BOARDERS - R-EXISTENCE Deluxe Edition

It always amazes me when I hear the quality of music put out in the Christian metal marketplace. The vast majority of releases are rather good and by that I mean they are at least of the same quality as their secular counterparts. The tag ‘Christian Metal’ does not mean an inferior product in either the production or talent category. It also doesn’t mean that the lyrical content will be predictable tripe.

A song doesn’t have to be a three minute salvation tract in order to be ‘Christian’ does it? I think not; after all 1 Corinthians 13 is not known as the ‘salvation chapter’ is it. So to those whose view of what constitutes a Christian release is of a very narrow lyrical content probably won’t like this latest release from Boarders. R-Existence Deluxe Edition explores many different topics from a distinctly Christian point of view.

Exploring a wide array of subjects such as lying, standing against the world’s conventions, hatred, social injustice, Boarders opens a wide plethora of intellectual subjects that scream for self introspection. Not your usual fair lyrically, but Boarders seems to be a band willing to take risks. First off they originally released R-Existence as a free download over a year ago. A full complete metal album, free.

Musically R-Existence is a heavier release then their previous The World Hates Me. I was hard pressed to find any AC/DC influence on this album, having said that; the fact that this band used to be a Megadeth tribute band shouldn’t be a surprise after giving this album a spin. The influence of Megadeth is definitely there (think So Far So Good…. So What…. era), but Boarders makes it their own; not just a second rate rip off.

Whether its ripping through such bits of metal whimsy as Signs of Resistance or IV Reich (featuring Annihilator guitar Jeff Waters) or the pounding steel of The Agony of Lying, Boarders delivers a bit of thinking mans metal. I’m still surprised when I hear Lightbringer with its strong harmonies and quoted comments by Martin Luther King, unexpected but definitely a strong moment.

The songs are stronger and rock a bit harder with even higher quality musicianship. This CD release has a better sound quality then the free download, by far; richer sound with greater depth. Not to mention that this deluxe edition has five extra tracks. One instrumental, an acoustic version of the track Pure Gold with female vocals offered by Mariangela Scafati. This Time starts off sounding rather weak but the band delivers a powerful pseudo-ballad moment. Two demo’s from the band previous album are also included Deliver You Back to Hell and For What It’s Worth.

R-Existence is a solid slab of raging heavy metal. Thanks to Roxx Records you can grab this full album with some nice extras. If you want something with more intellectual acumen to go along with your screaming guitars R-Existence is without a doubt an album you must own.

8 axes

RIVERA BOMMA - INFINITE JOURNEY OF SOULS

After a 7 year absence Rivera Bomma have returned with a brand new album entitled Infinite Journey of Souls. Retroactive Records is the purveyor of this ten track album which offers the listener an excursion into a journey of melodically progressive heavy metal, with a bent toward the commercial. Commercial in the sense of melody but not in 'softness,' just to make sure that is clear.

The songs themselves are for the most part immediately accessible. Not only are the accessible but they are MEMORABLE! An element that many songwriting seem to forget these days. The lead ‘single’ Empty Desire is a melodic masterpiece of metallic whimsy that just grabs you. It grabbed me, the guitar parts scream and it all just flows together, like a fine oil painting. The title track is a full heavy metal assault that twists and turns without losing steam, strap in and hold on. Johnny Bomma’s vocal is strong and powerful.

In Blood is a barnburner that drives full speed ahead, with such a tasty hook that I almost never saw it coming until it grabbed me. Nice song dynamics that really push this song over the top, clocking in at over 7 minutes this track is a journey but doesn’t feel at all like a 7 minute tune. Via Dolorosa is a cover of the old Sandi Patti tune, a power ballad that takes a right turn musically. This track is completely unexpected, a good rendition that is worthy of its place on this album.

Angels and Demons bring back the metal in a strong way. Horizons End takes the intensity back up a notch with Rod Rivera’s guitar histrionics shinning through out, a nice harmony with bass player Mike LePond is a solid plus.  This track rocks make no mistake about it. The musicianship is of extremely high caliber that is worthy of international notice. LePond (Symphony X) offers the bass assault while Edward Faust pounds away on the drums.

Infinite Journey of Souls is a great album musically; I found myself air guitaring often and wanting to reply many of the tracks again and again. The melodies were infectious, yet the one thing that seems to hold the album back from being a classic is the production. The sound is so compressed; the instruments aren’t given space to breath and find their own home in the mix. The drums lack stereo separation, it’s almost like they’re in this center grove sonically that they need to break out of! Because of this the bass guitar and drums seem to be at the bottom of the valley, almost like the reverb button was on overdrive attempting a big sound that has swallowed up some of the stellar musicianship.

Infinite Journey of Souls is great album of melodically inspired heavy metal with strong progressive leanings. The songs are FAB and you can’t go wrong with Rivera’s guitar work. The production short comings shouldn’t prevent anyone from enjoying the songs themselves. 8 axes and here’s hoping we don’t have to weight so long for another release. 

8 axes

GOLDEN RESURRECTION - ONE VOICE FOR THE KINGDOM

Golden Resurrection has returned with a barnburner of an album, entitled One Voice for the Kingdom. A much more up tempo release is in store for the listener as opposed to their previous album, Man with a Mission. That opus provided a much more commercial feel; it is quite clear that One Voice for the Kingdom is a more straight ahead metal record with a stronger neoclassical flair.

Tommy Reinxeed delivers again on the guitar; he is a tremendous player who has a keen sense of melody and nuance. He can also just plain shred when the song calls for it. Just listening to his playing during the two instrumentals will make a believer out of you, Heavenly Metal & Moore Lord are exceptional bits of guitar playing whimsy.

One of the things that really stood out to me is that the drums on this release are completely ‘natural,’ no effect triggers were used. A nice organic sound which reminds me that human beings made this music, not machines. Alfred Fridhagen takes over in the drumming department (he's only 19!) and his playing is tremendous, he solidifies a powerhouse rhythm section.

The songs are good, solid driving neoclassical heavy metal. Can’t Slow Down, One Voice for the Kingdom, Born For the Strangers are immediate standouts with their fast and furious tempos with stronger melodies. However this release did take me a few listens to get a handle on the hooks. That is perhaps the one thing that was the most glaring; the melodies didn’t necessarily jump out and dig in deep leaving me humming them when the album was over.

There isn’t a ‘bad’ track on the album yet it would seem to me that perhaps an outside producer to help bring out the best in each song. Someone to help make those melodies even stronger and perhaps a little more accessible. Not in the sense of a ‘hit single’ but just to help make things a bit more memorable, for many of the tracks are worthy.

Christian Liljegren continues to deliver exceptional vocal work in the vein of Dio with a touch of Halford thrown in. The lyrical message that Liljegren delivers is one of hope, without compromise or condemnation.

One Voice for the Kingdom is a natural progression from the last two albums, with its more upfront guitar work and slightly less polish in the production department. The keyboards have their place but don’t dominate as often as on Man With a Mission.

Golden Resurrection have again delivered a healthy dose of guitar driven neoclassic power metal. Leather and denim jackets need only apply; this type of music is designed with the proverbial air guitar in mind. I got mine! Where’s yours??

8 axes

ANTESTOR - OMEN

The one thing that prevents me from enjoying most black metal is that I miss the invitation. What I mean by that is the ability to get ‘inside’ the music, where it resonates within you and it touches a part of you. Most times it’s because I can’t get past the wall of sound, hence ‘the invitation.’ I fail to discern the melody (if it exists) or the lyrical content is obscured by the delivery. 

Antestor’s (latin for ‘call to witness) newest album is entitled Omen, and the invitation is there for me in DROVES. Whether it’s the subtlety (yes there is subtlety) or the haunting melodies (yes there are many rather disturbing melodies) this release just has IT. I don’t own any other Antestor albums so I was rather suspect of what I might be in for. After all, I’ve heard nothing but the praises of prior releases but without the ability to obtain them short of selling my car I decided to pass on obtaining them. 

So when Matt from Bombworks asked if I wanted to review I said “Sure. NO problem!” all the while crossing my fingers hoping that this would be a good album.

With a strength and boldness that few albums have hit me with, Omen is just phenomenal. Powerful and daunting, this album delivers on so many levels. Whether it’s the triple guitar attack of Bordevik, Stokstad and Buer; the sheer power of the rich lyrical content (faithfulness, personal forgiveness, betrayal, healing, and idols) or the rich production. 

The axe attack is simply powerful, creating a threating yet not overpowering wall of sound. The melodies of tracks such as Remnants, along with the stellar dynamics and almost progressive quality just blew me away. All Towers Must Fall delivers a mesmerizing ode to the brevity of life, while moving through several dynamic musical interludes.  Album opener Treacherous Domain set the tone for the music to be found within. When In Solitude starts I just wonder, “How can anyone play the guitar that fast?” However the speed of the rhythm parts just fascinates but the when the keyboards enter it takes everything to another level. Atmospherics can never be understated. Benighted delivers several riffs that just dominate along with textures that are totally unexpected.  Antestor have dubbed their brand of music ‘sorrow metal.’

The production is solid with a drum sound that screams of investment and dedication. Too often the drums end up sounding as if someone is playing old pots and pans, that is far from the case here; rich and deep are the tones of the drums. The bass and six string guitars share space in the mix with plenty of power to entwine them both. The vocal sound is sheer brutality for the most part provided by Ronny Hansen, who delivery encompasses the meaning of the word extreme. However I was more than able to following along with the lyric sheet (that invitation again).

Omen is the album that fans of Antestor have been waiting for, complex, strong, dynamic and bombastic. Prepare yourself to be immersed in one of the most stirring albums of 2012/2013. Strong windmill action which leads one to give this release a huge endorsement. Bombworks Records has delivered a gem!

9 axes

BRUTAL CROSS - SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION

Brutal Cross is a one man Extreme Metal extravaganza from Europe, Poland specifically. With a sound described as unblackened/death metal their Sanctus Gladius Records release entitled, Symphony of Destruction, is anything but tame.

This collection of 13 tracks seems to have a two fold purpose, first to inject the Light into a field of musical endeavor that is dominated by the darkness. Secondly to create a musical cacophony that should please anyone who wants their music intense and unabashedly extreme.

This is the second album by Brutal Cross, their first one was entitled Trilogy. One thing I noticed as I compared a few tracks from their first album to Symphony and it just seems to me that Symphony is not produced as well, a slightly rawer feel and depending on how important those elements are to you. However the sound quality is still acceptable but not as complete.  

The music on this release is pure black metal with the musical elements that define that genre; Extreme vocals, atmosphere over melody, and rawness over polish.  I was unable to hear a strong death metal influence here. From their Facebook page Brutal Cross, indicated several bands as likes which I’d infer also as influences, which includes fellow Polish unblack band Elggibor. Other bands mentioned are Crimson Moonlight, Pantokrator, Deuteronomium and Ultimatum.

If this sound like your cup of brew then snag yourself a copy of Brutal Cross’s, Symphony of Destruction. This might be a limited edition release so don’t hesitate but head over to the Sanctus store and grab one. A six axe review just because the production is slightly rawer, but the material is still acceptable.

6 axes

BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA - POINIUM CHEREM

Babylon Mystery Orchestra, a rather cryptic but intriguing name for a band so when I was asked if I’d like to review their latest album Poinium Cherem I answered in the affirmative. I had heard the name Babylon Mystery Orchestra in the various Christian Metal forums usually in a positive context, my intrigue was growing.

So when I received the CD some weeks back it came in a flood of other material so unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to dive in right away. I now realize that BMO is a one man band led by Sidney Allen Johnson.  Vocally he reminds me of David Johanson of The New York Dolls.  I’ve had some opportunity to sit with this disc and I have to say I was pretty disappointed.

The production elements are actually pretty good; the instruments have good clarity (I believe a drum machine was used). The packaging was pretty amazing for an independent release, exceptional quality.

It’s the songs that just don’t do it for me; too many of the songs seem to use the same arrangements and chord progressions. Destroyer, The Affliction, Apollyon and I Am an Artist, suffer from that. Devilution has a different tempo but the chorus falls into the same break downs as the aforementioned songs. Save for A Prophets Song the remaining tracks have the same challenges.

The are other Babylon Mystery Orchestra albums out there and I’ve only heard this one and I’m sure others will disagree with my take on this album, but from my point of view I would pass.

5 axes