015
Running Time: 49:35
Review by Dawn King
8/10

These days it’s difficult to make an album that hasn’t “borrowed” something from another band, the odd riff here and there, a melody or a lyric, and this album is no different. Sounding a little like early Iced Earth with the hint of James Hetfield on vocals, it’s clear who the bands influences are but this does not take away from their originality.

“Voices” the second album from French band Syr Daria was released in December 2015 and has everything a metal album should.

Kicking off with “Back To The Circus”, an obvious show opener, the album starts as it means to go on, riffs, drums and a catchy chorus.

Followed by “Gilead”, a slower song that does not fail to pull any punches with its fantastic guitar solos and awesome drumming, this is one of the best songs on the album.

The stand out songs for me, and there were two, were “Slaves”, a song that switches from soft melodic verses to full on thrash choruses, and the title track “Voices” but there is not a bad song on the entire album.

Having finished recording the album in December 2015, the band offered it to many labels but only one was prepared to give them the support they needed to issue it and it was officially released on 15^th may 2016 under the Brennus Music Label. Only having interest from one label was a surprise to me as the guys gel together so well they sound like they have been playing together for years, each complimenting the others with their excellent playing, all brought together by the singer’s vocals, strong, sometimes aggressive yet melodic at the same time. These guys can certainly play!

I, personally, hadn’t heard of Syr Daria before Michel Erhart, one of the guitarists, approached me to do a review of the album and I am so glad he did. “Voices” is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time and I will definitely be checking out their first album “Circus of Life” released in 2011.

Since then Syr Daria have been guests supporting the likes of Tankard, Paul Di’Anno and Scorpions, and in my opinion, thoroughly deserved those guest spots.

I hope to hear a lot more of this band in the future and I sincerely hope I get to see them perform live.

Go check ‘em out!!

TRACKLISTING:
1. Back to the Circus
2. Gilead
3. Army of Clowns
4. Slaves
5. Pornstar
6. Hannibal
7. The Monkey
8. Walk with the Dead
9. Insomnia
10. Voices

LINE-UP:
Christophe Bruner – Drums
Michel Erhart – Guitars
Thomas Haessy – Guitars
Guillaume Hesse – Vocals, Bass

LINKS:

Kaine – The Waystone

Kaine – The Waystone
MRG Music LTD
Release Date: 01/08/2014
Running Time: 63:44
Review by Dawn King
8/10

Not being the biggest fan of New Wave of British Heavy Metal, to be given an album by a band who’s own website states they “combine Traditional/NWOBHM with Thrash/Speed metal” I was a little bit apprehensive, but I was more than pleasantly surprised.

“The Waystone”, the second album from East Anglian metallers Kaine, brings together NWOBHM influences from bands such as Iron Maiden and Saxon with the thrash elements of metal that I so love, to produce a fresh take on an older genre.

Opening with “Iron Lady”, even the title of the track seemingly paying homage to one of their obvious influences, the album seems to be a tribute to the bands of yesteryear, but if this is the case, then Kaine have totally nailed it. If any band can capture the sound of the metal greats that are Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest, then they are half way there.

“Iron Lady”, to be fair, does sound a lot like an Iron Maiden song, but it’s a great opener to a great album. This sound, however, does not carry through all nine tacks, and the second track “The New Wave” reminded me very much of my days as a huge Rage Against The Machine fan. “Dreams to Nightmares” starts with a drum rumble so familiar that one could be forgiven that “Painkiller” was about to start and track number eight “Wanderer” takes us straight back to the 80’s again.

As soon as this album started I knew it was going to be great, my favourite track changing with each new song I heard. However, the two tracks that stood out for me are “Resistance”, which carries on with the early Maiden sound and has a really catchy chorus that will have you humming for the rest of the day, and “This Soul Exchange”. Judged by some as being too lengthy at around eight minutes, it doesn’t, to me, have the feel of being that long. Starting slow, it builds up in speed and intensity before slowing back down again, and I would class it as the epic song of the album.

Being able to switch from sounding like Iron Maiden on one song to a slowed down version of Death Angel on another is a talent not many bands could pull off and, because of this, to some, the songs don’t appear to fit together but, personally, I think this adds to the greatness of the album. I like to be surprised when listening to a new cd, not bored by the monotony of every song sounding the same, and “The Waystone” certainly did that. Take a great big pot, throw in some traditional heavy metal, a handful of NWOBHM, and a bit of thrash, add a pinch of prog, mix thoroughly and you will come up with this fantastic album.

I really enjoyed “The Waystone”, having had it playing in my car for six days straight and I hope to see and hear a lot more of Kaine in the coming years. They are a hard-working band, full of talent, who have played over ninety shows, supporting the likes of Praying Mantis, Striker and Absolva, and they definitely deserve to be bigger than what they are.

So grab yourself a copy of the album and get yourself to a Kaine gig! They will almost certainly be a part of the future of heavy metal \m/

TRACKLISTING:
1. Iron Lady
2. The New Wave
3. Dreams to Nightmares
4. Solidarity
5. Resistance
6. Entropy (Unrelenting Chaos)
7. This Soul Exchange
8. Wanderer
9. The Waystone

LINE-UP:
Rage Sadler – Rhythm and lead guitars, vocals
Dan Mailer – Bass, vocals and keyboards
Anthony Mirch – Lead and rhythm guitars
Chris Mackinnon – Drums
Saxon Davis – Led and rhythm guitars

LINKS: