MY SILENT WAKE - SILVER UNDER MIDNIGHT

My Silent Wake returns with a brand new album entitled Silver Under Midnight. Following a re-issue of their classic opus The Anatomy of Melancholy, available through Bombworks, MSW delivers a release of brand new skull crushing material.

It should also be mentioned that a vinyl only release of their acoustic material was also produced, it’s a limited run so if you don’t already have a copy chances are slim that you’d find one. However it’s entitled, Acoustic Collection; good luck!

Back to the release at hand, Silver Under Midnight finds MSW in fine form. In the studio this time MSW consists of Ian Arkley providing brutal and clean vocals, guitar chaos, occasional keyboards, plus assorted percussion and bass guitar. Kate Hamilton provides bass and the traditional dulcimer. Mark Henry delivers the powerful back beats of the drums and the carnage of powerful percussion.

Silver Under Midnight is an album that defines atmosphere and mood. Starting with a brief intro that lasts under two minutes full of those folkish overtones that sets a startling medieval period, Midnight. It gives way to the full force of the imposing Destroyer, a track that imposes its will upon you with several mood changes while it crushes you with its Sabbath inspired riff.

Oblivion comes at you with it’s over whelming groove and sledgehammer timing. Ian’s brutal vocal delivery is in top form as it cuts through the musical carnage.  The tempo is almost reminiscent of early Seventh Angel. A pile driver has as much subtlety but that is one of the brilliant things about MSW, they can come at you with a locomotive and suddenly shift gears into silent dark foreboding encampment such as you’d find in a desolate forest.

Wars and The Last Man share this same ultra heaviness. Pounding doom and gothic metal that offers some heavy riffage while turning your brain into mush. Album closer Third Season moves through many atmospheric changes without losing any of its heaviness or sense of danger. Clocking in at over 14 minutes, this epic shines and demands an instant replay. No really.

The production is top flight and really from MSW I expect no less. The instruments have great clarity and definition without a huge loss in dynamics. These purveyors of gothic doom have seemingly mastered their art in the studio.

My Silent Wake again has delivered an exceptional piece of musical art. Making observations of the human condition without offering the simple trite response that so many do.  2013 has been the year of My Silent Wake and Silver Under Midnight should solidify that statement. Grab a copy.

9 axes

THE SEVENTH POWER - POWER AND GLORY

For those of you who do not know who Bill Menchen is (shame on you), he has been the brainchild of MANY different Christian Metal/Hard Rock bands throughout the last 25 years. Titanic, Menchen, Redeemer and Final Axe were some of his other musical outlets; however I’m focused on another group under the moniker of The Seventh Power.

Power and Glory is the current album, actually it came out in 2012 and I received it earlier in 2013. So after spinning this disc to death for months (I must apologize for the delay in this review… seriously….) Power and Glory is a much better disc than its predecessor Eternal Power. One thing with The Seventh Power, musically you know what you’re gonna get straight ahead old school heavy metal with a hook.

The hooks on Power and Glory struck me as stronger and a bit more pronounced than on Eternal Power. The songs felt more complete, finished. Menchen doesn’t break new ground musically, but honestly that in itself is a breath of fresh air because as I fan I know what to expect as I already mentioned.

Robert Sweet of Stryper handles all the drumming duties and does he beat the snot outta his kit. Tight and punchy with a flair for the subtle, Sweet has never been slouch behind the kit.  Bill provides his top flight riffs and solid lead playing throughout this release.

Some of my favorite tracks include the video tune God Is Love, but just as catchy is the very strong Look Into My Eyes.  The title track includes a deep voiced sounding announcer that always strikes me as a distant cousin to the announcing voice at the end of Rush’s 2112. Similar but not the same.

 The production is top flight once again as on the previous Seventh Power albums. I often find the drums to be that bedrock that breaks through the musical din; however the guitar sounds are crisp and strong.

Straight ahead 80’s metal is what you’ll find here with little in the way of surprise. If that floats your boat pick this one up and enjoy some traditional sounding melodic metal with exceptional hooks.


8 axes

PYLON - THE HARROWING OF HELL Deluxe Edition

Up until a year or so ago I had never heard of Pylon. I wasn’t aware that they had released several albums and EP’s of crunching doom metal. I wasn’t aware they were from Switzerland (the thriving metal hotbed it is, Krokus is from there I believe). Quite simply I was out of the proverbial loop! YIKES!!

After all there are only so many hours in a day and quite honestly, no one can know EVERYTHING; even if we try. So my friends as Roxx asked if I’d be interested in reviewing Pylon’s The Harrowing of Hell Deluxe Edition, in true reviewer fashion said gimme a minute to think about it… eh ok!

 My own experience with doom metal was picking up Trouble’s second opus The Skull back in 86? Or was it 87? And wondered what just befell me. Then after hearing all the hoopla about Candlemass back in 88 or 89 I grabbed a sampler to their Nightfall album and the first track was At the Gallows End, WHOA! Very heavy and the vocals of Messiah Marcolin were just mystifying.

What is sort of ironic is that when I hear Pylon I sort of hear a mix of the music of Candlemass and some of the vibe of Trouble. Epic doom with the vibe of Traditional doom, strange I know but that’s what comes across to me. Pylon delivers strong song writing and the musicianship to pull it all together.

The Harrowing of Hell is one heavy duty album. Whether I pull up The Stream of Forgetfulness with its plodding and sludgy rhythm section or the organ filled Returnal Etern the vibe and atmosphere are here, inviting you to start swaying your shaggy mane to the slow sledge hammer rhythm. You won’t find neat and catchy verse chorus arrangements but you will find strong songs.

Tracks Psalm 139 A & Psalm 139 B is perhaps the most immediately accessible here, but don’t let that dissuade you. The chugging of doom moves this release along. 

 This album is like most exceptional art, it must be savored to be enjoyed.  Don’t allow the lack of the immediate hook put you off from investigating this release further. Sure it might not be everyone’s cup of tea however this might be an excellent way to get ‘into’ the doom caravan. Being somewhat specific this release is an exceptional collection of EPIC doom metal.

The Harrowing was originally released on vinyl only in a limited run of 300 copies. Roxx has done something very special by getting two new additional tracks, not previously released Lines & Golden Voice which brings the track total to 9. However there is more if you are lucky enough to get in early there is a TWO disc issue which features a compilation of tracks from the first three Pylon releases, which as I understand it are very difficult to obtain. Honestly after listening to this bonus disc I almost like the bonus disc MORE than the new album!!

Definitely grab this album. Special guests include Ian Arkley (My Silent Wake), Jordan Cutajar of Nomad Son contributes lead vocals on three tracks, Reno Meier of Sin Starlett delivers some tasty lead work, and David Vollenweider and Vale Baumgartner also offer some quality lead work.

By the way that bonus disc I mentioned also features a re-mix of Pylon’s Falling into the Sun which sounds very nice. Pylon’s The Harrowing of Hell is a gut pounding heavy metal beast of an album. Solid epic doom metal in the vein of Candlemass. Keep the lights low and prepare for a sonic implosion. 

8 axes

WONROWE VISION - PICTURES OF THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

Wonrowe Vision, in case you were unaware, is the brain child of Mortifications own Steve Rowe. However the musical statement of Vision is very different from Morty, where Morty wants to pound you into musical submission through various forms of extreme metal;  Wonrowe Vision is pure hard rock worship with a distinct late 70’s early 80’s flair.

Pictures of the Past Present and Future is the title of the latest release from Wonrowe Vision. Pictures is sort of an odd release. There are two new studio tracks, ten live tracks and three tracks from several Lightforce demos and a Mortification version of one of the Lightforce songs.

I’m kinda confused as to what this album is supposed be, is it a live album? or a new Wonrowe Vision album? A small issue I suppose but when I hear there is a NEW Wonrowe Album I guess I’m hoping for NEW stuff.  Perhaps a couple of live tracks as a bonus are added to the end, know what I mean.

The two new studio cuts That’s Total Evil and Pictures are both good cuts, That’s Total Evil is the better of two musically. The vibe sorta reminds me of early Motorhead and The Ramones but a super catchy chorus, even though I found the verses a bit heavy handed. I've found myself hitting the replay button on IPod and CD player A LOT with this song. Pictures is a bit more poppy and as it turns out it’s an old Lightforce song.

The next ten tracks are taken from a live performance at the Metal Bible Launch on December 20^th, 2012.  Unfortunately the first two tracks are the same tracks that opened the album. Of the ten tunes seven appeared on the previous album, Mission Invincible. I’ve heard a few folks mention that they preferred the live versions to the original studio versions due to production issues. For myself that has never been an issue, except in a few extreme cases and that wasn’t one of them. The live tracks sound good and except for a few vocal glitches (barely noticeable) this versions are top notch.

The Spirit of the Rock, Vaporizer, Smile Your Way Through Life are great tunes and they shine here. 

The last four songs make up the demo material of early Lightforce with one Mortification version of 12 Men. This makes a nice novelty but I really would’ve liked maybe two more new songs instead. Four new tracks and a live recording would’ve been cool. The live jam during Smile Your Way Through Life was very nice.

Wonrowe Vision is a band I enjoy. Album opener That’s Total Evil is worth the price of the album, but perhaps some other new tracks could’ve been added. The lack of new stuff was a bit disappointing. I enjoyed this release but I’m only gonna give this a 6 axe review because for a second release new music should be paramount.

6 axes

GRAVE DECLARATION - WHEN DYING SOULS SCREAM PRAISE

I will state upfront I’m not the biggest extreme metal fan in the world; most of it is overblown attempts at auditory bombast which has nothing do to with music. I will also freely admit that a lot of extreme music focuses on the dark side of life, both physical and spiritual.

Some metal heads claim that they don’t “take the lyrics seriously”, well that may be but when your lyrics focus on disparaging the Lord Jesus Christ; I take that seriously. Even if your musical aspirations are worthy, (old school Merciful Fate for example) I can’t get past the lyrical statements (in the case of Fate after I read the lyrics to The Oath I was done), this is my choice and my conviction.

Symphonic Black Metal is a musical style that I really could get into except for the lyrical content, i.e. Dimmu Borgir. The better bands are well produced and they sound epic, it is rather evident that they take their craft seriously. Several of these bands could be very intriguing, except for that lyric thing.

Well I have here is an album from Norway’s Grave Declaration entitled When Dying Souls Scream Praise. This is pure Symphonic Black Metal (or UnBlack if you prefer) with a huge helping of musical influence from the aforementioned Dimmu Borgir. A fellow writer who loves this style has compared this released to Dimmu Borgir, Thyrane and Old Man’s Child. (Thanks MJL!)

The keys soar and the double bass rips throughout, with some fantastic guitar playing. Production values are fantastic as every instrument is spaced well in the mix. The layers of guitar are excellent as they completely power this musical assault along.  

Thor Georg Buer is the main brain child and song writer, yes Thor formerly of Antestor. The melodies are strong and memorable, not in a verse chorus way but in developing a string of musical thought. Tracks such as the In The Throne Room are layered with depth and thought. The interplay of guitar and keyboard is strong. Buer provides the vocals and programming aspects as well, which makes me think that the drums are programmed.

Until I actually looked at the cut sheet I would’ve never guessed that the drums are programmed. They sound excellent, I could be wrong but a drummer is not listed on the performers list. Thor’s vocal is harsh and cuts through the musical din. Kristian Larsen adds to the guitar assault and Pal Haugland delivers pounding bass guitar.

Make no mistake the lyrical concepts delivered here are nearly worshipful in their tone and demeanor. They are strong without being trite or clichéd but well thought out. Album opener Change of Heart is full on ball busting musically with a worshipful prayer as the lyrics. The entire album is this way, which just pushes this over the top as far as I’m concerned. Lyrically articulate and heartfelt but not full of sentimentalism or syrupy clichés. 

The quality of this album cannot be argued, unless you’re just the argumentative type. It’s been mentioned to me that this album is 8 years too late.  Regardless, I really believe this release will be spoken of highly in the years to come. Not sure if I’m ready to label it a classic yet, but a 9 axe review is definitely worthy. Grab it.


9 axe

MY SILENT WAKE - THE ANATOMY OF MELANCHOLY Reissue

My Silent Wake for the uninitiated is the brain children of Ian Arkley, the former guitar player, vocalist of perennial thrash favorite Seventh Angel. However since the demise of Seventh Angel he has carried on in several other bands including Century Sleeper, Ashen Mortality and Paramaecium. All of the bands since Seventh Angel have fallen more into the category of doom metal.

Many fans will remember the rather bold lyrical stances taken on those Seventh Angel releases and if they were to come to these releases with those same expectations they would be disappointed in that regard. In light of those differences it can be said that the lyrical concepts discussed by My Silent Wake are of a more introspective and reflective tone. Questions are asked that don’t have neat and tidy answers, which causes one to think. Not enough thinking goes on at times, too much talking.

The Anatomy of Melancholy is actually a double album. First Volume is pure bone crunching gothic tinged doom metal, strong and powerful. Extreme vocals mixed with hauntingly crushing melodies, not for the squeamish. Heretic is such a strong song.
The other volume (The Last Volume) is just the opposite, an acoustic issue that is simply beautiful in a dark and foreboding way. Acoustic and classical guitars, mandolin, percussion, cello, clarinet, piano are played that should give you an idea of what to expect musically. Revolution is perhaps my favorite track here, wow. It just strikes the emotional chords and leaves a haunting melody behind. (Reminds me of a cold overcast day at the ocean, love it)

This reissue has been remastered by sound engineer Jeff Mortimer, who actually mastered the album originally. As I don’t have the original releases to compare to I will simply say, the clarity on this album is fabulous. It is heavy and powerful with some very solid dynamic range as there are plenty of subtle passages on first volume to contrast the bombast. The sound is huge or in a word EPIC!

Perhaps best described as gothic/doom metal (MSW uses this description themselves) but clearly that is not all they’re about. Straight from their website “The bands style could be described as gothic death doom, although it also includes more varied elements. Their influences are wide ranging but predominantly include early Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Trouble, Celtic Frost and of course Black Sabbath.”

My Silent Wake has done us a great service (along with Bombworks) in reissuing this album. This release is dark and foreboding with plenty of lyrical themes about life that can cause the average person to miss the point. I will simply say as I said before; My Silent Wake The Anatomy of Melancholy in a word, EPIC!

9 axes

EMPIRE 21.... Who you say? Read on and find out!!!

EMPIRE 21 is a brand new hardrock act from Sweden, determined

to bring You a debut album as strong as it gets.

Neither the band nor the album to come was brought together by coincidence, but rather by a desperate need to fill a gap in todays music scene.

The force behind EMPIRE 21 consists of:

Germán Pascual - Vocals

CJ Grimmark - Guitars

Tobias Enbert - Drums

Andreas Ålöv - Bass

John Svensson - Keyboards

Having worked hard on the debut album behind locked doors over the past few years, the day of the release comes closer as dates for final mix and mastering now have been set for late spring 2013.

The album mix will be handled by none less than Tobias Lindell, the man behind the sound on albums by Mustasch, Europe and many more. 

The sound will be heavy, melodic rock/metal with tons of energy and great musicianship, and as soon as the album is out, EMPIRE 21 will be ready to hit the roads and travel anywhere to meet their audience.

ONE PROMISE is that the music of EMPIRE 21 will be just as fit for an arena or outdoor festival, as for a small rock club.

/EMPIRE 21