The marks scale is as follows:
You mean people might pay for this crap?!
If there was no other music on the planet, I might listen to this
Turn that down! It might annoy grandpa!
Turn that up! It might annoy grandpa!
Does this thing go up to eleven!? WOW!

All these images courtesy of Duncan Hamilton (dbu1@cableol.co.uk). Get in touch with him if you want some great graphics work done!

Demo EP: Bombdog
Artist: Bombdog
Label: None
Description: Nice heavy metal
Available: Now

From sepia-toned inlay to the fade out of the last note, this is one fine EP. My sincerest apologies to the band for taking an age getting this review up, but I've not had enough time recently to sit down and find the words to do it justice.
I'll tell you, if the production of every demo I received was up to this quality, you'd see a lot more 5/5's on this page. There are 4 tracks here, each fairly long (over the 4 minute mark at least), so for your few quid you get a load of music. It's music of a fairly distinctive sound, too. The guitars sound heavy, as do the drums, but the bass just seems to hang there and the vocals are (at times unnervingly) melodic. A strange mix, but one that produces a unique tone. Kind of like a choice steak in Kentucky Fried Chicken batter - not what you'd expect but strangely tasty (go on - try it!)
My advice to the guys is to keep up these production values and try to jam 8-10 tracks on the next one. My advice to the rest of you is to drop Jon a mail at jonbombdog@yahoo.com and ask if he has any copies left.
Rating:

Demo Tape: Blowholy
Artist: Blowholy
Label: Ketamine Leper Music
Description: Samples and cool guitars
Available: Now

Four-and-a-bit track demo, this one (one's a remix so doesn't count properly). First off I have to say that I started off on a bad foot with this tape because I absolutely hate constant, overfast, tinny sampled drums over the top of otherwise decent music. I'm also not 100% keen on sampling and all that jazz. OK, so I'm stuck in the dark ages. Sue me.
Thing is, looking past that the stuff on here really is pretty damn good. The production could be a lot better but that's what demos are all about - getting the best you can for what you can afford, but at the end of the day getting something out that shows who you are. Blowholy does this perfectly.
The music does get a little too distorted and the vocals too indecipherable for me by the time we hit the Iconoplastic remix. The first two tracks really make this demo and show a lot of promise.
If you're into this dancy/combo sort of thing, check out Blowholy's web page for details of how to get hold of a copy of the tape.

Rating:

Demo Tape: albeit
Artist: albeit
Label: None
Description: Very light - almost indie
Available: Now

Can I straight off make it known that I know the band (or at leats one of them) but that my review is not biased. Honestly! When Ramsey (the guitarist) gave me the tape, he told me it probably wasn't quite in line with the rest of the music on the page. But I do promise to review everything I get, regardless (come on, I reviewed Robbie Williams' album...), so here it is as promised.
albeit are a three-quarters male four-piece based in Bradford, Kerry the vocalist being the female in the line-up. Their music is definitely not metal, but definitely rock. The nearest comparison I can think of is The Cranberries, but slightly less focused on the vocals. and without that annoying warbling.
Considering it's a self-financed job, the mixing and production are spot on. Kerry's wonderful vocals carry right over the top of the rhythm-based music. There are next to no instrumental breaks or solos, the demo consisting of actual "songs" rather than just music with vocals over the top.
Opener Feline is a very up-tempo number, Scar Surface is a lot more mellow and the most vocally-focussed track of the four on the tape, Broadsheet brings the speed up again and Theadbare heads into trippy territory.
All four songs are fairly simple so if you like them right from the start, they'll carry you to the final notes.
Ramsey was right - it's not exactly my type of thing, but there's still no denying that it's excellent music. If you do like the light rock/indie thing, it's worth whatever small sum they'll be asking for it. For details, contact 01274 501070 or 521771 or drop Ramsey a line.

Rating:

Demo: The Sky Grows Darker
Artist: LifeBlind
Label: None
Description: Modern-day classic metal
Available: Now

Quick rundown: LifeBlind are a fairly new band from Kentucky. They're a four-piece and saved up a load of cash to record this demo early in 1998. I'd describe the sound as somewhat akin to early Maiden, around the Killers era. As I've said with other demos and albums with a similar sound, it's actually quite refreshing to get a demo that's harking back to the old age instead of trying to be all new and experimental.
So is this one any good? Well, yes and no. The songs are good, the band can all play, but the production's a little dodgy mainly on the louder parts. OK, I'm being picky but they wanted me to be honest and nobody gets better if they don't get any criticism. Needs more bass, dudes!
The four tracks on the tape are fairly varied. I can't actually pick a favourite as they're all pretty good and no single track really sticks out above the others.
For more on the band, check out their page linked above. I know they're working on more stuff at the moment and every copy of this demo they shift will help them with it. Go on - it's only a few quid! Sorry - dollars...

Rating:

Album: Innervisions
Artist: Various
Label: Basement
Description: Various
Available: Now

First off, I'm biased because I know several of the people who put a lot of blood, sweat and more blood into this CD. It's a debut for a recording studio based in Bradford and all the artists featured on it are from the area and gave their time for free in exchange for a bit of exposure. As did cover artist Kim (thanks for signing it, petal!)
Several of the bands on here are of the darker metal type, but this genre does span styles from Deicide to Paradise Lost so there's bound to be something on here you should like. For those with a more upbeat attitude, there's always bands like Shifter or Slick 50. If you'd rather mellow out, try Seven Hours or Bombdog. Prefer hardcore? Stab Happy are the bunch of wannabe-New-Yawkers for you.
Hell, unless you're into the Spice Girls (and if you are - fuck off to some other page you spineless, crowd-following pissant) there'll be at least one track on here you'll like. And in exchange you'll be giving some up-and-coming bands a chance to be heard, which is vitally important in a world where record companies would rather force shite like Boyzone on us.
It's less than a fiver and if you want a copy, give Gavin a call on 01274 607717. You know it makes sense.

Rating:

Demo Tape: Cut.Love.Kill
Artist: Cut.Love.Kill
Label: None
Description: Heavy
Available: Now

Right, who does this remind me of...? Hmmm.... In several ways, the band are like Sepultura without the speed. The music's heavy a lot, but occassionally breaks into quieter instrumental parts. Some of the less heavy vocal sections are reminiscent of the Chilli Peppers or Soundgarden.
Three tracks to choose from and not a duffer amongst them. The tape has that cool "low-budget" edge to it but without a loss of production values. Basically, it sounds like a good band before some loser like Bob Rock got his hands to them and overproduced them to mainstream hell.
The band are based in Lexington, KY, and have another demo planned soon. Keep an eye out for them because they sound like they could be a good live act to catch. Thanks for sending the tape in, Chris. I'll hold onto the photo so you lot can sign it when you head over here for the world tour *grin*.
Cut.Love.Kill are working on a web page at present, but in the meantime if you want more info, mail Chris on tcspri0@pop.uky.edu.

Rating:

Album: Heads Will Roll
Artist: Wicked Angel
Label: RMG
Description: Melodic Metal
Available: Now

OK, melodic metal may make people think along the lines of Dream Theatre, but this bunch sound more like early Metallica. Only a little heavier. With keyboards. And the corniest, yet coolest, intro track/voiceover I've heard in ages ("All hail Wicked Angel!").
OK, so if that description hsn't lost you totally... The album's a 12-track offering and it's not to bad at all. The production's not as good as I've heard on some self-financed demos, being a bit better than Kill 'Em All and Killing Is My Business, but considering these had record company backing it's not bad at all. All the tracks are clear, but the mix is way trebly. OK, so it's only my opinion, but this could sound so much better with a more bassy feel.
The guitar leads are reminiscent of Slayer with two guitars harmonising and leads swapping between the two. Both guitarists are damn good, with some great acoustic work as intros. The vocals are a little on the high-pitched side at times, but very powerful. Guess that's a matter of taste more than a criticism.
Every demo album these days seems to have a "surprise" track that's a mile different from most of the others. In this case, it's Goodbye, a ballad with some very occassional crunchy guitar to break up the more plaintive segments. And it works well. Nice track to drop in the middle.
Overall? Not one of the best demos I've heard, I think more because it seems rough around the edges than because of any lack of talent on the part of the band. They're based in Ohio so if you live round there, I'm sure you've heard of them. Keep an ear out in case you haven't. Stuff like this usually comes across best live. To the band: keep up the good work!

Rating:

5-track CD: Widespread Human Disaster
Artist: Disarray
Label: none
Description: More crunch that a bowl of dry cornflakes!
Available: Now (details when I get them)

This CD is actually a couple of years old, and the band already have a follow-up (Bleed) doing the rounds. Widespread Human Disaster sold over 4000 copies in the few months after it's release and the band are a prizewinner from a past Nashville Rocktoberfest (they're based in the city). They've also managed to find opening slots for the likes of Anthrax, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse and Madball amongst many others.
Listening to the CD, it's not hard to see why. Simple riffs that hook faster than that guy's arm in I Know What You Did Last Summer and more grind than a Black and Decker rotary sander. Everything's bang on - instruments, vocals and production. If you like it heavy, you could do far worse than get a copy of this CD. I'll need to get in touch with the guys regarding how to obtain a copy, but I'll post the details as soon as I get 'em - all I have is a phone/fax number!
Oh, and it's great for pissing off annoying neighbours by playing at maximum volume. Allegedly.

Rating:

Demo Tape: Paincorp
Artist: Paincorp
Label: none
Description: Heavy as a heavy thing
Available: Now (see below for details)

Thanks to the lads of Paincorp for mailing me this demo. They're a five piece from Southern California and I'd place their sound somewhere between Pantera and Fear Factory. The demo contains 4 tracks and is self-produced. Band members are formerly of Agent Steel, Comatose and Unearthed.
So, what's it like? Bloody good, actually. The band asked for my honest opinion and I'm going to give it - bullshit free, as requested. It's almost perfect. The production is a little bit off, but only a smidgen. Allowing for the fact that these guys were performing as well, and most likely on a tight budget, it's damn good. The music's powerful, has a good groove, thumping beat and grinds into your cerebral cortex like Leatherface armed with a hammer-action Black & Decker.
There are four tracks, each one individual. None of this all sounding the same crap. Short, slightly softer instrumental breaks, gutteral vocals, a beat to bang your head to... If this band aren't signed, and soon, there's no justice in the world.
A mile better than some of the actual albums I've had in the last couple of months. If you want to get in touch with the band, they're available at paincorp1@aol.com and also at paincorp@net999.com

Rating:

Demo Tape: The Dawn Patrol
Artist: The Dawn Patrol
Label: ottotunes
Description: Light rock (mainly!)
Available: Now (and for free!)

First off, my apologies to Dawn Patrol themselves for taking so long to get this review up on the page. I've been snowed under with loads of work which has caused a huge backlog of reviews to do. Anyway, I hope this will make up for it!
The band are obviously very serious. Not everyone can afford to give a free demo (including airmail) to every sod who asks for one. Dawn Patrol have two advantages over many other acts. One: their style of music is very radio-friendly so they have more chance at a profitable deal than many other bands. And two: they're damn good.
This tape is designed to showcase the band. It's not an album or an EP but a collection of tracks. Some finished versions, some demos, some snippits of sound that just won't fit into songs by themselves. Predominantly the songs are light, balladic, commercial rock. Me and Johnnie Walker as the band rightly point out is more of a country song (and a damn good one), while the opener is a vocals-only passage from Jesus Christ Superstar.
My personal favourite is Walkin' in the Rain, one of the demos. Recorded using a drum machine (the only thing I don't like about it), it's a great ballad and the kind of thing you wouldn't be surprised to hear on the radio someday.
Now, this material isn't on the whole the kind of thing I go for. Perhaps a little too balladic overall. But that's the only reason it's not getting full marks. Hell, people, it's free (check out their web page linked above). If you're in any way connected to a radio station or a record label, drop them a mail and get a copy. They've got DAT versions of stuff ready if you need it. Give a band a chance!

Rating:

Album: Rage
Artist: Abhorrent
Label: Zen Records
Description: Death/thrash
Available: Now

Abhorrent are from Brazil and play metal, so inevitably they'll be compared to Sepultura. It's unfair as the band really aren't of a similar ilk being slightly less heavy in my opinion. This first album sure gives the Seps' Morbid Visions a run for it's money though. The production's better than on that classic, and to be honest, in places a little too good. Music like this really needs a raw edge and the production's too clean in places. OK, minor point but it does detract from an otherwise excellent debut.
Just to prove what an old bugger I am, my favourite track on the album is the opener, Intro. Unnamed as it's an instrumental played on acoustic guitar. And it's wonderful. Shame it only lasts about a minute.
Anyway, the rest of the stuff. Not bad at all. My major problem is the vocals. They're clear right through, but (and I don't mean any offense by this) the words are sometimes muddled like the vocalist (Robson Aldeoli) is having trouble pronouncing them. I can believe it's difficult singing in a language other than your first, and with studio time being as expensive as it is, it's perfectly fair to overlook it. I can imagine Ginger singing Caffeine Bomb in Portuguese would sound pretty bad to native Brazilians! His voice fits great with the music, though. Give him time...
As I mentioned before, the sound isn't that of another Sepultura. The influences, as far as I can hear them, are more along the lines of not-too-recent Pantera, Annihilator and Exodus. The drumming's more than competent and the stringed stuff is damn good. Some nice 'stereo' solos, a-la Slayer, from (I presume) two lead guitarists.
Keep an eye out for Abhorrent. I have a feeling they may make a bit of a stir.

Rating:

Demo/Album/Thing: XLR8R
Artist: XLR8R
Label: Erm... none, really
Description:Light rock with some cool cruchy riffs
Available: If you're lucky there may be some left!

I picked this tape up at the recent gig at Trillians in Newcastle. As far as I know, the tapes were only available at that gig. I'm sure they may well have a few left. For ordering details, check out their web page.
Basically, if you're into rock and live on Tyneside you must have heard of this band. They've been going for at least 5 years and it's amazing that nobody's signed them yet. This tape contains 11 tracks which cover the entire range of the band's abilities. From ballads such as Flow to nice crunchy numbers like Underwater, this self-titled cassette covers a lot of ground.
I've liked the band from the first time I saw them, and they have changed a lot over the years. Personally speaking, I prefer their earlier songs. The new stuff, on the other hand, is still technically superb yet simple enough to be catchy from the word 'go'. I'm amazed that the band bothered to mention on the sleeve that every song was recorded in no more than 2 takes. Hell, some bands spend months in the studio and can't turn out anything as professional as this.
Highly recommended if you can get a copy. Failing that, get their Inner Oceans CD. It's just as good.

Rating:

Album: Puzzled?
Artist: Slightly Miffed
Label: Slightly Fishy Records
Description: Weird. Good, but weird!
Release Date: Out Now

I've been plugging this one for a while in the News section and finally I've got my hands on a copy. First impressions are very good, even without listening to the thing. The packaging in wonderful. Well, I liked it anyway! This is a self-financed work (as you might have guessed by the name of the label) and the band have put as much thought and time into the sleeve as they have into the music.
But what's it sound like? Well, I was disappointed by the first track, Bingo. The production didn't sound too great and it was a little samey. Should have saved that one for later in the album, guys! After that, things pick up dramatically, though. A few of the tracks are virtual instrumentals with silly samples in the background (Doomed To..., Weather and 10:17 are the most noteable).
Some of the songs are right screamalong-the-chorus little numbers like Irrelevant Steps. In fact this one does remind me of some Annihilator material in it's style. No bad thing!
You can tell the band are geeks by the Doom sounds used in Doomed To... and the entire last song User Friendly. I heartily recommend that you check out their web page at http://www.miffed.com, too. Samples from the album are on there so you can have a listen before you cough up. All the details you'll need to order are here, too.
The album's only £8 in the UK and £10 anywhere else. That includes postage and packing. Go on, buy loads! Make them famous! Make my signed copy worth a fortune!

Rating:

Album: Law Of Three
Artist: Enertia
Label: Animated Insanity
Description: Power Metal
Available: Now (See below)

Enertia are a band from upstate New York, and this is their first album. It's a 5-track CD and available from them, and I'd like to thank them for sending a copy all the way over here!
Joe Paciolla (bassist) cites the bands influences as including Flotsam & Jetsam (ah, memories), Pantera, Dream Theatre, Armored Saint and Galactic Cowboys. Faint tinges of these can be heard if you listen, but Enertia do have their own style and way of twisting the sounds together.
Above all, they are a metal band and they certainly sound it. Simple crunchy riffs introduce most songs, which then turn into solid rhythms. The drums pound nicely and aren't buried at the back. You can even hear the bass, which makes a pleasant change on a CD. Scott Featherstone's lead vocals are great - he's got a good range; from shouts to 'real' singing.
I think what makes this CD stand out (aside from the great songs) is the production. OK, so there are only 5 tracks (a shame), but they are varied and a lot of work has obviously been done on them making them a pleasure to listen to.
OK, so what sort of range am I talking about here? My favourite's track 3, I Know Your Demons. The vocals on this one are reminiscent of older Anthrax while the music's more like recent material from the same band. Heavy yet melodic.
The opener, The Mirror has lyrics which are more 'sung' than any other track, but still has a rhythm you can nod your head to. The final track, If I Were You opens with a riff that wouldn't be out of place amongst Slayer's slower, heavier material.
At the price, I'd certainly recommend picking this up. The band could well be onto something and these CDs could be worth a bit in a couple of years. They've already managed to shift 850+ of them and without a major company behind you, that's one hell of an achievement.
If you want a copy, it'll set you back $US7 in the States, and $US8 anywhere else in the world (prices include postage). Get in touch with soulzero@klink.net and tell 'em Mosh sent you!
Enertia also have their own web page at http://www.klink.net/~soulzero/enertia.html which has samples from the CD, pictures, tour dates and loads more bumph.

Rating:

Album: Imagika
Artist: Imagika
Label: Headless Corpse
Description: Thrash. Simple, honest-to-goodness thrash.
Release Date: Out Now

This is Imagika's debut album. The band are a 4-piece from the infamous San Francisco Bay Area which has spawned virtually every major name in the thrash scene (except Anthrax).
These lads manage to live up to the Area's reputation with a good, clean thrash sound that's all too rare these days with so many bands just jumping on bandwagons or trying to be different. There's nothing wrong with reusing an old formula, and Imagika manage to do it damn well.
With the exception of Endings, which has a more hard rock sound, the album has a generic - and in these days refreshing - pure thrash sound. The production is good, the musicianship is good, the mixing is good, the vocals are good... I'd say that the only thing holding the band back is the state of thrash music these days. There just doesn't seem to be the market for it these days and many of the older classic thrash acts are toning down their sounds.
Fortunately, new bands like Imagika are here to keep the original sound alive. And this album is a great example of how to do it. Oh, and keep listening after the end of track 7 - there's another 8 minutes on there!

Rating:

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