A HILL TO DIE UPON - OMENS

Omens delivers a stellar blackened death metal onslaught. A Hill to Die Upon has offered another precious slab of musical brutality and has simply outdone themselves this time. Omens defines and establishes even more of the Hill sound.

Their now trademark guitar styling’s, shine bright and clear with plenty of attack and power without loosing their definition. It locks in with the towering rhythm section and lifts this sonic assault to new heights.

The Titans (Adam & Michael) take the best of those who’ve gone before them; elements of Immortal, Dimmu Borgir and perhaps even Behemoth throw ‘em in a blender with much passionate intensity and original thought, the final outcome is Omens.

Melodies with strength combined with overwhelming riffs with results such as The Perfection of Evil, Darkness That can be Felt or I Come as Black Fire. Ancient Enemy of Death is haunting and telling. Demonstrating their ability to create art while threatening to go off the rails and explode at any moment. Without a doubt Rex Carroll, who is credited as the studio engineer, offered wise input.

The production is stellar with plenty of space and atmosphere. It feels as though you could get lost in it, a dark cave with many catacombs that lead all to the same place but you might not know it at first. With biting crisp tonalities that add to the musical palette.

Along with Terraphobia’s Evilution, A Hill to Die Upon’s Omens charts another course of extreme metal excellence. One element I preferred on the previous AHTDU release is the artwork. But once you put the disc in the player and start the windmill action that really doesn’t matter does it?

A hearty 8 axe review from this corner, what are you waiting for? Show your support and grab your copy today from your favorite online retailer.


8 axes

JERUSALEM - SHE

The latest offering from Swedish rockers Jerusalem is entitled simply, SHE. A reference to the Whore of Babylon as mentioned in the Revelation to St. John. This album is their first studio record since their 1998 release R.A.D. (rock against the devil).

Ever since the Prophet LP in the mid 1990’s Jerusalem sort of shed their 70’s rock roots and went for a more ‘modern’ rock sound ala U2. Some fans have liked it and some wished they’d head back to their earlier sound. Well it seems with SHE there is a mishmash of both.

There are many musical elements that shine of that U2 styled sound. Whether it’s “Save My Life” or “I was to Leave her,” the influence of Bono and company is there. However, those songs are on one side of the pendulum. You see this pendulum also swings back toward a more traditional rock sound with such tracks as “The Greatest Party” or the anthemic “Come On.”

The guitar is the primary instrument on this release. You won’t find much in way of keyboards. The six string axe leads this musical attack, with some strong influence from The Edge. Ulf has the guitar mixed right at the edge of the musical envelope.

Ulf shows he can still belt it out; his vocal performance is solid and commanding. Lyrically the message of redemption and hope shines brightly and boldly for all to hear. Which these days are rather refreshing, as most artists with a Christian point of view are too busy covering their tracks.

She is a solid rock album which should please the fan base and garner new listeners. Whether fans view it as a return to musical form is yet to be seen. That is something that can only happen with time.

7 axes

TERRAPHOBIA - EVILUTION

Terraphobia’s EVILUTION is simply full on brutal death metal. Heavy guitars, guttural vocals and enough speed to give a bullet train a run for its money. Michael Jelenic of Mortification plays all the instruments and handles the vocal duties as well.

From the opening strands of the title track through album closer Phase 6 this album is relentless. If you were a fan of the first three Mortification albums then you’ll understand musically where this album is coming from. I hear tinges of Possessed and Morbid Angel. Jelenic’s guitar playing demands your attention and I will add he’s got the chops. It’s a wonder why he’s not mentioned in the more elite musicians of our scene.

Hooks are not necessarily the aim of a good death metal album, but melodies should be. There are several here that really stand out. Soldiers of the New Millennium, False Prophet come immediately to mind. However with a track like Golgotha, that’s probably not the main point, charging like chainsaw through a wheat field this song is a killer.

The production elements are strong and powerful. A nice thick wall of sound greats the listener where everything is spaced well in the mix. Lyrically Jelenic tackles many different areas from the Crucifixion to abortion to politics, from a Christian point of view. Yet if I didn’t tell you that, you might miss it, which isn’t a bad thing.


Death Metal fans should line up in droves to grab this album. It’s that good, and you’ll play it loudly and proudly. A seven axe review should tell you what you want to know. A keeper this one is.

7 axes

BROKEN SILENCE - DISCERNING THE TIMES

Broken Silence hails from Hawaii and before this disc arrived in my mailbox I can honestly tell you I don’t ever remember hearing of them before. However it seems that many others have, which has really left me on the outs as I’ve pondered how did I miss these guys back in the day.

This release by Retroactive is the first proper issue of this 13 song album here in the United States. Originally produced by David Zaffiro (at least that is what I’m deducing no official credit is listed, but in the liner notes it mentions he was working with them back at the time this album was put together 1990/1991 perhaps?)Discerning the Times is finally seeing the light of day on this side of the Pacific Ocean having first been released in Japan over 12 years ago.

With a strong metal sound that strikes me as a weird cross of Dio/Queensryche (to my ears anyway) and Holy Soldier this album is first class. The production aspects of tone quality and sound spacing are very good. The performances of this four piece metal outfit also exceed expectations.

The song structures smack of Sacred Heart era Dio and Operation Mindcrime/Empire era Ryche. The balladry type songs have a more L.A. type vibe, but this isn’t a ‘hair band’ by any stretch. With much more depth to their songwriting and arranging (courtesy of Zaffiro I’d guess) Discerning the Times is a much more satisfying listen than other albums of that era. Perhaps that’s because it’s not stuck in the clichéd trappings of that era.

No ‘rock for the rock’ lyrics here or typical three chord progressions that end on E. This was a release I had to work for and truly listen to in order to digest all that is going on. Much like an oil painting, where much can be missed on the initial viewing but after spending time processing it a deeper appreciation is found.

From Byron Jacobs’s guitar playing, the strong vocal performance of Daniel J. Ysais and solid rhythm section of Ace McFadden on drums and bass player Ric Rodeheaver these guys were the real deal. Top flight musicians who all knew there way around their prospective instruments. For you fans of metal this album features strong guitar playing with knock out vocals.

Lyrically this album is deeper than most. Spiritual issues are discussed without the four spiritual laws every 30 seconds. Personally I find this very refreshing and much more engaging.

Broken Silence, Discerning the Times is another gem of a release for Retroactive Records. Grab your leather jacket, bullet belt and make your way to the front this one is sure to please.

9 axes

LIBERTY N JUSTICE - CHASING A CURE LP

Many of you will remember that I actually wrote a review of LNJ’s original 5 song EP back in December of 2010. Well I guess you can’t keep a good thing down as our friends at Roxx Records in collaboration with Justin Murr have put this out on CD. (It was originally a download only).

Now not only is this available on Compact Disc, but it has been expanded with 8, yes you read that right, 8 more songs!! It’s no longer an EP, but an LP.

The guest list on this recording is as impressive as ever highlighted by Kerry Livgren of Kansas and Carmine Appice, appearing on a cover of Kansas’s Ground Zero. The full track listing is as following.

1. Say Uncle (Paul Shortino of Quiet Riot / Rough Cut, Ron Keel of Keel & Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister)
2. Throwing Stones (Donnie Vie of Enuff Z Nuff & JK Northrup)
3. Paige’s Song (Philip Bardowell of MAGDALEN/Unruly Child/The Beach Boys and Tony Palacios of Guardian)
4. Playing God (Terry Ilous of XYZ, Jeff Paris and Richard Kendrick of Near Life Experience)
5. Chasing A Cure (Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty of Firehouse)

“Bonus Tracks”
6. Black Or White (Terry Ilous of XYZ, Alton Hood of D.O.C. & JK Northrup) Originally Recorded by Michael Jackson
7. Quicksand Jesus (Kelly Keeling of Baton Rouge) Originally Recorded by Skid Row
8. Snake Eat Snake ‘Electric Version’ (David Raymond Reeves & Don Webster of Neon Cross)
9. Butterface (Mark Allen Lanoue of Biloxi & Joshua Perahia of Joshua)
10. When Mullets Ruled The World (Philip Bardowell of MAGDALEN/Unruly Child/The Beach Boys)
11. Ground Zero (Kelly Keeling of Baton Rouge and Kerry Livgreen of Kansas/Protokaw & Carmine Appice

They’ve included a couple of demo tracks, which sound good in their own right.
12. "Eve" (Tommy Denander)
13. "Damascus Road" (Tommy Denander)

The newer songs I found to have a bit more hard rock edge to them. The original five tracks struck me as more commercial rock but the 8 newer songs definitely have a stronger guitar presence and that makes all the difference to these ears.

Liberty N Justice has shown that they are capable song writers and this release is no exception. There are a few cover songs, but each one has a strong message in its own right. The production values as on the previous LNJ release Light It Up is world class.

Perhaps something else that has caught my attention is that the vocal performances are stellar. In stark contrast to many vocalists in the rock scene today these guys show more grit, emotion and power while holding a melody! It’s a reminder that good vocals can make or break a song, or an album.


This disc is a must if you love commercial rock n roll like Night Ranger, Bon Jovi or Journey. The disc is being produced in limited numbers so you might not want to wait on this one. A portion of the proceeds of this release will still be donated to benefit The Epilepsy Foundation. The songs and performances are more memorable then most which is why this one gets 8 axes.


8 AXES

DAVID BENSON - PURPOSE OF THE CROSS reissue

David Benson has been around the Christian Metal scene since the mid 90’s. Yet this re-issue is my introduction to him and his music. He’s been one of these names that I’ve heard about and pondered what his music would sound like. Many of you who are more familiar with him are probably shocked that I’d not heard him before.

Well with Intense Millennium's reissue of Benson’s first album I’ve finally got the opportunity to check him out for myself. Purpose of the Cross was originally released in 1996, this edition has been remastered and expanded for a modern audience. Three extra tracks were added that Benson recorded with former Tempest guitar player Mick Rowe, more about those later.

Purpose of the Cross is the almost perfect amalgam of early 70’s era Sabbath with a strong sense of melody and just the right touch of early solo Ozzy. Benson is clearly influenced by Ozzy as his vocal performance is clearly brings that spotlight to it.

Yet without the songs themselves no amount of posturing will save any artist and Benson has the songs to back up his performance. From album opener Purpose of the Cross to Shout through Works album closer Faith, and this album is some true doomy metal. The more I listen to this album the more I like it and it actually excites me to hear someone playing Heavy Metal in a traditional manner. It also makes me wonder why there aren’t more bands from a Christian point of view doing it.

This disc rocks my friends, if you dig stuff like Barren Cross, Whitecross, Trytan then you’ll have no problem here. If you’re a purist who feels that wearing one’s influence on your sleeve this way is a problem then don’t buy it, but if you’re like me and just want some tunes to rock out to, grab this album NOW!

On the production end of things Purpose of the Cross has that underground feel and I’ve no doubt that the remastering has helped to improve the sound. The frequencies seem to be balanced appropriately; it’s not overly thin or boomy. Lyrically David lays his Christian message right out there.

Now back to three bonus tracks, Benson and Rowe collaborated on what would’ve been a new Tempest album. Yet that album would’ve sounded nothing like the Tempest of the late 80’s. These tracks are doomy sludge that follow the style of Benson’s other material. On this release they are right at home and perhaps are even heavier then the rest of the album. Just listen to Crushing the Dark Cathedral and your head is gonna sway hard.

Fans of Ozzy era Sabbath should find something to cheer about here. Doomy, powerful metal with melody and a message, Purpose of the Cross is the real deal. A big thumbs up and here’s looking forward to more from where this came from.

9 axes