Tag: Self Release

Cry For Mercy – Overload EP

Overload EP Cover

Cry For Mercy – Overload EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 17/10/2019
Running Time: 14:59
Review by Beth Jones
8/10

Cry For Mercy first popped onto our radar as one of this year’s competing bands at the North Wales M2TM competition, and instantly had our eyes opened wider and glued to their performance! Sadly, they only reached the semis in this competition, but this was nothing to do with their talent – more to do with their fit in the preferred genre – i.e. they just aren’t metal. What they are is absolutely top-quality rock and blues. We were so glad when they announced that they would be releasing an EP and were even more glad that they sent it to us to have a listen to!
So, to the EP!! Yes, yes, yes and more yes! It is top quality, good old fashioned RRrrockkk! Groovy as hell, with a good smattering of southern blues to boot. These three chaps know exactly what they want to sound like and capture it perfectly in four tracks, which are beautifully mixed and produced, and completely echo their polished and professional stage performance.
The title track, ‘Overload’, starts things off. It is a good, fast paced classic rock toe tapper. It is simple and straightforward and doesn’t outstay its welcome. It reminds me in places of ZZ top and totally would not be out of place on one of those ‘Driving Songs’ compilation albums that I seem to have so many of! I could certainly see myself pumping it out in a big American convertible whilst heading off into the sunset on Route 66! (Yes, I am a queen of clichés, so what! Shoot me!).
Next up is ‘Under Dark Skies’, bringing the pace down a little to full on groove level! It makes you pull that face that to you says ‘groove’, but to anyone looking in and not knowing what you are listening to says ‘gurning weirdo’! (Come on, you’ve all done that face at some point, and if you haven’t, you will when you listen to this EP!) In all seriousness, it is a superb track and shows off Bassist and Lead Vocalist Kev Plant’s superb voice and enviable range.
Track three, ‘We Won’t Go Down’, is again a good solid anthem, with a particularly catchy chorus which will be stuck in my head for some time! This track also shows off the drumming skills of Steven Taylor, who gets to do a few more fills and hit cymbals lots! Again it doesn’t outstay its welcome and could be the soundtrack to a myriad of ‘deep south’ style cult films, when the good guys decide to smash the bad guys once and for all (‘From Dusk till Dawn’ was the first thing that popped into my head, but it would work for so many!)
The final track, ‘I Don’t Know’, is probably the heaviest track on the album, but again is classic rock – starting with some solid and catchy guitar riffage from Andy Cutty, who also adds backing vocals to this track, and indeed the rest of the EP, creating some great harmonies and adding extra depth to the vocals, which makes it even better.
I am really impressed with these guys and their first release – yes, its not metal, and yes there are little tweaks that could be made here and there, but that does not detract from the strength of this as their maiden voyage into the world of recorded material! I had a brief conversation with Powerzone’s Dani Maguire about it and he summed it up perfectly:
“You know what I like about Cry For Mercy? They sound familiar. Like I’ve known them for decades. I mean, the sort of band you can slam on when you get in from a hard day at work, chug a cold one and just enjoy for what it is. Hard rocking, hardworking, skilful and comfortable with what they do, which puts me at ease as a listener. Nothing pretentious yet totally fresh.”
I 100% echo Dani’s words and thoroughly recommend that you look these guys up and give this EP a spin. My most major criticism is that it is too short – I want more guys! Get back in that studio!!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Overload
02. Under Dark Skies
03. We Won’t Go Down
04. I Don’t Know
LINKS:
https://www.cryformercy.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/cryformercyofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/cryformercyofficial/

 
 
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Prison – Come, Annihilation. EP

Come, Annihilation EP Cover

Prison – Come, Annihilation. EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 29/03/2019
Running Time: 11:01
Review by Stephen Moss
8/10

Prison are from Seattle, describe themselves as Thrash/Punk/Doom and WOW, I could write an entire article on just how awesome the first track of this EP is. However, I’ll try to contain myself.
“Come, Annihilation.” starts off with a fantastic song! ‘Into The Pit’ and it is one of the best Punk songs I’ve heard in a long time. The very first time I listened to it, about 35 seconds into the song, I had to plug my phone into my drums and play along to the track. I have over 38,000 songs on my phone and ‘Into The Pit’ is now in my top 50 most played songs. Buy this song!
The Second song on the EP is called ‘Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Cares’ This is also a really good Punk song. After that, the songs become more average street punk songs. Nothing really stands out and the rest of the EP isn’t really memorable.
Even though the rest of the “Come, Annihilation.” didn’t hold up to the level of awesomeness of the first two songs, it is still a good EP. Not every release is full of smash hits!
What “Come, Annihilation.” does very well is show off the band’s potential. The band do such an amazing job on their first two tracks that I’m really excited to follow the band as they make new music.
If you’re a fan of street punk and bands like: Hot Snakes, The Casualties, The Unseen, S.T.U.N., and None More Black then you need to check out this EP.
Prison hit all the major points for a good punk band. The songs are short, fast, loud, catchy, angry, and make you want to mosh with your middle fingers raised in the air!
I’m genuinely excited to see what’s next for this band. Kudos to Prison for doing punk right!
Must have songs are ‘Into The Pit’ and Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Cares’
TRACKLISTING:
01. Into The Pit
02. Who Lives Who Dies Who Cares
03. I Do Not Value Life
04. I Welcome Death
05. We Live In Filth
06. The Smell Of Flesh
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/prisonseattle/
https://prison.bandcamp.com/

 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Stephen Moss 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Gypsy’s Kiss – Heat Crazed Vole And Other Tails EP

Heat Crazed Vole And Other Tails EP Cover

Gypsy’s Kiss – Heat Crazed Vole And Other Tails EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 25/10/2019
Running Time: 27:17
Review by Chris Galea
7/10

Formed by David Smith and Steve Harris in East London way back in 1974, the band returned to the fore after an absence of over 40 years. Despite the band’s distant origins the last few months have been a time of ‘firsts’ ….first single, first video, first lyric-video, first album (soon)…and, sure enough, here we have Gypsy’s Kiss’ first EP.
Rather than go for contemporary sonorities Gypsy’s Kiss have opted for a sound that harks back to Rock’s nascent years. Think of bands such as Thin Lizzy, early Uriah Heep or early Alice Cooper. All songs in this EP were written by Smith in the 1970s except ‘Settle The Score’ a brand new song with wistful melodies that reminded me of Patti Smith.
Essentially this EP assembles a handful of well-written Rock songs. They sound a bit brash and unrefined but possess some of that candour Smith and Harris must have had all those years ago.
Name-dropping aside, “Heat Crazed Vole And Other Tails” is an auspicious start to Gypsy’s Kiss’ venture into the limelight.
TRACKLISTING:
1. Heat Crazed Vole
2. Endless Pit
3. Gypsy’s Kiss (What Went Wrong)
4. Settle The Score
5. Heat Crazed Vole (live)
LINE-UP:
David Smith – lead vocals, guitars, bass
Jonathan Morley – guitars
Fraser Marr – guitars
Ross Hunter – keyboards, backing vocals
Robin Gatcum – bass
Stuart Emms – drums
LINKS:

Home


https://www.facebook.com/GK74Band/

https://www.instagram.com/gypsyskiss1974/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIVjdkrlmDzk7_wgq0P8HSw
 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Chris Galea 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Giant Dwarf – Giant Dwarf

Giant Dwarf Cover

Giant Dwarf – Giant Dwarf
Self-Released
Release date: 09/04/2019
Running Time: 33:52
Review by: Alun Jones
9.5/10

I’ve never been to Australia. Don’t need to go there really; I know exactly what it’s like. It’s like that David Bowie video where he’s inside a big concrete block in the middle of nowhere. ‘Let’s Dance’ – that’s the one. Or it’s like Mad Max 2: all arid desert, people surviving on dog food and a struggle to exist without civilisation.
So, it’s quite apt that such a barren, isolated place has decided to gift us with an album that is, quite frankly, a masterpiece of desert rock. Or outback rock, if you will.
This is “Giant Dwarf”, by the band Giant Dwarf, who hail from somewhere called Perth in Western Australia.
Right from the start, with opener ‘Golden Walrus’, the album bursts from the speakers like Gandalf after a month-long Charles Atlas course. The songs are tough and uncompromising, yet cerebral. ‘Black Thumb’ and ‘Kepler’ in particular will make you put your foot down on the accelerator and bang your head – whilst absorbing the intricate tapestry of the universe.
It’s all pounding rhythms and hypnotic, repeating riffs. On first encounter, the album seems very – shall we say, inspired by – Kyuss and the first Queens of the Stone Age album. Aaron Soppo (vocals) can even do a pretty convincing Josh Homme impersonation. Which is no bad thing, in my book – in fact, it’s a sure fired recipe for success.
Further investigation reveals far more than this obvious comparison, however. As well as a more fuzzed-up guitar sound – not unlike a particularly fried Fu Manchu – there’s a trippy, psychedelic sheen to the muscular groove. There’s even sitar and didgeridoo on here, in wave after wave of glorious chunky riff and rolling beats.
‘The Deluge’ illustrates this breadth of feeling with a six minute plus track that undulates between exuberant rocker and introspective meander in just one epic song.
If I have one small criticism, I’d like to hear a track like ‘Strange Wool’ – a mind melting instrumental track that’s quite brilliant – dragged out to three times its two-minute length. Even more development and experimentation would really push Giant Dwarf further into a new dimension. But keep the edge-of-the-seat rockers too, OK guys?
“Giant Dwarf” comes within a koala’s cock of perfection. Powerful like the venom of a Death Adder, yet enticing like Natalie Imbruglia. It really is that good: from out of nowhere, an album that will surely be in my end of year Top Five.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Golden Walrus
02. Black Thumb
03. Disco Void
04. Kepler
05. Repeat After Defeat
06. Strange Wool
07. High Tide Blues
08. The Deluge
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Giantdwarfmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/giantdwarf.australia/
https://giantdwarf.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NCOEWQFyTA&t=1901s (Full Album Stream)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiTTjfWArtJEGUsrrXuU1ew
 
Giant Dwarf
 
 
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Legacy of Kain – Paralelo XI

Paralelo XI Cover

Legacy of Kain – Paralelo XI
Self-Released
Release Date: 16/05/2019
Running Time: 45:23
Review by Victor Augusto
9/10

One of the memories I want to keep in my mind while I still have my sanity is the day I heard this album for the first time. How I felt that day? First, let me tell you some things about the band. I reviewed their previous album “I.N.V.E.R.S.O.” (2017) when the band was relatively new, and they used Portuguese lyrics and sung about political and human issues. The music itself was more oriented to Metalcore although they already had the Groove and Thrash, but now things have changed for the Brazilian Band Legacy of Kain.
The album title is a reference to a massacre that slaughtered a Brazilian Indian tribe (“Cinta Larga” tribe), in 1963, by people who were interested in their territory. As usual in Brazil, they were strongly motivated by political greed and money. This chapter in their history is so shameful that is hard to find details about the days of killing even with the few survivors from this tribe. The band didn’t record a concept album, but the main idea is get the feeling and hate from this genocide and put it inside the music.
The sound of happy kids playing in the intro song ‘The Nightmare’ comes with calm and clean notes that open the great track ‘This Pain Is For Me And You’. It all turns into a dense vibe when guitarist Karim Serri strikes your speakers with visceral and killer riffs followed by the strong drum beats of Tiago Rodrigues. Markos Franzmann deep voice completes the team and he makes heavy vocals parts with different tempos.
The furious Thrash comes with fast songs like ‘Worse Days Will Come’ and ‘The Throne’ showing the idea of what is coming. Tracks like ‘Indigenous Pride’ start to enter deep into the bloodshed that the tribe suffered, same as in ‘Split In Half’, but this one begins with a short depressive intro and also has Fernanda Lira (Nervosa) as a special guest.
Fernanda’s screams are like Chuck Schuldiner in style and it is a good contrast with Markos. She increases the anger of the lyrical theme. ‘The Genocide’ is a kind of intro of typical Indigenous music that suddenly changes to a sound of airplanes, shotguns and terror screams. Of course there are many others killer songs like ‘The Promises You Made’ and ‘Disease’ that don’t flee from the main subject, but talk about it in a different way.
The answer to the question I made before is: Amazed!!! Yes, amazed is how I felt when I heard this album for the first time. This album is like a multi chaptered movie where the soundtrack is enough to bring the feeling of anger and sadness from those who survived this tragic episode. Somehow the band made a political protest about problems that still happen nowadays. It shows how the battle between politics and people can bring pain for us all. “Paralelo XI” shows a more powerful and experienced band that is going to amaze all of you.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Nightmare
02. This Pain Is For Me And You
03. Worse Days Will Come
04. The Throne
05. Indigenous Pride
06. Split in Half (Feat. Fernanda Lira)
07. Beneath The Mud
08. The Genocide
09. Paralelo XI
10. Silent Ground
11. The Promises You Made
12. This Means War
13. Disease
LINE-UP:
Markos Franzmann- Vocals
Karim Serri – Guitars
Tiago Rodrigues – Drums
João Lavinas – Bass
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/legacyofkainbrazil/
https://www.instagram.com/legacyofkainbrazil/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0wep2AOJt5YzM41toDCiqg
 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Victor Augusto 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Piston – Piston

Piston Cover

Piston – Piston
Self-Released
Release Date: 13/09/2019
Running Time: 32:44
Review by Paul Monkhouse
9/10

It seems that the Midlands have a bit of a monopoly on great rock bands and the area’s history is blessed with names such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Magnum and Judas Priest amongst many others. You can now add Piston to that proud list as this, their self-titled debut, is a heavyweight contender for the big league. Having already played shows with some major hitters in the scene, it’s now their turn in the spotlight and the results are dazzling.
The aptly named ‘Dynamite’ is an incendiary start to the album with its irresistibly punchy riffs and gang vocals dealing a knockout blow straight out of the gate. There is absolutely no messing with this, and the flick-knife wielding attitude takes no prisoners, Rob Angelico’s vocals roaring above the twin guitar carnage of Jack Edwards and Luke Allatt whilst Stuart Egan and Brad Newlands provide the bedrock on which this monster stands. Already playlisted by several radio stations, ‘Rainmaker’ is the glorious offspring of Led Zep and AC/DC in its balance of power, dynamics and guts, highlighting the strength of intelligent songwriting here-in. ‘Go Now’ struts like Gene Simmons at his most confident and the brilliant ‘Carry Me Home’ stomps with a rootsy blues style that sounds earthy and towering at the same time.
Promising to be an absolute killer live, ‘One More Day’ glories in cascading guitars and a rip snorting, punky hard rock feel that can blister you from a mile away. Whilst the prowling ‘Beyond Repair’ is arguably the weakest song on the release, it’s quality is such that it would be the strongest track on many other bands albums and the gold standard writing on ‘Piston’ is a high watermark to produce ten faultless songs that hit the spot every time. Other people may declare it their favourite track. You pay your money; you take your choice. ‘Leave if You Dare’ is Southern Rock mixed with the best of British and has some phenomenal guitar playing by Edwards and Allatt, the band cranking things up another notch with ‘Blow it Away’. This is a song built for foot to the floor driving and full of the joyous feeling of leaving work on a Friday night to go to a gig, adrenaline sky high.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Stones on steroids having a beer with Extreme would sound like, look no further than ‘Let Us Rise’, a song so packed with sparks and a kaleidoscope of colour that you may never get tired of listening to it. Throughout, Angelico and the Piston boys are really firing on all cylinders, never afraid to stretch their muscles in both the performances and writing. ‘Into the Night’ finishes the album and it’s another twist in an already compelling patchwork that makes this such a vital addition to the collection of all self-respecting rock fans. Utterly fascinating, this eschews the more hard-rocking whole of the album and goes into a territory of chiming U2 like guitars and vocals that are more akin to Peter Gabriel than the style before and it works brilliantly. Remixes of ‘One More Day’ and ‘Rainmaker’ have been added as bonus tracks and are a welcome, if somewhat unnecessary, addition to an already almost perfect debut.
Overall, this is music that captures the groove and feel of natural talent and chemistry of the five band members while harnessing that to something that is so full of colour and heft that sets Piston apart from a lot of their contemporaries. The band prove once and for all that the British rock scene is worth supporting and, given the talent and hard work they obviously put in, can take on anyone on the World. Move over Ozzy, Jimmy and Rob, there are new kids in town with their sights firmly on your crowns and, do you know what, they might just take them one day. You need this album.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Dynamite
02. Rainmaker
03. Go Now
04. Carry Us Home
05. One More Day
06. Beyond Repair
07. Leave If You Dare
08. Blow It Away
09. Let Us Rise
10. Into The Night
11. One More Day (Remix Bonus Track)
12. Rainmaker (Remix Bonus Track)
LINKS:
https://www.pistonuk.com/
http://www.facebook.com/PistonUK

http://www.instagram.com/PistonMusic

http://www.youtube.com/PistonBand
 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Monkhouse 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Casket Robbery – The Ascension EP (Expanded Bonus Edition)

CD Booklet

Casket Robbery – The Ascension EP (Expanded Bonus Edition)
Self-Released
Release Date: 06/09/2019
Running Time: 26:00
Review by Victor Augusto
9/10

Since I became an album reviewer I have been lucky to discover many incredible bands. Some bands don’t care about my reviews, but other bands care a lot. In some cases, they not only care a lot, but create a good connection and friendship when we feel that we have the same spirit and love for Heavy Metal. What the hell am I talking about? What I mean is when both sides really want to do the best to promote Heavy Metal; you will probably have an awesome connection, as I have with Casket Robbery.
When I first heard Casket Robbery, I was an inexperienced writer trying to find the words to define them and today I still think how impressive and different they are from the typical Death Metal bands. Their music consists of a strong Metal that will rapidly explode your head. Riffs and catchy short solos create a different sonority. Cory Scheider adds some distorted melodies to increase the horror spirit from the lyrics and Megan Orvold has an insane vocal. I bet you cannot hear her screams without imagining her big eyes staring into you at a concert. The drum parts are incredibly fast, but have many different variations which mean it is not repetitive.
This EP was originally released in 2017 and this extended version has added the newest single ‘From Hell’ (2019) that has an interesting history. The members had a contest called “Evil Laugh” and their fans sent a recorded laugh to be part of this track. A few days ago I discovered that MY LAUGH is on it too. Yes, my friends! I sent my evil laugh as a fan and it is there with many other crazy people’s laugh!
The other three bonus tracks are just Megan and Cory talking about the compositions and recording process while the songs play in a background. ‘Pockets Lined With Flowers’ is still my favourite song with a killer scream from Megan opening the musical destruction. The rhythmical changes across the EP are awesome. There is a morbid atmosphere created by backing vocals or short guitar melodies similar to the keyboard and synths from Fear Factory.
“The Ascension” shows how powerful a band Casket Robbery is. It is a mix of heaviness from good Death Metal, Groove and horror stories played with huge anger, by experienced musicians.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Pockets Lined With Flowers
02. From Hell (BONUS TRACK)
03. The Ascension
04. Lilith
05. Pockets Lined With Flowers – Commentary (BONUS TRACK)
06. From Hell – Commentary (BONUS TRACK)
07. The Ascension – Commentary (BONUS TRACK)
08. Lilith – Commentary (BONUS TRACK)
LINE-UP:
Megan Orvold – Vocals
Cory Scheider – Guitars
Jeremy Kohnmann- Guitars
Alex Simpson – Drums
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/casketrobbery/

https://www.instagram.com/casketrobbery/

https://www.youtube.com/user/casketrobbery
 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Victor Augusto 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Control The Storm – Forevermore

Forevermore Cover

Control The Storm – Forevermore
Self-Released
Release Date: 25/07/2019
Running Time: 54:41
Review by Tammy Lomax
8/10

Control The Storm are a Melodic Power Metal band from Bristol UK and were formed in 2010. They are also one of our Ever Metal bands to watch out for. In their press release they state they have “gone from strength to strength” and they have hit the nail completely on the head Their debut album “Beast Inside” was released in 2015 and “Forevermore is the follow up!
They are an incredibly hardworking band on the live circuit and as a unit they gel really well and that reflects in their studio output because they are so well-rehearsed.
So the battle begins with their new album “Forevermore” the start of a new chapter. Get your marching shoes and get in line and let us be strong and united.
The album opens with ‘Darkest Fantasy’ and this is why I said go and get them marching shoes on, because that is how this track makes you feel, its catchy and prepares you for battle. Firouzeh’s vocals are great, she just floats. Sometimes the high notes reached are a personal no for me and feel a touch strained but those guitar solos are just so beautiful, warm and brilliant.
‘New Era’ takes you on a little journey and the emotions are familiar. It’s pleasant on the ears but it is the perfect track to blast really loud. It is anthemic and has such a catchy chorus I find myself singing the words! It’s very well written, the guitars are poignant as they are throughout the album. Guitarists Matt Smith and Rich Shillitoe work very well together, in fact it’s almost like they are both playing on the same guitar at points.
‘Follow Me’ is also really cool and they have a video out for this track. It is my favourite on the album, mainly because of the lyrics as they mean a lot to me, as well as the memorable chorus and those beautiful guitars again.
Final, title, track ‘Forevermore’ is a complete ‘WOW’ as it comes in at just over 13 mins long, but what a 13 minutes it is!. It’s Control The Storm’s journey in a song. It’s almost like you are reading their book, pulling you in, and picturing your own personal scenario to their story. I could see this being the perfect song for a fairy-tale. You are consumed to know what the next chapter is, it is so victorious and determined, Personally, I keep feeling a little Pink Floyd here but whatever you hear it’s an absolutely epic way to finish the album
When I last spoke to Rae (Keyboard player Raedon Mac) Control The Storm were playing the Metalheart Promotions All Dayer 2019 and he explained how pumped up the band were to be playing Bloodstock this year. I understand it was their first time running through the complete set in one go. They were so tight and well glued together, it was bloody awesome. And to be honest they were one of the best bands for me on the day.
Now, even though on occasion I prefer my metal like my coffee, mean and extreme with a massive kick, I have an open mind to listen to anything. Control The Storm put me in a real happy place, I feel motivated and lifted.
While listening to the album in full for the first time properly and seeing them work as a team on stage I am excited for the journey ahead. I feel elated and beat up listening to “Forevermore”. This is the new Control The Storm. Don’t stop moving guys. It’s time for them to shine and reap the rewards from their hard work and dedication.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Darkest Fantasy
02. Strike To Defend
03. New Era
04. Follow Me
05. In The Night
06. Chaotic Mind
07. Hidden Wonder
08. Curse Of The Voiceless
09. Forevermore
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/ControlTheStorm/
https://www.instagram.com/controlthestormofficial/?
https://controlthestorm.bandcamp.com/


https://www.youtube.com/controlthestorm
 
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Tammy Lomax 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

The Electric Mud – Burn the Ships

Burn The Ships Cover

The Electric Mud – Burn the Ships
Self-Released
Release Date: 23/08/2019
Running Time: 38:00
Review by: Alun Jones
8/10

Let’s get the important stuff covered off first. For any of you who thought this band were something to do with that lot from the Seventies who sang ‘Tiger Feet’, you’re wrong. The Electric Mud have very little in common with their Glam Rock similar-namesakes. Of course, a professional such as myself would never make a mistake like that.
The Electric Mud hail from Fort Myers, Florida – and specialise in making a steaming hot gumbo of stoner rock and dense, swampy blues.
“Burn the Ships” is The Electric Mud’s second album. Through the course of seven songs, the listener travels from the sweltering everglades through time and space – as vintage sounds melt with modern.
Opening track ‘Call The Judge’ oozes an irresistible Southern rock ’n’ roll groove, starting proceedings with a triumphant swagger. Grab a beer and a whiskey chaser, you know it’s going to be a lively night in the Roadhouse.
The Electric Mud show their stoner credentials on tracks like ‘Priestess’, which melds inventive riffs with pace and dynamics. ‘Good Monster’ weaves funky, head bobbing grooves and ‘Reptile’ lunges out of the depths, attacking like a gator whose mother’s been made into a pair of shoes.
There’s some stunning musicianship on display here; the guitars of Constantine Grim and Pete Kolter are crunchy yet nimble when required. Tommy Scott’s bass rumbles and glides perfectly. Pierson Whicker’s drums can smash and bang yet can be refined when necessary. Kolter’s voice, smoky yet soulful, is an addictive asset in itself.
Songs range from rocking brawlers to heartfelt blues with awesome proficiency. ‘Black Wool’ and ‘Terrestrial Birds’ showcase these slower moments really well, allowing the music to breathe and worm its way under your skin.
The variety of sound – together with the confident delivery and clever song writing – is what makes “Burn the Ships” engaging and successful. In the best tradition of stoner rock, The Electric Mud can combine old and new, fast and smooth, dirty and graceful. Their Southern charm, marinated in the blues, give this band their unique identity.
Although it feels maybe one song too short, “Burn the Ships” is full of character and demands repeat listens.
By the way, I used to see quite a bit of Mud – and lots of other glam rock bands – in the early seventies. Mud used to take a paddling pool everywhere with them, to do some backstage mud wrestling. Hence the name, you see? Though it never worked! Not once did they persuade lovely dance troupe Pan’s People to get involved, or Suzi Quattro. It usually just ended with the band in the mud bath, drunk on Babycham and fighting with Slade.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Call The Judge
02. Priestess
03. Good Monster
04. Reptile
05. Black Wool
06. Stone Hands
07. Terrestrial Birds
LINKS:
http://theelectricmud.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheElectricMud/

https://www.instagram.com/theelectricmud/
https://theelectricmud1.bandcamp.com/album/burn-the-ships
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBs_Uu6yNKF1jFHI4rDSm_A
 
The Electric Mud
 
 
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Scrollkeeper – Path To Glory EP

Path To Glory EP Cover

Scrollkeeper – Path To Glory EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 13/09/2018
Running Time: 19:55
Review by Dawn King
8/10

Ok, so I have been out of the loop where the actual reviewing of things is concerned for a while and, technically, this review should have been written months ago. So, I apologise to the band Scrollkeeper for the delay with this. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait though.
Scrollkeeper are a band from Houston in Texas, formed in 2016, who specialise in high-energy, anthemic, original material that is “reminiscent of metal’s halcyon days!” – TRADITIONAL heavy metal to you and me!
The band consists of Simon Marfleet on drums, Justin McKittrick on vocals, Alexander K on lead/rhythm guitars, John Morris also on lead/rhythm guitars and Will Sullivan on the bass and “Path To Glory” is their latest four track EP.
With influences cited as (deep breath here!) Les Warner, Ken Owen, Bruce Dickinson, Leather Leone, Geddy Lee, Andy Laroque, Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen and Geezer Butler, the band’s debut show was as support for Delain and Hammerfall in 2017 and they have since shared the stage with the likes of Manilla Road, Dirkschneider, Angra and Cloven Hoof. They have also kept a busy show schedule in the Houston area with some out of town festivals as well as being scheduled to open for British heavy metal veterans, Saxon, in 2019.
The self-released EP “Path To Glory” was recorded at Sound Arts Studio and Nocturnal Sound Studios in Houston, Texas and was engineered by Brian Baker and the band’s guitarist, Alexander K. It was mixed and mastered by Ricardo Camargo at Tidalwar Studios in Queens, New York and the artwork was done by German illustrator, Helge C Balzer.
So, now you know a bit of the history of the band and some background to the music, what of the EP?
Well, this really has everything that all great traditional heavy metal albums should have. The drums are galloping, and the riffs are crunching. Justin’s voice is well suited to this type of metal, being powerful and strong and the guitar solos are fantastic.
There is such a high energy throughout the EP that if you are not headbanging with your sword held high by the end of track one then something is wrong with you! I had this on repeat for more than half a dozen runs through and I was banging my head whilst cooking my chili con carne!
The pace throughout the EP hardly seems to let up (slowing down slightly for the track ‘Surrender’) and the choruses are anthemic (just as the band promised!) Scrollkeeper, as a whole, are tight and concise and although I find the vocals a little ‘flat’ at times, there really isn’t anything to dislike about this EP. The only drawback I could find is that it just wasn’t long enough. I would love to have seen what these guys could do for a whole album, and I wait with bated breath until one is released!
Did I like this EP? Hell, yes! Do I recommend you go and give it a listen? Again, hell, yes!
I can’t wait to see what these guys come up with next, and if this is anything to go by, it’s bound to go down a storm!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Not Of This Earth
02. Path To Glory
03. Surrender
04. Fortune Favors The Bold
LINKS:
https://facebook.com/scrollkeeper

https://www.instagram.com/scrollkeeperhm/
https://scrollkeeper.bandcamp.com/


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoZ6aSK0QOAqGEgxNO_Xhmw
 
Promo Pic1
 
 
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn 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 adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.