Burning Black - Prisoners of Steel

Classic power metal in the most respectable sense. Well played and overall well recorded, Prisoners of Steel, the Italian bands first full-length after forming in 2004, holds high the values and traditions of true metal in the truest trueness possible. That said, some of the vocal lines don’t seem to work; or at least I can imagine them being done better. The only other problem I can foresee is the California band with the same name. For fans of Judas Priest, Manowar and Accept. On Sweet Poison Records.
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Hammerfall - Threshold (Nuclear Blast)

Another fine release from the epic Swedes, but that is all this is: fine. Otherwords I would use to describe it are: decent, good, enjoyable, pleasant and dandy. The crux of the matter with this release is that it fails to showcase the band in all their powermetal glory. Untypically lacking in the ripping enthusiasm of their first four albums, it seems they’ve checkmated themselves with songwriting that sits on the ‘threshold’ of achieving it’s desired punch. That said, the songwriting and arrangements all work - a testament to their fantastic musicianship, yet this album just doesn’t generate the energy their earlier work has. Still worth headbanging to though.

Seasons of the Wolf - Once in a Blue Moon

With Seasons of the Wolf it is always the season to bark at the moon; and with this release, even blue ones. Always mysterious, always defiant, always there to lead you to a place of cosmic aural rapture; SOTW once again channel eiree gothic tones of what could possibly be previously unknown frequencies; which may explain why it is so hard to pinpoint their influences. Sounding refreshingly different than anything you may have heard, no matter how obscure, SOTW gallop with darkness, danger and old unmentionable terrors; enlightening your musical senses with an ethereal darkness and psychadelic edge surely meant to take you to realms unheard - and keep you there. Not to say you won’t find kindness with this group, “Snaggletooth” was featured on the Steve Rolbiecki cancer benefit compilation. Once bitten, twice persuaded.

Schizopathic - Grain of Sanity (Self-financed)

First of all, for those who don’t know, I’m a bit too close to this album to be truly objective. I am good friends with these guys not to mention that I was present for some of the recording; even managing to use some of their Pachyderm studio time for my own nefarious purposes. That said, let the review begin.

“All Rise” kicks off the album and sets the mood; and it’s a mood that demands headbanging and fists-in-the-air throughout. Only softening their attack in the arpeggiated ‘acoustic’ sections of the heavy titletrack “Grain of Sanity” as well as in “Sessions,” a song which could be considered a ballad if only it wasn’t so pissed-off angry. In fact, anger seems to be the predominant theme here as best exemplified by “Beat You to Death.” As I’m sure you can imagine, the song is both angry and heavy.

Overall, most of this fumming riff ‘n’ roll portfolio dwells in the mid-tempo range. However, “Psycho Trip” steps up the speed a bit complete with a really cool skate/surf vibe. Definitely one of my favorite tracks. Though the crowd favorite by far is “Schizoholic;” certainly destined to become a classic party song and will probably remain the defining song of the band much the same way “Ace of Spades” defines Motorhead. “Me, Myself and I” is another popular live track, strangely appealing in it’s straitforward self-centered advance.

To characterize Shizopathic's sound a bit more: Think Pantera mixed with Suicidal Tendencies and latter day Anthrax. Heavy, catchy, and riffy with gang chant back up vox. Charismatic backup vocals provided care of Cole (drums) and Scott (guitar).

As far as the production goes, it is not quite what you’ll get with the major label bands I’ve just mentioned; however, it is much better than what you would normally expect from a self-financed release. Meaning Grain of Sanity doesn’t get tiresome after repeated listens despite EQ abuse (in my opinion) and that says a lot. If you have the opportunity to see Schizopathic live, expect to hear quite a few songs not currently available.

A final word. Wes House, a musician friend of ours who recently died from Progressive Multiple Sclerosis really dug this album giving it a thumbs up (the MS took away his ability to speak) when I asked him what he thought of it not long before he died.

Syrens Call - Against Wind and Tide MCD (Brennus Music)

Hailing (or perhaps I should say sailing?) from the shores of France, Syrens Call have arrived with a melodic rain-shower of proggish edged metalistic wonder. Overall, the five songs on this multi-media mini-cd are somewhat moody, but in a pleasant introspective rainy day kind of way. Swirling keyboards and guitars lift you up and take you away with mid-tempo melodies that occasionally climax into a frenzy of notes as well as diving down into the balladish. The instrumental whirlpool of “Aquatic Coma” was previously released on their first album Fantasea; and it sounds as if it has been re-recorded here. New singer Soraya Hostens smooth passionate voice blends into to the melodic multi-colored metal seashell that is Syren’s Call effortlessly; her voice remarkably similar to their last singer. The production however, could use a little more oomph. Nevertheless, the songs float quite well and swim even better. There is also a video, slide show, lyrics and wallpapers. No life preserver needed.

Avian - From the Depths of Time

Reverblicious melodic power metal fortified with creative hooks, conceptual lyrics and subtle progressive maneuvers that pull you along with the genius of their execution. Top this off with the soaring vocals of Lance King you get an album that stands out as exceptional in the crowded field of metallic prog releases.
However, with guest musicians used on the cd and in live performance you get the impression that this is a side project. Opening for Gamma Ray, Mike Simonds filled in Dave Ellefsons vacant bass slot and Steve Soderstrom played drums (David Small played all the drums on the album). Jonah Weingarten played keyboards on the cd and live. Also playing on the cd and live is guitarist Roger Moore who is listed on the album as a guest musician. (??)
Despite the lack of a stable line-up this high-class affair from the mind of guitarist and band founder Yan Leviathan is the perfect album to lead young ones astray from the ravages of mainstream staleness. My favorite track is “The Depths of Time” followed by “As the World Burns” and “Blinding Force.” On Nightmare Records.

Dragonforce - Inhuman Rampage (Roadrunner)

Inhuman shredding. Inhuman vocal majesty. Inhuman keyboard runs. Inhuman bass bashing. Inhuman drumming. Inhuman melodic explosionisms. Inhuman songwriting. Inhuman hooks. Inhuman passion. Inhuman enthusiasm. Inhuman charisma. Inhuman thunder. So yeah. INHUMAN RAMPAGE you metal maniacs! Photo-review of Minneapolis show.