DVD REVIEW: HATEBREED "LIVE DOMINANCE"

Hatebreed
"Live Dominance"
Koch Records

Links:
www.hatebreed.com
www.myspace.com/hatebreed
www.kochrecords.com

Vitals:
Format - Hi-Definition Recording/DVD
Director/Producter/Editor - Kevin Custer
DVD Authoring - Houseworks Digital Media, Inc.
Worldwide Management - No Name Worldwide

Band:
Vocals - Jamey Jasta
Guitar - Frank Novinec
Bass - Chris Beattie
Guitar - Sean Martin
Drums - Matt Byrne

The Grit:
Open this DVD and you'll get sucked into the LIVE show of Hatebreed. Walk onto the stage with the band at the legendary Harpo's in Detroit, and dive into the pit of dominance. From the first track to the last track, you will be sated. The show is over 1 hour in a length and has over 20 tracks of live in yer face hardcore from Connecticut. Filmed in high definition DVD the live action is crisp, clear and almost as good as being there in person, without all the blood, sweat, and tears. In terms of the DVD packaging, we have phenomenal artwork that breathes out Hatebreed with logo and spikes on sticks. Before we begin, we must explain this is a DVD for those eighteen and over, due to the nature and content of some of the songs.

In terms of the camera angles, we are talking on stage, from beside the drumkit, to behind it, to beside the guitars, overhead and facing the fans. Better than that, live camera angles from the circle pits, sloshing, slushing, moshing, and all too real. The instruments are in tip top shape along with the harsher than ever vocal blasts from Jamey.

Picture this, adrenaline laced fits of rage, emotion, and vomit inducing pit activity. You remember Saving Private Ryan, opening on Omaha Beach... all the intensity, the explosive nature of what's coming next, the ceaseless pulverizing of fire all about, the barage of potent decibel exhilaration, like unto this Live Dominance show. Not only does the band take the show, but they share the show with crowd interaction be it gang vocals, roars into the air, or pounding slabs of concrete - Hatebreed deliver the show.

Some of the long time favored tracks captured in this DVD are songs such as Perseverance, A Call For Blood, Never Let It Die, and I Will Be Heard. Each song unleashes thunderous bolts of unyielding audible locomotives plowing their way into a DVD player near you. Jamey's focus and soliloquies on PMA, Positive Mental Attitude says a lot about the band. They don't exist to tear down society, but too shake it up a little, rattle it around a bit, and provide a cathartic outlet for those who feel the same way. The set list includes what we could consider probably the best definable and most liked hardcore set list ever. Hatebreed exemplify that sure intelligence can stream through walls of sound. Ultra-hyper sonic freakin heavy breakdowns scatter themselves through each song.

Speaking of the instruments, you have chunky thick, juicy twin guitars, a resounding solid submarine like state bass guitar rhythms, double bass grooves from behind the kit, and thick gritty vocals to top it all off - all the best. Sean Martin and Frank Novinec on guitars play hard, in tune, without over powering each other or subtracting from what the rest of the band is doing - playing hardcore. Chris Beattie on bass pounds the crap out of his 4 string machine, while maintaing composure and playing like his heart is in the music. Matt Byrne on the kit never misses a beat in fact I think he may throw in a few extra to scare the snot out of the fans who know and love all the classic tracks in this set. Last but not least, Jamey Jasta's vocal delivery is punishing, yet a welcome punishment and message that gets heavier each subsequent tracks in the list.

A behemoth of various sound and riffs that stair step in progressive aggression. Step 1 - tracks 1-5 lay waste to all who are in the way or dare to stop this friendly monster called Hatebreed. Step 2 - tracks 6-13, intricacies appear as well as catchy metallic hooks. Headchargers like rams spew forth in tracks like "Straight to Your Face", and "Facing What Consumes You". Step 3 - is a step back in time to some of the sweat soaked anthems, "Before Dishonor", "Smash Your Enemies", "Live For This", and "I Will Be Heard" develop into a plateau achieved by few bands in a live setting, save Pantera, Crimsoon Moonlight, Nile or Necrophagist, "A New Level"...

The showmanship of these 5 guys is phenomenal. The set is full of tributes to various groups and people "As Diehard As They Come" was dedicated to armed forces; "A Call For Blood", the principal found in the old Law of Moses "eye for an eye" - which is where the mature adult will understand the feelings behind it... mature folks will understand, gratitude and thankfulness show as well. Jamey in the liner notes of the DVD thinks he may obsess too much about thanking people, but my friend, keep it up. \M/. This is important to continue, because not many people say thank you, nor mean it if they do. A brutal dose of honesty never hurt anyone, but may have bruised a few in fun as they were swirling the pits. Hatebreed remembers from whence they came, never forgetting their roots. It's the culmination of conquering the negativity of internal strife encircled by worldly demise. Agreed, there is always hope, and He is the Beginning and the End.

Hatebreed also re-emphasizes the vitality of relationships, between and amongst family and friends, and like minded individuals. They remind us we are not in this world alone. Whether you barely scrape by on the streets, slave away for a corporation, have lost a loved one, is one pursuing justice, or just need a release to vent your frustration - Hatebreed has now become the pressure release valve.

Mind you there are some extra goodies on the disc and clips from other live shows.

Koch Records roster continues to grown in maturity and strength, and Hatebreed's work on this DVD shoot proves that the investment was a wise choice. In conclusion, it is best said by the frontman himself, "... somebody falls pick them up - respect each other..."

CD REVIEW: IN BATTLE "THE KINGDOM OF FEAR"

In Battle
The Kingdom of Fear
Candlelight Records USA

In Battle descend from Sweden, yet another top notch band. This one surfaces above many of its peers because of the relentless pursuit for metal perfection. In Battle realizes incredulous executions of varying time signatures. This band’s talent is brimming delectable audible character on vocals, stellar instruments recordings, and hook laden speed breaks (from fast into hyper speed). Complex layers of guitars sharpen the ax for In Battle. With regard to bass guitar, you have thick breakdowns, palm mutes and trigger finger change ups. The Kingdom of Fear is chock full of artillery like drums, painting the picture of what war sounds like from within. Constant overhead barrages, smashes, clashes, and double bass attacks are prominent – yet not dominant. The mix down on the disc is alone a captivating feature.

Au grand serieux, The Kingdom is full metal to the hilt. Scandinavia unleashes another rival for the Swedish metal reign. Each song is like unto a Roman legionnaire’s dagger, sharp, polished, and furious when put to the test.

If you want a unique, yet captivating disc to plug into, The Kingdom of Fear is just for you.

All songs come recommended to you:
Kingdom of Fear; this title track is probably one of the stronger title tracks produced, since Ithyphallic as produced by Nile. One of the successes of this album is the concept of delicate yet brutal musicianship in the title track. Currently many bands do not produce title tracks, perhaps the reason why is they can’t deliver like Nile or In Battle for that matter. This is the pacesetter for the entire album, gritty edges and heavy bottom end earth jolting extreme metal.

The Multitude; classic metal intro that leads into hypersonic speed and some death metal chops. For grins, I suppose they put in some guitar pinches with some muted riffing. At just over four minutes you feel as if you have run out air and gas. Not quite yet. More to come. The backing vocals come across as hardcore gang vocals which we think is a positive use of the other voices in the band.

The Wandering One; if you will remember Righteous Pigs back in the day, well infuse in a few tanks of NOS, and you will have the feel of this song. Here we have a total grindcore through and through, yet with intelligible lyrics and direction. Guitars are raspy with distortion, the bass is over the top and the drums pound the sense out of your hearing. This track showcases the sharp and strong presence of the band’s ability to create a memorable heaviness.

Follow the Allfather; perhaps a throwback to old-school thrash/black metal, this track has a good vibe of unrelenting verve and riffs so thick you can taste them. For fans of old Obituary, you will find consolation with In Battle. Just because we mention Obituary does not mean they mimic, but produce the same intriguing metal stamina… Throughout the drums you have a perpetual cymbal leading the march of doom.

Tyr; chord dissonance is present in this song that are laid out by hammer-ons. Rhythmically speaking, the drums and bass align themselves while sustaining individuality. Vocally the charges are more energetic and herculean than in previous tracks.

The Dead Shall See; we coin this track as the new and improved theme song for the once-popular television show, “Dark Shadows”. Strange, inexplicable, frightening sounds that protrude forth into a quick-paced doom charged song. The pulse of the song lies in the bass guitar that defines the leitmotif; panning from left to right channels to return you to the same mental state as before. Contained herein is some of the best drumwork on the disc; unfathomably quickened with each new turn on the song; cymbal splashing and shattering. The most mysterious aspect of the vocalization is the sound bites that resemble old screamers once staring Vincent Price. For all we know it could be him (?)!

The Curse; If you need a rush of unadulterated adrenaline then set your volume to 12 and lose the knob. Not much of a different way to describe this track, other than to grab your dreadlocked wig, glue it to your head and hope it stays on as you bang your head for 187 seconds. Double bass drums sound tight and the guitars and drums perform as expected, riff-thick and accessible.

I Kamp; quick gut punches of chanting the title track, with well arranged guitar solos, triumphant bass guitar floggings, and three dimensional drums – another welcome track to your repeat function on your digital device or player.

Terrorkings; various thrash metal giants influence surface in this song, Slayer, Testament, Kreator, yet In Battle make this song their own – in their own right. Some of the guitar breaks pivot between doom metal and avant-garde stylings used by industrial metal giants, Treponem Pal.

Path of Power; consider this part two of “The Dead Shall See”, equally impactful with minor chord progressions, and Bill Steer style guitar soliloquies (as heard in “Heartwork”).

Raven Calls; various sound bites resemble the sound of war – swords, groaning, and defeat. The most definable aspect of this track is the diminuendo and slowing down of the beats per minute of the song, amongst the various instruments – without losing volume. Each instrument including vocals pursue full performance to the end – no filler, no junk, just metal you weld yourself to…

Click here to purchase

Thanks a million to Candlelight Records USA. \M/

CD REVIEW: HILASTHERION "TAKEN FROM DARKNESS"

Hilastherion

Taken From Darkness

Finland produces yet another well rounded melodic metal band called Hilastherion. Hilastherion’s first full length release clocks in at over 65 minutes and is worth the listen to every second. Each track packs a punch that is quite delightful and yet heavy enough to call you back for more. Lyrically, there has not been a recent band that has produced such heartfelt and honest words into lyrical form, save Iron Maiden. Musically a full platter is delivered in melodic death form. True to form there are melodies, but not the type you are used to hearing. Each of the melodies is unique to Hilastherion’s work and not a recycled sound from other bands. Congratulations, a feat few bands achieve!

Speaking of the instrumental sounds: you have two guitars that flail melodic death rhythms all over the place, yet with control and accuracy; you have a bass guitar that somewhat lays under the twin guitars as somewhat of a third rhythm instrument mirroring guitar riffs; drums you have a 3-D effect of fast punchy hits and beats; vocally you have a caustic burning sound that adds weight to the final mix of the sound. Furthermore, you also have keyboards/synthesizers that enhance the atmosphere of each song without dominating the track’s overall sound. In summation, a priceless work of metal sounds palatable for anyone searching for the truth of melodic death metal genius!!! This release contains no filler, nor crap, just straight up metal. Hilastherion have something to say, and you should all listen. Hilastherion – the fearless wielder of the sword!!!!

Eleven of eleven songs come recommended to you metal fans:

Sick and Rotten World; a powerful intro with all strings pounding the daylights of the darkness. Not to mention, the drums are hard hitting and power-packed. The first taste of unique melodies, Hilastherion-style. Vocally you will be amazed of the brutal sense of bitterness.

See The Pain In His Face; All together separate sounding from Iron Maiden, the introductory melody brings to mind the pre-emptive genius Iron Maiden’s guitar duo introduced with their first release, specifically the song “Transylvania”. Don’t let the lyrics scare you it’s only light exposing the darkness of the world. The rapid pace of the instruments is just right.

Jesus Rules; a song laden with tremendous break downs and searing twin guitar leads. The bass guitar thunders and echoes the introduction; while the drums clap against the audio landscape. What’s really cool about this song is that although the vocals are in death metal style, they remain clearly comprehendible. It’s always nice to hear what they are saying.

Why; this song addresses the question of WHY! Many folks think that Christians have it easy and never suffer – this song addresses that topic and dispels the myth of “complete bliss on earth”. Yeah we all go through life, but Hilastherion sum it up in one word, “Why”. A low volume guitar riff hammers into a full sonic blast of simultaneous instrumental salvos.

A Sinner’s Song Of Desperation; high octane guitar runs punctuated with double bass drums and synthesizer highlights. This track showcases one of the stronger vocal performances on the disc, more of a mid-range tone with occasional grunts plus the flow well with the ineffable guitar tones.

Battle Of The Flesh; not for the faint of heart or those who refuse to hear the truth. The musical driven precision leads you to believe this is going to be a short song, because how can anyone play that long and steady without a break, other than NILE or RUSH. Clocking in at over 6 minutes the integrity of the metal sound remains and intact and intense as ever – as heard from the guitar solos.

Save My Soul; twin guitars plead for relief where the drums beat the rhythm in from all sides of the Dolby sound spectrum. Another track containing carefully planted guitar solos.

Taken From Darkness; title track has a lot of atmosphere with airy keys and dueling guitars in two different tones on two different sides, one left and one right channel. Excellent work, a movement started by Smith & Murray and enhanced by Extol! In the midst of all the speed lies the solid bass guitar foundation and harsh vocals.

Judgement Day; a work filled with guitar pinches, a soliloquy, unforeseen breakdowns, all wrapped up in a metalcore shell. For fans of As I Lay Dying and Imperial – this one is for you.

A Fallen One; this is reminiscent of Andy Laroque’s early 90s work in terms of palm mutings and topped with harpsichord sounding keys. An intense early 90s thrash sense of urgency while maintaining originality.

Story Of John; a truly epic musical adventure. It features highs and lows in the sound as well as the running lyrical themes. The guitar virtuosity shines through as Yngwie Malmsteen; but it’s not him! The foundation continues to be solid and dependable to create a wall of sound necessary for metal success.

Thanks to Hilastherion for sharing the superb work of art!

CD REVIEW: WARLIGHT "THE BLOODCHRONICLES"

Warlight
The Bloodchronicles
WhirlWind Records (DE)

Punk-Rock-N-Roll has resurfaced and not been as dignified as these fine gentlemen from land of the Norse, who call themselves Warlight. Punk is back from the dead, with high octane rhythms, unforgettable/un-erasable gang vocals and thriving instruments. Warlight are uncompromising, blistery punk riff makers, headstrong bass leaders, and unbeatable drums surrounded by hypnotic vocals. Mark these words, “Never mind the Sex Pistols – we now have WARLIGHT!” Tapping the same musical vein as original punk generators the Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Misfits, Minor Threat, Shmunks For You, and the Ramones – these guys from Norway bring the Punk-Rock-N-Roll sound like never heard before.

Each track is cohesive, yet individual so what you have is an all encompassing smorgasbord of musical masterpieces. Some have unstoppable energy; some songs produce a mosh-inducing fever pitch, where others get you to thinking and singing aloud. Only God could arrange such a forthright bold band who sticks to the truth. The Crème de la Crème.

Each track comes highly recommended:
An Introduction To The Bloodchronicles; this sounds like the soundtrack from an old horror movie; flat piano keys and accelerating drums and guitars into a scene that sound like Braveheart – a sword leaving it’s sheath “kaching!”

Vengeance Of The Martyrs; straight in from track one rises this fierce riff driven rock anthem. They pull no punches, only deliver them.

Death To Babylon; what a punch line! Warlight step up the intensity with a fast riding bass guitar and screaming Chuck Berry like guitars, and Robo/Misfist style drums, and the ever caressing yet screaming lungs.

Snake Blood; riffs reminiscent of John Christ’s early work in Danzig, and straight up sounds of Angus Young/ACDC; lined with a low undertow of bass guitar and head-swaying vocals topped with back-splashing drums fit just right.

Welcome To The Earth; here is where we here some Minor Threat-esque and Dead Kennedy’s influence; they may have been the forerunners, but Warlight are the torch bearers ~ burning a new path where ever these audio tracks are laid.

Like You; This track is a bit slower one that brings to mind the catchy hooks of Husker Du and the Ramones. Add a dash of bass sound resembling Lemmy/Motorhead and the new vocal strikes of the singer and you one flippin awesome track!

The Exorcist; now this one is a new generation of The Damned if I have ever heard them! Clocking in at less than one minute, all instruments fall into place and so will you.

A Note To The Public; in only seventeen seconds Warlight deliver a message once only prescribed by genre defining metal heads, Napalm Death. Not so much the metal sound, but the heart rendering intensity in such a short span of what we call time.

Drive Me In The Firewagon; the dichotomía of the rest of the CD, a departure into electronic/alternative roots as New Order. A pronounced bass adds presence to the airy spacey feel from the synthesizers/sampling; and twangy/twinkling guitars add a subventitious atmosphere once produced by The Smiths. Great track!

Hypocits and Alibi’s; imagine a punk sounding Meatloaf, playing along with Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band and you have this track. Some piano keys add a 70s flare to the track and the manner in which drums are played lead one to almost think Peter Kriss/Kiss (Alive era). Nicely done.

Something More; slightly distorted vocals trap your audio attention and then suck you under into the world of wild guitar and bass announcements. Not to forget the drums keep punching back at you. Don’t worry, you’ll be singing along with this one too.

Break The Curse; with almost a post-hardcore instrumental sound, the vocals remind you it’s not post anything ~ it’s all precursor material, like no other. Rock on, this historic event rings loud and true in the vocal arrangements. Yet another you’

A Prayer From The Wolves; is it a sad song, or a slow thought provoking song? Your guess is as good as mine; but dang it!!!!!! Warlight deliver another hit from this disc.

Thanks very much to WhirlWind Record for sending the disc. \M/

CD REVIEW: PANTOKRATOR "AURUM"

Pantokrator
Aurum
WhirlWind Records (DE)

Aurum is the musical culmination of pure adrenaline soaked guitars, the unequaled bass repercussions, machine precisioned – human drumming, and visceral vocal charges. Pantokrator have now ranked among themselves among the best peers with this work, namely Amon Amarth, Crimson Moonlight, and the resurfacing Gardenian. Each individual wields himself as a wall o sound, then combine with the four others in the band and you will have a quintet frothing with molten metal from heels to gills.

Pantokrator manifest the reality of pristine musicianship as found in Aurum’s musical themes and arrangements, lyrical hooks, alongside the immense breadth and depth of each instrument (inclusive of vocals). Left and right channels hardly imperceptibly satisfy the listener to completely soak in the musical rays of electic energy emitted by such talented Swedes.

Whirlwind have made it nearly impossible to select just a few tracks for listening – in fact they too achieve a rarity, a completely listenable and enjoyable disc. Having stated that, all tracks are favored and come highly recommended. Trust us.

Amongst the highly favored tracks:
Gold of Havilah; quite an opener, thick heavy grooves of guitars intermittently jabbed with furious drum chops and the visceral vocal taste to be founder later in the disc.

Nephilim; probably one of the faster tracks on the disc. This tracks exhibits the technical death metal thrash tones and rhythm that Slayer and Exodus have been known to produce. Nice job guys!

Words of Agur; the drums flow very well to provide a nice solid foundation of relentless rhythms of the song. For some reason there is a taste of Paranoid in this track – perhaps it’s a distorted bass sound.

Out of the north clothed in gold; for fans of Carcass and The Crown, this one is for you. Believe us in that this is truly owned by Pantokrator, but the aura the ambience of this track reminisces the two bands previously mentioned.

Where Lilith found her peace; this here a slower paced song; but catchy grooves as once produced by Cathedral and currently recorded by Candlemass. Ultimate heavy sludge riffage and intricate vocal spikes.

The order of Melchisedec; yet another quick paced ditty. Intensely played with guitar railings and bass and drum launches and lunges. The use of string harmonics an art now lost is used appropriately and sparingly in this masterpiece. Burning vocals leave the imprint they were intended to leave – deep and sharp.

King of Babylon; from the foundation up the guitars incorporate pull off/hammer-on combinations that draw you in with odd-timed (as in slower for the moment the action is taking place), then bam!!! Thorough vocal demise, nothing left for us the listener but the singer continuously drones into heavy obscurity while mouthing the lyrics. The guitars pass the deeper hits to the bass guitar while fully backed by the double bass drumming and ornate cymbal work.

The madness of Nebuchadnezzar; riffer madness and complicated thrash overtones and speed metal undertows, produce another good hook.

Thy feeble flame; in terms of time, the longest track on the record. Overpowering yet well used guitar brandings. In terms of the vox, yet a deeper abrasive roar. Drums and bass guitar sound as if they are bending while guitarists bend the strings in various interludes and bridges of the song.

The hidden treasure; here is the winding down track. This track features Lina Holstrom as guest vocalist. A haunting and daunting task to fully absorb the message of the song – id est musically and lyrically. A challenging feat, yet mission accomplished. Heaviness has never sounded so good.

Many thanks to WhirlWind Record for the disc. \M/

CD REVIEW: ZAO "FUNERAL OF GOD"

Zao
Funeral of God
Ferret Music
http://www.zaoonline.com/

Zao have long been innovators in the metalcore scene, since inception. What they bring to the forefront in this offering is a mixture of abstract guitars, almost non-defined bass guitar, kit shredding drums, and a slight departure from the vocal spewing a fan may be used to hearing from the band. Just the title alone on this disc is awe-striking; a weighty counterpart to the classic “Liberate Te Ex Inferis”. As difficult as it is to say this, Zao may have struggled with the sound and content on this disc. Composition-wise, the collection of songs sound like a fight between “Liberate…” and “Parade of Chaos”; an intermediate yet difficult balance to strike. A thick heaviness is more pervasive in some tracks than others, while still maintaining and enveloping the straightforward unpolished alternative metal/rock flavor of “Parade…”

When all is said and done, Zao remains consistent in producing the steel coated metal roots that hang around for years to come with such thirst inducing tracks as: The Rising End (The First Prophecy); The Last Revelation (The Last Prophecy); and Truly, Truly, This Is The End.

Thanks to Ferret Music!

CD REVIEW: TESTAMENT "THE FORMATION OF DAMNATION"

Testament
“The Formation of Damnation”
Nuclear Blast Records
www.testamentlegions.com

Thrash-mongers, true to form, and sticking to their metal roots, unyielding and more intense than ever before, comes the thrash line-up of the year: Chuck Billy, Paul Bastoph, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, and Eric Peterson. Testament accomplishes the pressing of another well seasoned and well executed metal release. The vocals are denser coated with a gritty sound, rhythm and lead guitars are unpredictable yet produce an aura of future metal, the percussion and layered bass sections convey a firestorm of sounds, (a movement once started by old school Sabbath). Lyrical themes include the quest and questions of an afterlife, ushering in of the countdown of the meeting at Har Megiddo, virtue, and resilience. This disc is a welcomed addition to your collection. From the ear-deadening speed coupled with punctuality, and from the unbridled virtuosity ~ lands TESTAMENT.

Superior songs include: More Than Meets The Eye, The Evil Has Landed, The Formation of Damnation, Afterlife, and F.E.A.R.

Thrashers prepare for landing!