TUSSOCK "Out Of Rhyme"

TUSSOCK "Out Of Rhyme" (Grundar Production)

I am almost 100% sure that I still have the cassette tape version of this release, back in 2003 when this was released. In fact the first song is so catchy that I could hum its riffs from the back of my head. Grundar Production decided to re-release this in CD version this time, not sure if I have already review it though, but there's nothing wrong for a re-visit isn't it? "Out Of Rhyme" is, simply put a grind release in the old ways, sort of. And by that I don't mean the pioneering "Scum" or "Horrified" albums. They're old in the sense when grindcore is beginning to be infused with death Metal nuances, when it's not about speed all the time, when the word 'variety' emerged to describe a grindcore release. Thus explaining the catchiness that I find in "Out Of Rhyme". And it results in a far more bearable grindcore session for the moderate listeners of extreme music. It's a keeper for me, both the tape and now this CD version. Good for those who missed out on the tape release prior to this CD. It contains the same songs and a similar lay-out, probably to keep with the spirit of the initial release. The band is currently back in action after a long hiatus, not sure how they sound like nowadays.

grundarprod@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/grundarproduction

www.grundar.com

www.twitter.com/grundarprod

OBSESSOR / STORMING STEELS "Ultimate Thrashing Demons"

OBSESSOR / STORMING STEELS "Ultimate Thrashing Demons" (Metal Zone Distro)

Two thrash Metal act from Germany and Malaysia shares their spoils on this split. OBSESSOR with their black thrashing Metal is, as the description goes, on the raw, primitive black thrash crusade side. The intention is clear, and the material is pretty obvious. More thrash than black, of course; as is the norm with bands like these. The teutonic blood runs well within them in terms of thrashing it out, and they do not deviate from the strict tradition. No surprises as I have expected this prior to the listen. STORMING STEELS is almost on the same side as well, but with lesser black if anything. More straight thrash oriented, and as crude and primitive as it can get. The expressive vocals style is either a love or hate affair, live with it. At least it adds character to their music. As is the case with OBSESSOR, no straying from the tradition is allowed. And the productions for both is very much on par too. "Ultimate Thrashing Demons" is in and out an underground thrash Metal split of like minded musicians aimed directly at the like minded listeners.  The bands are pretty much on par and at the same level too, would you think of a better pairing than this? Let your ears decide then.

www.metalzonedistrolabel.blogspot.com

metalzonedistro@yahoo.com.my

www.myspace.com/obsessorgermany

kremator@gmx.net

www.thrashingfist-prods.blogspot.com

thrashingfist@yahoo.com

BERSERKER BARAGE "s/t"

BERSERKER BARAGE "s/t" (Earblast Records)

Yet another release from Earblast Records, yet another good band from Sabah discovered. This time it's in the brutal death Metal vein. This self-titled 3 tracks CD shows a band which is very much inclined with the music they play, potrayed by what is offered here. Though only 3 songs, BERSERKER BARAGE serves tight brutal death Metal in the guttural US vein that's sure to please listeners of the genre. Nothing much could be added to a very much consolidated sound, the only way to muster it is to play it right. BERSERKER BARAGE knows too well about this, and consciously did their very best impression here. And all is just well it seems, and all has been said, these are not half cooked brutal death by any means. As only 50 copies of this will be released, try getting this while it's still available.

www.facebook.com/EarblastRecords

porutfestsyndicate@gmail.com

BAHAJANG / MUNTAHDARAH "Operasi Bangkai"

 

BAHAJANG / MUNTAHDARAH "Operasi Bangkai" split (Grundar Production)

A less than 15 minutes split with 17 songs in total, so what do you expect? A blitzkrieg ride indeed. BAHAJANG with 11 songs here wasted no time at all, their no-nonsense grindcore ala Czech extremities has all the right ingredients for this kind of musickness. Totally no remorse in all sense. One of the meanest grindcore bands in Malaysia for the moment, and the best of all they avoid the trappings of nonsensical grinding just for the sake of it. A band to watch out for. MUNTAHDARAH does seems to be a little compromising in terms of injecting some death Metal serum into their music, and personally for me this will result in a bit more varied grind concoctions. Needless to say that I approve of this as well. These two apparently newer generation of local grindcore acts shows promises and strutting the right moves, they definitely deserves to be heard. This split might just be the tip of an iceberg. As convincing as it is, I have to mention the obvious degradation of the final product. The productions are most definitely sourced from fukking uber compressed mp3s that's very much to my dismay hurt the songs a lot. I hope the bands and the label will take note of this.

wanreyhabilly@yahoo.com

darahgrind@gmail.com

www.grundar.com

RESURRECTION "Dark Maya"

 

RESURRECTION "Dark Maya" (Eastern Voice Production)

Forget that another cliche band name, let's just settle at 'Malaysian RESURRECTION' or something like that. "Dark Maya" is another of Eastern Voice Production line of single releases, it seems that they're really specializing on this. This RESURRECTION, from Sarawak to be precise; is of the power Metal kind. But their own brand of power Metal graciously doesn't fall into the wimpy, faggotry trap of some overtly self-admiring act. RESURRECTION is by no means 'softie' Metal. Of course the obligatory clean singing is here, but the vocalist is more than up to it. He sounds very much heroic than lamenting a kitten's death, for example. RESURRECTION does keep the aggression in "Dark Maya" consistently, emphasizing what 'power' in power Metal is all about. And it's the guitar structures that's driving the single song in this release, guiding through the entire length for that soaring hilt amidst the melodies, and parts are intertwined with each other fittingly well. "Dark Maya" should be positive enough as a teaser. One song is never enough if it's this good.

www.facebook.com/eastern.voice.production

eastern.voiceprod@gmail.com

VIOLATOR "The Aggression"

 

VIOLATOR "The Aggression" (Night Art Production)

"The Aggression" consists of tracks culled from their all of VIOLATOR releases so far, plus heaps of live tracks and the more than welcomed unreleased song. I did remember their promo rehearsal 2002 'Revolution Of Human Debris' but it doesn't leave much to my memories. It is included here as well, but the 2004 demo 'Flames Of Hate' clearly shows what the band is all about. The rehearsal quality of the promo somewhat hindered my understanding a bit, but with the 2004 demo, where the only original composition of the promo rehearsal had also been re-recorded, VIOLATOR is actually an admirable attempt on old school thrash Metal that is true to the bone and delivered with the purest passion. 'Flames Of Hate', the track in the 'Metal To Metal' compilation ('Satans... Lord Of Hell'), and the unreleased track 'Walking To Hell' are some honest, stark naked thrash Metal devotion that can't be written off easily. VIOLATOR is obviously, tremendously possessed by untainted early thrash Metal that substitutes none. Releasing "The Aggression" is a nice move indeed, more so for having me discovering the said 2004 demo and the rest of the properly recorded materials. New releases by them should be imminent, VIOLATOR deserves it. Forget the fact there's countless of VIOLATOR in the Metal scene nevertheless, Malaysia's very own VIOLATOR stands for unbriddled pure thrash Metal aggression, minus all the gimmicks and unnecessary bits.

www.myspace.com/ssviolator

Akhmasz@yahoo.com.sg

BARTHAFAH "Sacrife For National Socialist"

 

BARTHAFAH "Sacrife For National Socialist"

A promo consisting an intro and a song, 'Geist des Krieges' as the intro purposely sets up the mood for 'Sacrife for National Socialist' to make an appearence. BARTHAFAH simply pounds ugly, unpolished, raw black Metal noise that is devoid of multiplexing arrangements and the likes. The song march straightforward and linear, with the vocals dominating the mix, which makes it a little hard to follow the flow of the other instruments. I can only guess that BARTHAFAH concentrates on the songs to develop into some kind of horrifying wall of noises rather than the usual song-like structures. And if that is the purpose then well done, they succeed in doing so. But since this is only an intro and a song effort, I am not so sure if such blunt approach will give the same impact for longer duration. However, a better productions might do wonders. Until then, this promo is available for 88 pieces limitation.

barthafah888@gmail.com

NATRAH / OBOR SETAN "Eastern 'Live' Ritual"

 

NATRAH / OBOR SETAN "Eastern 'Live' Ritual" (MTD Production)

As the title says, this is a split of two eastern black Metal bands. In fact their sounds are similarly inclined and very much in the same vein. Each band delivers 4 tracks, 2 consists of previously recorded songs and 2 live tracks respectively. NATRAH from Malaysia dives headfirst, and of course in line with the working title, delivers standard melodic eastern black Metal that is yet again not hard to attain. Everything is totally within the norms of the genre, so to speak. OBOR SETAN from Indonesia follows in very much the same manner, but the edge should be on them due to the better outcome in terms of the songwriting and productions of the properly recorded material. The live tracks are recorded as raw as it could be so let's just leave it at that. Again a release for the fanatics only, and that might be the label's aim when producing this too.

assuanwan@yahoo.com (NATRAH)

www.myspace.com/natrah666

www.reverbnation.com/oborsetan

www.myspace.com/oborsetan

mtd_prod666@yahoo.com

ASTAROTH "Mystery Babylon"

 

ASTAROTH "Mystery Babylon" (MTD Production)

This demo was released in the year 2000, and it is back again in another disguise, another reissue by MTD Production. And I am glad they did, "Mystery Babylon" is a good demo indeed. Being primitive and redundant not always spell disaster, let's not forget the most important factor is the way you harness it. And such is the case with ASTAROTH. While there's no denying that they do nothing but repeating what has been already established, "Mystery Babylon" is nothing short from a devoted early BURZUM worshipping. In fact this is one of the most BURZUM-esque local release I have ever heard. Chords are being dragged and repeated for that hypnotizing allure. As listening to it requires a meditative-like concentration for the full effect, ASTAROTH is gracious enough to add bits here and there every once in a while just for that miniscule variations, just enough to held the listening on their long compositions (7 minutes are the shortest they could get). The band is active again apparently, thus we should expect something that hopefully can even better this, which is already worth mentioning.

MTD_Prod666@yahoo.com

BALAMBIKA "Bangkit Dari Kematian"

 

BALAMBIKA "Bangkit Dari Kematian" (MTD Production)

BALAMBIKA from Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia presents us this 4 tracks rehearsal recording, re-released under the banner of MTD Production in 50 copies. As much as the cover art expects me to believe, it is confirmed once the disc get its playtime. It is predominantly standard eastern black Metal once again, with no surprises as expected. Yet BALAMBIKA infused some of the influences from their land in the melodies which at times sound interesting, things that I did expecting too considering their origins. Shapes and shards of eastern black Metal purists. I won't elaborate on the sound further as I have stated they are from a rehearsal recording sort of, when even a battered, loyal stereo components would be just enough. Primitive and limiting, strictly for those who dwells in the darkest corner of extreme eastern Metal art ONLY.

MTD_Prod666@yahoo.com

SINGHASARI "Kebangkitan Nusantara"

 

SINGHASARI "Kebangkitan Nusantara" (Eastern Voice Production)

Before we go straight to the music itself, let it be known that I regard the music as the most important factor first and foremost. Whatever the bands themselves believe in or campaigning on, I don't bother with and doesn't necessarily means I'm supportive in any of their actions. It's about the music here. This goes to all feeble childish ethically correct feeblefukks out there who have nothing to do apart from trying to be smart but in reality exposing their own stupidity. Fukk you, your mother, and your grandma. So here is the ever controversial SINGHASARI with their "Kebangkitan Nusantara". As what has been shown in their promo, and in line with their concept, they are still well rooted with the eastern Metal lineage. "Kebangkitan Nusantara" even goes to the extent of including various traditional instruments like barong, serunai and gendang into the foray. And it's a smart decision to include them too, since truthfully the music might just be the usual eastern (black) Metal that you will expect to encounter if not for the additional instrumentation included. And that really is the essence, it really is. Stubborn and staunch crude primitive eastern Metal interwoven with eastern (nusantara?) traditional musical instruments. And SINGHASARI attention of making sure that everything is in line with the whole presentation is not to be dismissed. What is deemed as limitation within the music itself is compensated with the deep spirituality embedded behind.

antichristwar666@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/singhasari

eastern.voiceprod@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/eastern_voiceprod

AL-AZAZHIL "Mystical Hymn Through The Darkest Years Ov Azazel"

 

AL-AZAZHIL "Mystical Hymn Through The Darkest Years Ov Azazel" (Nusantarajim Productions/Empayar Distro Production)

AL-AZAZHIL is a very productive band indeed. No less than 10 releases from them since the inception in 2005. "Mystical Hymn..." is a compilation with songs taken from all the releases until the "Dieyana... Possessed" MCD in 2010. Even if the productions quality might differs between the releases, the essence of AL-AZAZHIL music is still pretty much intact throughout the years. Expect no less than total eastern black Metal worship, that kind of black Metal championed by no other than AS SAHAR. I don't have to tell you how widespread the influence of AS SAHAR in the local scene, call it a phenomenon if you will. And I guess as they continue to explore their own musical adventures, they can assuredly witness themselves that their legacy is well preserved and will continuously ignited by generations of local extreme bands. One such torch bearer is of course AL-AZAZHIL, and while there's a handful of formations playing this kind of Metal interpretation, it is clearly up to them to stand afloat in any way possible considering the already well established characteristics of it. And as far as AL-AZAZHIL is concerned, I could add no more than this is strictly for the diehards of eastern black Metal. And it might work too on those who only settles for locally influenced Metal releases.

syaf_azazhil666@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/alazazhil

NOSFERIEL "Infernal Spell"

 

NOSFERIEL "Infernal Spell" compilation

Exactly something like 10 years of their first release, I finally laid my ears on what NOSFERIEL has to offer. Befitting indeed that "Infernal Spell" contains songs from both of their demos and one unreleased track. It is 10 years of NOSFERIEL in one go then. So it is. The first 2 tracks are taken from their "Berserk Prism Spell" 2002 demo. The suffering productions on this demo took away most of its lustre, but amidst the irrepairable mishap they already show the direction NOSFERIEL is going. Predominantly black Metal with nods toward the Scandinavian strata, and considering the limitations surrounding its release, I'd rather look at it as a promising teaser for the next release, simply for the reason the song-structures are well worth the attention. From 2004 "Infernos", this could be regarded as the definitive NOSFERIEL in terms of the released material. With vastly improved productions this time around, a far more visible NOSFERIEL has been unleashed. Still very much black Metal at heart, you couldn't deny the elements of death Metal really does clinging around in their art. Take 'Merciless Daimon Skullsplitter', for example. If you could just change the vocals with growls, it will become something like a straight KRISIUN spin-off. And add the barbarity of MARDUK "Panzer Division Marduk" era there as well. The following two from "Infernos" nods towards their black Metal predominantly, but still with those twist aforementioned. I should've discovered this back in 2004. The last track on this is totally the odd one. 'Death To Zions' was recorded in 2008 with Shaman of TASYIM on drums. For reasons only known to the band, it is unreleased until now. This culmination, and perhaps a bit surprising act, results in what would be the only NOSFERIEL song in this kind of shape, ever. The myriad of contrasting approach between both bands delivers a subdued version of NOSFERIEL, so to speak. You have to hear it yourself. "Infernal Spell" should be a warming up release for the rejuvenated NOSFERIEL. I'm sure there're plenty more to come. And the quality should be the least of your worries. By the way, my copy here is in black and white, not in full color as the picture shown. Not sure why but it's been advertised with that full color picture though.

inael_8081@yahoo.com.my

www.facebook.com/NOSFERIEL

DARKREGIME "Anthemic Holocaust"

 

DARKREGIME "Anthemic Holocaust"

The sigil on the cover of "Anthemic Holocaust" might give you the instant idea of what DARKREGIME stands for. This is some bestial war obsessed Metal ready to bulldoze you prepared or not. The duo of DARKREGIME churns out your familiarities with what is deemed 'bestial' these days, that no remorse; no compassion; directiveness kind of black/death Metal initiated by BLASPHEMY and has been spawning hordes of devoted worship ever since, and DARKREGIME might be inflicted by REVENGE the most. Add up some guitarworks obviously consumated by present days IMPIETY, and you will get the near complete picture of the holocaust here. The three tracks here come ramming all over you, and leaving the damages behind right after with no parting words. The rigidity of the textures might renders me forgiven to think that the whole lot is one full composition, if not being divided into three as it is. You know what to expect then. Not satisfied with the casualties? Push that play button again.

darkregime@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/darkregime666

www.facebook.com/DARKREGIME

VOLTAN "s/t"

 

VOLTAN "s/t" (Menjrex Nerto Production)

Black n' roll? Black indeed, and they roll it the Norwegian way. "Voltan" is a chunky four tracks of black Metal riffages obviously inseparated with the Nordic black Metal nuances. Early and mid period SATYRICON is all over and overwhelmingly hovers throughout the proceeding. But, you won't find any fast and frenetic passages here. VOLTAN keeps it laidback and dwells within the moderate, rocking paces; hence the terms 'black n' roll' is utilised, I suspect. No, they don't excruciatingly crawl like doom Metal, they keep it upbeat steadily. These combinations worked in creating an overall sense of numbing necro-ness, I hope you can still follow me up to this point though. It is by no means fast and intense musical-wise, but it resonates that grim factor much akin with black Metal of the northernmost kind. You might be listening to this sitting on a chair, but it will not let you feel comfortable. It's an unusual vibe going on here, yet from something that you feel somewhat familiar.

www.myspace.com/blackrollhell

SAUTS ALASTOR "Infernvs Daemonvm"

 

SAUTS ALASTOR "Infernvs Daemonvm" single (Eastern Voice Production)

"The Grand Executor", back in the year 2000, was and still is one of the best well hidden secrets of the Malaysian scene. Without much fanfare going on, it will always be regarded as one of the better black Metal releases for those who are fortunate enough to obtain it. Fast forward to 2012 and after some rather promising 'comeback' live shows, SAUTS ALASTOR is officially on their unending quest once again, duly stamped by the release of "Infernvs Daemonvm". As a single, the song with the said song title initiate the foreplay, yet the band (and probably the label) are generous enough to slot in some live tracks to make up for the duration. "Infernvs Daemonvm", as grandiloquent as the title sounds, is an opus of slightly more than eight minutes with epic proportions. It shows that SAUTS ALASTOR are never losing it, in fact they return with adequate warchest to march on. It doesn't that hard to earmark the influences of their music, SAUTS ALASTOR undeniably took the best out of the Scandinavian black Metal scene and the forwardness of late EMPEROR to carve their own. "Infernvs Daemonvm" will reminds you of DARK FUNERAL, SETHERIAL, and of course EMPEROR in the mix, yet before you even thought that you could get nothing else there's always this untradeable abilities of song-craftmanship that SAUTS ALASTOR possess that will make you stay for more. That compositional edges that you might not get from countless practices of the instruments alone. That midas touch, so to say. The seamless foray between the parts and instruments conjures the everchanging landscape of the song with ease and unescapable dark charm. As for the live tracks included, they're as good as a raw live recordings could get, audible enough for a chance to hear their own rendition of EMPEROR's 'I Am The Black Wizard', DISSECTION's 'Night's Blood' and another original track 'Black Chaos Night'. SAUTS ALASTOR is back. And it is a BOLD STATEMENT.

www.sautsalastor.com

wil_astagoth@sautsalastor.com

www.facebook.com/eastern.voice.production

eastern.voiceprod@gmail.com

IMPERIAL "Transcendent Salvation"

 

IMPERIAL "Transcendent Salvation" (Renascent Axis Production)

So here it is. Roughly 3 years after the comeback release of the single "The Conquering". The promised debut full length. Depending on the way you look at it, those 3 years are worth the wait. As what has been teased from the single, "Transcendent Salvation" is the IMPERIAL of the new millenium. As black Metal continues to be the backbone, IMPERIAL weave and mould their creation into existence, into the final form of their own being. Elements of progressiveness are the main culprit here, with elaborate abuse of samplings and synths that yields possibilities for each craft to evolve and develop the potential tremendously. They are arranged in ways that managed to evoke the atmospheres within to the brim, you will be entranced and suffocated by the way the compositions suck you in. "Transcendent Salvation" will not settle for your mere listening, it demands you to immerse within and grab you by the throat. If you have now getting lost from my futile attempt of deciphering it, let's just understand that above all, the music is still very much guitar-driven, and very much Metal indeed. They are all just being invoked into a higher planes and plateaus aided by the admirable exploitation of other musical elements and tools, and more importantly the way they are being realised into the final form. These one hour plus of musical indulgence are just pure salvation, not to mention the neat packaging of the product itself. Sophisticated and splendid. By loom and large probably one of  the best the local scene has to offer, ever. I succumbed, it's your turn now.

www.myspace.com/imperialbattlefront

www.facebook.com/imperialegion

imperiallegion.war@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/renascent.axis

www.facebook.com/renascent.axis

renascent.axis@gmail.com

RESISTANCE "Wrath Of Pain"

 

RESISTANCE "Wrath Of Pain" CDr (Earblast Records)

With an adequate playing-time, "Wrath Of Pain" is yet another pleasant surprise for me. RESISTANCE from the fertile Sabah scene delivers in this release a 6 tracker of pretty convincing melodic death thrash that you'll mostly likened to the Scandinavian geographic than anything else. They wasted no time in lauching their scathing melodic attack from the first song 'Fallen Of The Flesh' until the very last second of 'Wrath Of Pain'. To get the point across, it is something like the Gothenburg melodeath brethrens take on thrashing out things. Things like the present ARCH ENEMY, or bands like THE DEFACED, or countless other Swedish melodic thrash Metal acts churning out these days. You can even assimilate some of what the last AT THE GATES offered in "Wrath Of Pain". These are the paths that RESISTANCE carefully thread on. These guys breathe the Gothenburg air for a living. I can guise it as another release from that exact location in Sweden and you will blindly believe it. And it is to my believe that if you're into these kind of Metal you'll appreciate "Wrath Of Pain"; lots. Nothing much is left to be improved here apart from a little more tightening here and there and perhaps slightly more powerful vocals deliverance. I applaud "Wrath Of Pain", I applaud the diversity and quality of most Sabah releases these days, and I applaud Earblast Records for this release. 

www.facebook.com/pages/resistance

resistancedeathrash@gmailcom

www.facebook.com/earblastrecords

RASPATUL "Devils In Renewed Birth"

 

RASPATUL "Devils In Renewed Birth" (Obskure Sombre Records)

"Devils In Renewed Birth" has been touted as some kind of Metal records but shying away from categorising it in a more discreet manner. Listening to it I could understand why it is being coagulated as it is, as "Devils In Renewed Birth" is basically a thrash Metal album with elements of other Metal sub-genres thrown into the mix. If you wish for a probing of greater length I could ovulate RASPATUL as playing Thrash Metal in the modern way (no, not any 'nu' bullshit, far from that), with adequate aptness for utilising the instruments and the tendency of spicing things up with various Metal influences. The guitarworks are emphasizing on the melodics and the arrangements are not shying away from some technicalities which is not of the over the top variants. Call them as a version of cleaned up, polished, crystal clear produced modern thrash Metal and I will not accuse you of being wrong. It all feels so secure that I somehow missed those 'adventurous' elements for an underground release, or whatever you might call it. I will try to avoid mixing my own musical preference from the reviews, always, not to the point of overshadowing the purpose of deciphering what the bands try to convey; so I'd rather conclude it as a slickly executed modern thrash Metal rightly justified for those who are inclined to this kind of Metal.

www.obskure-sombre.tk

www.myspace.com/obskuresombrerecords

obskuresombre22@hotmail.com

BALBERITH "Darkness.Death.Legion"

 

BALBERITH "Darkness.Death.Legion" (Ravage Records)

Doesn't REVENGE holds an exclusive rights for titles like these? Haha. At least BALBERITH doesn't sounds like a loyalist copycat of them though. BALBERITH exists long enough to be aware of carving their own interpretation on black Metal exclusively. And for as long as they exist I'm only familiar with their split with KRATORNAS and now this. I did a head-to-head comparison between these two, and I find on "Darkness.Death.Legion" BALBERITH concentrates more on the mid-paced passages and accentuate to include more variations of their hymns. On the split it feels like they are going straight for the killing rawness and nothing else, on this album there are ample rooms and corners for them to exploit each songs more elaborately. But that emphasis on mid-pacing tendency is the most prevalent here. It is there, in almost every song I might add. I'd rather see it as the band's personal progression within, not really a changing course, because the fumes of BALBERITH is still here, no mistake on that. The compositions are seemingly being given more room to stand on its own now, albeit some of the passages are being dragged a bit too long for its own good. The album has its moments of superiority, but don't expect the graph to be at all time high. While it might seems a bit predictable, "Darkness.Death.Legion" still is a devout black Metal album with no compromises. Does the artwork looks familiar? It's another good job from Ironworx Gravefix.

Ravagerecs@hotmail.com

www.facebook.com/RavageRecords

ORION "Voyage To The Promised Land"

 

ORION "Voyage To The Promised Land"

Though not my ordinary, usual cup of tea, I'm foremostly impressed with the way this album came out. My suspect that the band financed it themselves, but the quality could put some proper label to shame. Some fitting, elaborate graphic job grace this (I think) one of the thickest booklet from a Malaysian band release to date, your $$$ ploughed for this CD will be well spent. Aesthetic appeal aside, ORION is by far and large a symphonic, progressive power Metal band. I'm putting 'symphonic' on the very front simply on the fact that is the main clairvoyant in ORION's Metal, the arrangements and the way they move the songs are, well; symphonic. You could be assured there will be much going on in there, the songs are taken for a bountiful ride through various apex and the deepest abyss, befitting the storytelling-like tales of the lyrics. There's no question on the musicianship either, bands like them usually married to their instruments to put it softly. And the instruments, of course, are being utilised to their utmost here. ORION is mostly the creation of the talented one Mr. Badang, he did everything from the arrangements down to the graphical manipulations. Not exactly my kind of Metal, so to say; but for those into the likes of Rhapsody, Avantasia, Luca Turilli, and the rest of the dreamy, enchanted power Metal realm, this could be your wet dream. I'm stuck with Badang's previous guise in MELON KING, those are some pummeling speed power Metal galore. "Voyage To The Promised Land" will appeal to the power Metal crowd in any sense anyway, thus I find it not that important to list down the guest of some stellar musician of the local scene on it, as the music more than makes up for its own.

www.MightyOrion.com

hail.mighty.orion@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/Mighty.Orion

SHAMANIC RITES "Savage Rampage Of Conquest"

 

SHAMANIC RITES "Savage Rampage Of Conquest" (Eastern Voice Production)

It seems like just yesterday that I've been listening to "Infiltrate Mutilate Carnage Instigate" (IMCI), the last album of SHAMANIC RITES before, but then that one was released in 2009. The gap is just nice between them I think; before the name escapes you, SHAMANIC RITES emerged again with another full length. If you're familiar with them before then you will know what to expect. SHAMANIC RITES propels blistering, manic black death like there's no tomorrow. And don't expect that to change too. That is their characteristics, then so be it. There's not much room for your breathing here, full speed ahead is the only way they know. If these two albums are to be compared head-to-head, there's not much changes in the compositions, both are purely identical in the way that the band does it. But "Savage Rampage Of Conquest", as the title suggests, triumphs above "IMCI" due to the slightly better and graciously improved productions and the enveloping dynamics of the song-structures nowadays. There are plenty more to get from those blitzkrieg compositions these days, they seems to be more developed and possess a more well-rounded feel into it. While "IMCI" tends to get a bit too 'singular' at times, "Savage Rampage Of Conquest" has enough catches and hooks to keep your listening going here. Still the rapid aggression and pummeling directiveness with constant war obsession is SHAMANIC RITES stronghold, those are not to be forgotten. "Savage Rampage Of Conquest" is fierce. And merit enough for me to toss it as probably the best release from the Sarawak Metal scene this 2012, so far, and it's already November . Hail the reigning king of Sarawak extreme Metal front.

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LOGAM "The Murder Artist"

 

LOGAM "The Murder Artist" (Ograsmatron Production)

"Maximum Power Overdrive" must be lurking somewhere in my 'vault', but at the time of deciphering "The Murder Artist" it is nowhere to be found, yet. "Maximum Power Overdrive" is the release prior to this album, of course for some ample comparison is the reason why I am searching for it again. More so due to the fact that I couldn't even remember how does it sounds like. So I will ditch any comparison aside, "The Murder Artist" will get my full attention then. This is a full album, no doubt, and I'm glad to see they still exist. LOGAM is pile-driving some heavy/speed Metal, a fact that could be guessed half-right spontaneously considering the band name itself (purely means 'metal'). If I have to drill it even harder I would say that it is the traditional heavy speed Metal kind with affection towards the Metal that MEGADETH pining for. Yes, MEGADETH. It is remarkably prevalent especially when they goes a tad slower in the compositions, I just couldn't avoid the 'Mustaine-ny' thoughts on those instances. Not exactly a MEGADETH fans myself so no, I wouldn't delve much on that aspect. But I do appreciate it when they turn on those traditional knobs and buttons on the faster parts, it is pleasurable predictable speed heavy Metal that you could find some time listening to. They reminds me very much of RIOT to some extent ('Darah Di Hujung Sabil' is a total homage!). Those are the moments for me in this CD, I leave the other leftovers for all the MEGADETH in you out there. My greedy unsatiable narrow-minded personal musical lust aside, "The Murder Artist" is a good (and safe)album that is polarized by those two elements. More than once I have thought of a more powerful productions should(could?) suit the album better. And more over the top vocals perhaps? heh.  

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