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Svartsot : Ravneges Saga
Folk metal comes in two flavours; 1) the cross of rock music with mandolins, flute and violins with gritty vocals and 2) the bastard son of black metal, which incorporates the above but with cookie monster vocals and on some occasions, fast wall-of-distortion guitars. Svartsot are the latter and heralded as one of folk metal’s promising acts.
Sinamore : Seven Sins a Second
Described as gothic rock, this has to be the most heavy metal sounding rock album on the planet. If this is rock, then Saxon would be the Blues Brothers and Iron Maiden must be a cross-over of Wishbone Ash meets Doctor and the Medics! Sinamore’s second album “Seven Sins a Second” is most definitely a heavy metal album of a haunting and melancholy variety.
Exodus : The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A
As one of the founders of the thrash metal genre back in the 1980’s, Exodus is perhaps only second to Testament in the delivery of pure thrash metal – State-side at least. Exodus is three albums into their reunion since 2001 with the latest effort being the bone-crushing and relentless “The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A” with “B” scheduled to follow in 2008.
Hurtlocker : Embrace the Fall
Band’s like Hurtlocker are like pizzas; it doesn’t matter what kind of topping you choose because at the end of the day, it’ll be just as much the same as the last pizza you had. Sometimes it will be better than normal with just the right amount of pepperoni and what not. Sometimes it’s not as good as if it’s been over cooked and burnt at the sides. And there’s nothing worse than a burnt Pizza!
Vanishing Point : The Fourth Season
Vanishing Point - one of Australia’s premier power metal acts - returns in 2007 with their fourth studio album, aptly titled “The Fourth Season”. Eleven songs of power metal showcasing soaring vocals, catchy riffs, and memorable melodies and also that endearing quality that makes owning a power metal album like this worthwhile.
Enthroned : Tetra Karcist
2007 saw the return of one of black metal’s elder statesman Enthroned, largely considered one of black metal’s finest and one of the few who are from outside of Scandinavia. They return to lay siege upon the unsuspecting music scene with their seventh studio album “Tetra Karcist”. This also marks the first album with Nornagest on vocals following the departure of Lord Sabathan.
Amorphis : Silent Waters
Amorphis is best described as Finland’s and most probably Europe’s most cohesive progressive metal act. The album weaves its way from death metal and progressively throughout the course of 46-minutes changes and morphs into a plethora of folk-influenced melodies, catchy guitar solos, and an excellent showcase of intertwining instruments.
Epica : The Divine Conspiracy
“The Divine Conspiracy” is the fourth album from Dutch symphonic metal band Epica whom five years ago spawned from fellow Dutch metal act After Forever. Prepare for a collection of beautiful vocals and harmonious symphonies backing a solid, crushing heavy metal front which lends a helping hand from grunts and black metal.
Abandoned : Thrash You!
When you think of Germany’s Abandoned then names like Defiance, Heathen, and possibly Exodus come to mind when listening to “Thrash Notes”. When listening to their second album “Thrash You!”, it’s now just canonical thrash metal reviving the best moments of Heathen in a typically German thrash metal album... almost!
Kamelot : Ghost Opera
Having just completed the trilogy of “Karma”, “Epica”, and “The Black Halo”, Kamelot embarks on a new tale through the twists and turns of symphonic heavy metal. “The Ghost Opera” continues the sound founded on their “Black Halo” album, rich in keyboard dynamics, powerful thoughtful vocals, and densely compact guitars and rhythm.
Candlemass : The King Of The Grey Islands
Leif Edling states that this “is our black album”; a reference to the famous Metallica album that kicked everything off commercially. On top of that is the epical and struggling tale of how Candlemass managed to piece together their ninth studio album, following the departure of charismatic vocalist Messiah Marcolin – yet again.
Korpiklaani : Tervaskanto
Korpiklaani is one of the best examples of a band who has managed to take the appeal, flair, and nuance of folk music and apply it to heavy metal. 2007’s “Tervaskanto” – Korpiklaani’s forth studio album – further delves into the worlds of heavy metal and Finnish Humppa folk music, dealing with – of course – folk lore and tales.
Insania : Agony - Gift of Life
Four years on from the release of “Fantasy – A New Dimension”, Insania return as a five-piece to record and finally release their fourth studio album “Agony – Gift of Life”. Twelve songs of energetic and tuneful power metal played in the vein of Helloween and Gamma Ray is displayed in abundance on this very competent album.
Iron Fire : Blade of Triumph
Iron Fire one year on from 2006’s “Revenge” album have decided to mix it up differently, choosing to work with Fredrik Nordström instead of Tommy Hansen first-off. Vocalist Martin Sheene has also relented some of the song writing to his fellow band members for 2007’s “Blade of Triumph”, the band’s second album through Napalm Records.
Marilyn Manson : Eat Me, Drink Me
Once not so long ago, Marilyn Manson was a genuine and real threat to your sanity. The man born Brian Hugh Warner frightened the religious, horrified your parents, and bemused people with critics praising his sometimes incomprehensible form of music. “Eat Me, Drink Me” is the sixth studio album, coming four years after the release of “The Golden Age of Grotesque”.
Mustasch : Latest Version of the Truth
Mustasch are the classic example of everything starting far too well followed by the evitable fall from grace. However, they soldier on with the release of 2007’s “Latest Version of the Truth” under the Regain Records banner. A collection of catchy rock/metal tunes for any and all respectable rockers who care to ride-on with these Swedes.
Megadeth : United Abominations
As with all things Dave Mustaine, nothing ever stays the same for too long. A split from Sanctuary Records to then join heavy metal juggernaught Roadrunner Records and a change of bass guitarist with the introduction of James Lomenzo. Despite all this, Megadeth return to deliver the politically venom-spitting tunes that is “United Abominations”.
Lord Belial : Revelation
From the shadows of the Swedish metal scene and emerging once again from their dark asylum is melodic black metal act, Lord Belial. This time with their seventh studio album aptly titled “Revelation – The 7th Seal” which sees the return of guitarist Niclas Andersson following the departure of Hjalmar Nielsen in 2006.
Moonlight Agony : Silent Waters
Dockyard1 Records – owned and run by Iron Savior’s Piet Sielck together with a few people whom once were under the Sanctuary Records banner – have developed a knack for finding good heavy metal acts. Nothing too special, but easily above average which is exactly what can be said about the return of power metallers, Moonlight Agony.
Sonic Syndicate : Only Inhuman
Essentially the same but smoothed-over will most likely be the common thing said about Sonic Syndicate’s new album “Only Inhuman”. A band that had a creditable claim to a death metal influence has all but abandoned it in favour of joining the masses in the delirium created by Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium.