Compendium of Metal Vol. 10 by Metal on Metal Records (2017)

Well, the material here kicks ass. However, some of it is spectacularly generic. Basically what what we have here is a sort of sampler of bands, with each band getting one track. The opening band, Outrage, really...eh. I don't even know how to put this. They are easily the strongest band on the compilation, and really a good choice for an opening band to start the compilation. The song is fucking BRUTAL thrash in the vein of old Kreator/Sodom, which is totally fine in my book. Eternal Thirst from chile is a good power metal band. However, there's not a whole lot else I can say about them. They sound like they know exactly what they're doing, and succeed at what they're trying to achieve. The Lamp of Thoth (Doom/Heavy Metal), Meliah Rage (Power/Thrash), Emerald (Heavy metal), Ankham Witch (Heavy/Doom), Risen Prophecy (Thrash/Power), Horacle (Heavy metal), Sacro Sanctus (Blackened Heavy/Doom), Cadaveric Poison (another amazing Death/thrash project by Paul Speckmann), Wildhunt (Technical thrash), Metal Law (Traditional heavy metal), Sacred Gate (Heavy Metal) and the legendary Power/Heavy metal band Attacker. Pretty much all the bands are Heavy, Thrash and/Or Death Thrash just a couple of average Doom tunes as well. This compilation is definitely worth your time to hear and after a careful consideration, I'd say that this album is worth buying, if you enjoy any kind of Traditional Heavy Metal or thrash, especially the really vicious, nasty kind that borders on blackened thrash or deathrash. If you see this CD at a local record store or, pick it up!
www.metal-on-metal.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Outrage-And the Bedlam Broke Loose (2017)

There are various reasons why I consider this to be a killer band. First of all because it musically is a fucking ‘evil’ style of thrash. Fast and filthy. Opening track "And the bedlam broke loose" simply is the best song ever written. This composition comes close to perfection. The threatening into riff emphasised by the supporting distorted bass guitar, followed by an up tempo verse and chorus and a eerie mid paced middle section. The dynamics presented here are mind blowing and the song never loses its tension. Another thrashing highlight is "Breed" on which Frank P. sounds best with his raspy voice. Definitely a brutal song. This album is Strong, fast, catchy and filled with great riffs, breaks and lyrics. I really enjoyed this album from start to finish. This album isn’t anything groundbreaking, but holy shit does this rock pretty hard. In the end, you can’t claim to know what extreme metal is, if you have never listened to “And the Bedlam broke Loose”: this opus embodies the truest, most primitive soul of Metal (which nowadays has been unfortunately lost among many circles), but behind it there is a highly competent and passionate band that manages to shine flawlessly in terms of quality and professionalism, in a cohesive mix that reaches absolute perfection. Listen to this album, or die trying 'cause it's fkn amazing!!
facebook.com/OutragePforzheim
www.metal-on-metal.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

The Lamp Of Thoth-This is not a Laughing Matter (2017)

If you like Saint Vitus, Pentagram and Black Sabbath, you would love this Cd. Dementedly clear vocals and a never ending web of riffs.Literally full of incredible tracks, the album is a compilation of their Ep from 2011 and their demo from 2013. Meshing a funky vibe with skull crushing riffs, it features amazing band interplay and flourishes with more doomy weight. Great Sabbathy riff feast.That part alone makes this album worth buying because it is simply pure genius. This Cd will stand as a great album and, in my opinion, a real landmark release. Get this album.
thelampofthoth.bandcamp.com
www.metal-on-metal.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Eternal Thirst-The Hellish Fight Goes On (2017)

What can one expect from Eternal thirst on this album? Well, it is obvious this band from Chile is heavily entrenched in Euro Power Metal, but there is a heavy German Speed Metal influence as well. The music itself isn’t the most original but the production and vocals really give Eternal thirst their own feel. The production is rather unique. I can’t quite explain it, but the feeling created seems very metallic in nature and somewhat raw, yet still clear. The bass sound is really cool, and the drums sound nice and real, while being at a good mix level. The vocals are solid as well. He sings with a higher pitched style, and a more toned down aggressive style and he can also soar when needed, all of which is done with a lot of emotion. There are even times when he sounds like Michael Kiske. The guitar playing is well done with explosive solos and quality melodic sections, with the riffs driving each song; a tight rhythm section of course backs this up. When everything comes together Eternal Thirst create an interesting atmosphere for a Power Metal band, and even though the song elements might not be new, the feeling from their songs are.There are no filler tracks on here; I enjoyed every one of them. Not one song sounds the same, as the arrangements are very clever and thought-out. I recommend this release to any fan of German Power or Speed Metal, especially if you’re one of those people who prefer no keyboards in their Power Metal.
facebook.com/EternalThirstHM
www.metal-on-metal.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Night Demon-Darkness Remains (2017)

One of the best movements in modern metal is without a doubt the new wave of traditional heavy metal. Just like the NWOBHM, the NWOTHM has some bands that break the mold as something viciously talented and special, and there's the bands that just fade into the rest. When  metallians  Night Demon hit the scene with a promising Ep debut in 2012, one could only hope that they were here to stay. A few  years after their first full lenght album came out . Now in 2017 "Darkness Remains" is straightforward and ballsy heavy metal, with a bit of classic rock here and there; on this album, the sound that they have cultivated has reached its peak. Basically everything that is so amazing about Night Demon is in full bloom on this new record. The music within is focused, energetic, creative, and very memorable. The band does a fantastic job of expanding their signature sound; This is the real deal. The musicianship on this album is insane. The talent was evident on their earlier stuff, but this is a whole new level. The riffs are heavy and creative, the drums powerful and effective, vocals are better, and the solos are of a whole new level. Bass player is above average on this album, he is definitely present. Everybody comes together fantastically on this, and it may just be their best performance yet. Night Demon has proven that they are arguably the greatest NWOTHM band, and while it really comes down to opinion, Night Demon are hands down among the best. This is all splendid, you'll be along for a wild and badass ride, damn this is good. Definitely recommended to everybody.
www.nightdemon.net
facebook.com/nightdemonband
Review by Paul Caravasi

Szept/Hunger- Split Cd

These Split is from Poland....very much interested in hear to these two bands. Szept is a piece of quite enjoyable black metal. The early blackened metal influences are well stuck in the sound, doom parts taking dominion on the sound with a good alternance of fast up tempo. The blast beats are rare and quite raw in technique and speed…they are like faster up tempo. The guitars work is quite good and violent. Anyway, the song structure is  quite simple with few, main riffs. The production is quite essential and reminds me the one of those occult, early black bands like Samael. Anyway it is quite good and all the instruments can be heard quite well. It's perfect for old school black metal followers.
Hunger is another interesting band In terms of black metal, while even fewer will support the ventures into simpler directions under the name of black metal. This Duo seems to keep the flame alive, it can be described in much the same terms, that song illuminating the surrounding landscape more intensely than the other band. Attempting to push the envelope, Hunger find a way to fuse storming fast riffing and blasting with some atmospheric and emotional scope, allowing to sound primal and incensed without losing its sense of magnificence. It should be enough of an incentive for anyone to experience this!
hungerofficial.bandcamp.com
www.hellishereprod.republika.pl
Review by Paul Caravasi

Indignity-Demo 2015

This demo, is a great offering from these guys, Indignity has exceeded what I have come to expect from an unknown band (well for me at least). While many of the old school US death metal bands have evolved into something cheesy, Indignity remain true to their old school sound even if they're a young band. Musically, the demo rom 2015 is brutal without going for the effect on purpose...which is usually a good mark. The vocals are convincing...The guitar work is strong and memorable. I've actually played some of these songs up to 10 times after the initial listen.... Overall, the demo isn't groundbreaking, but it is strong and i can't wait to hear the ful lenght album soon.
facebook.com/indignityofficial
Review by Paul Caravasi