Imagine being trapped in a dark cave network with hordes of starving alligators hunting you down? Well, Impetus of Death is the soundtrack to just such nightmares which haunt your dreams. The chilling repeated riff on the opening title track with its pulverising wall of sound is just the beginning. Indeed, the whole of this second album by the Finns is akin to being hit repeatedly by a sledgehammer such is the sheer onslaught. Nikko Matilainen’s fine vocals are impressive, the man’s ability to hurl his voice at length in such a low growl impressive. At times this is malevolently dark, at other times eerily haunting but always the cavernous sound underpinned by the thunderous kick drumming of Jussi-Pekka Manner and enhanced by the duel slashing of guitarists Jyki Lustig and Matti Makela crushes with impunity. Graveborne, Paroxysmal and the massive Starless Event Horizon all deliver in an album crammed full of quality death metal. 8/10
Frozen Land: Self Titled (Massacre Records) [Matt]
The debut album from Finnish power metal band Frozen Land sees them comfortably trying to sound as much like fellow Finns Stratovarius as possible. That's not really to their detriment I mean Stratovarius are one of the most renowned power metal bands so if you're going to copy someone then it's probably best to take your inspiration from the band that are one of your country's finest export. However this record isn't influenced by the songs here are almost identical to Stradivarius numbers. Vocally Tony Meloni sounds almost exactly as a young Timo Kotipelto with the band behind him filling your speakers with pumping classical keys, melodic guitars and a rhythm section that can get your fists in the air (Underworld) or your head banging (The Rising). There's little else to say I'm afraid if you like Stratovarius then you'll like this album, if not then I'd stay clear. 6/10
Johnny Gioeli: One Voice (Frontiers Records) [Matt]
Johnny Gioeli is probably one of the best vocalists around singing for Hardline, Crush 40, and Axel Rudi Pell to name three. He's made a name for himself fronting bands that rely heavily on melodic guitar driven hard rock and as such his first solo album does the same, big riffs are bolstered by keyboard lines from Alessandro Del Vecchio, who also produces, It means that Gioeli can unleash his smooth saccharine tones on the balladic title track or the Jovi-like Mind Melt the choruses are made for arenas you can hear the hordes singing them back. The influence of Mr Jovi is actually one that overwhelms this record and unfortunately it's the more recent Bon Jovi which it means that this is about as safe as you can get musically, there are very few risks and no matter how good all the musicians on this album are it can't make this album anything more than just above average. A real shame, it's certainly one for the fans but as that's the point of the record my opinion is muted. 5/10
If you ever wanted to capture 25 minutes which aurally describes the intensity and desire that bands demonstrate when they hit the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock, then Northern Ireland’s bludgeoning thrashers Oracle have totally nailed it. Stunning in their passion and energy, with a crisp quality sound, this is exactly how I remember the band’s blistering show. From the opening bars of No God Waits For You, the pounding groove is monstrous whilst Jason Kerr’s gravel-soaked vocals suggest that he must have been unable to speak for days after this, such is the effort he applies. By the time the band demolish the remains of the tent with Burn The Nameless, you can hear then eking out every last ounce of effort. This is a superb recording of a superb band whose show in August was one of the highlights and if you want the visuals then hunt it down on YouTube. It’ll be well worth it. 8/10
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