Hypnosia 'Horror Infernal' review

HYPNOSIA

'Horror Infernal'

(I Hate Records)

I had a surprise when I hit play on this disc, I am so used to I Hate focusing on doom metal lately, that the violent thrash metal that exploded out my headphones was a shock to the system, a pleasant shock. Another pleasant surprise was seeing the old classic “Speed Metal” symbol made legendary by the great old Canadian label Banzai Records, who released all the classics back in the day from Venom and many other classic bands for Canada. Surprising since this a Swedish bands album but I loved that, would love to hear the origins of that. Hypnosia are sadly split up these days and as you may have guessed this a compilation album, which features tracks from the bands ‘96/97 demos, ’99 mini-album and a couple bonus tracks to round things off. As I said this is ripping, dirty and violent thrash metal that would probably turn on fans of the classic thrash/death band Demolition Hammer. I guess I could call Hypnosia thrash/death as well, as they do have partially yelled thrash vocals mixed with a death metal type growl and the guitars have some dm influence as well. But overall this is just a mean and brutal thrash metal album and it is fantastic! 'Horror Infernal' is 16 songs and 50 minutes of head bang inducing metal you should check out.

(Dale Roy)

Hypnosia at Metal Archives 

Realmbuilder 'Fortifications Of The Pale Architect' review

REALMBUILDER

'Fortifications Of The Pale Architect'

(I Hate Records)

I am pleased to see New York’s Realmbuilder return to the pages of Canadian Assault [And Dead Void Dreams now - ED]. I reviewed their debut album a couple of years ago, it was excellent and they made me a fan of the band. Realmbuilder definitely still have that classic doom feel and pacing. Yet at times the music comes off more as slow and epic heavy metal, damn good epic heavy metal mind you. They have a very hypnotic atmosphere to their music, it relaxes me and sends my mind wandering. The music is relatively simple, but effective with some great meandering riffs and vocals care of Czar that are half spoken/half sung. Those vocals for some are probably an acquired taste but I find them mesmerizing, during sections they are absent I find myself waiting for them to start up again. There are some good, subtle guitar fills / leads on here that really add a some flavour to the song, but the band are careful not to over use this tool. Fans of bands like Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Saint Vitus, Morningstar, Brocas Helm, Ironsword, Paul Chain (more in vibe than sound) etc., I think you will absolutely like and probably even love Realmbuilder.

(Dale Roy)

Realmbuilder MySpace 

Reino Ermitano 'Veneracion del Fuego'

REINO ERMITANO

'Veneracion del Fuego'

(I Hate Records)

There is a first for everything and listening to a doom metal band from Peru is a first for me. A welcome and exotic first at that and the band surfaces on what is probably the best doom metal record label on the planet. The thing that struck me off the start was just how unprocessed, raw and organic the production on 'Veneracion…' feels. Upon reading the bio after a couple of listens, I see they recorded this album the old fashion way through analogue recording equipment. It sounds fantastic, you get this guttural sort of vibe you can feel in your chest from the music, I miss that sort of sound so much on newer albums these days. Some sections of songs they have a very weird timing and feel to their riffs, it is almost like a thrash metal band decided they wanted to write a doom metal album, very interesting. The rest of the time the music is very free flowing, melancholic and introspective with a distinctive 70s vibe to their sound. The vocalist Tania Duarte has a great hypnotic and spellbinding voice that just melts into the music and fits in just perfectly complimenting the music. You most definitely get your monies worth with this album too, there are ten songs and nearly half of them clock in at almost 10 minutes in length each. I like it.

(Dale Roy)

Reino Ermitano Facebook 

Black Oath 'The Third Aeon' review

BLACK OATH

'The Third Aeon'

(I Hate Records – CD / Horror Records - LP)

Italian doom metal and as any dedicated doom fan knows Italy is a place where doom has set down its roots deeply for many years. Immediately coming to mind are legends like Paul Chain and Death SS. I have spent many an hour listening to those two bands and Paul Chain in particular. The band is described as epic occult doom metal, and the bio cites early Candlemass as an influence for Black Oath and that is bang on. They borrow from that sound, but they do it well and put their own vibe or twist upon it. The Oath employ keyboards, something I am not always a fan of, but they are in general applied sparsely and kept lower in the mix so they really do sound like more of an accompaniment, and do not drown out the traditional instruments. The vocals are classic clean sung traditional doom style vocals, quite melodious and flowing, they fit the music well. Another influence that is springing to mind for me as I listen is the American group Solitude Aeturnus, and maybe a small touch of the almighty Trouble. 'The Third Aeon' is a promising debut album with moments of true brilliance, and a worthy addition to the traditional doom scene.

(Dale Roy) 

 Black Oath on ReverbNation

(Vinyl fiends are well advised to contact Horror Records, this album  is still available on both black and purple wax - ED)

The Wounded Kings 'In The Chapel Of The Black Hand'

THE WOUNDED KINGS

'In The Chapel Of The Black Hand'

(I Hate Records)

 

The Wounded Kings make a welcome return to the pages of Canadian Assault [As well as their debut in Dead Void Dreams! -ED]. I reviewed their last album 'The Shadow Over Atlantis' and was a fan of it. It is the quality we come to expect from I Hate Records. TWK are doom metal through and through, in the classic style and tone, drifting through the air like smoke, you can see it, taste it, smell it but it deftly seeps through your mind and your hands if you try to capture it. 'In The Chapel Of The Black Hand' is an extremely hypnotic expedition of the mind, but also an exploration of the soul. These are the deep, reflective thoughts and feelings that course through me while listening to this album. It is so difficult not to get lost in it all and I am not sure I even care to find my way back. Yeah bro this album just fucking does things to me that few bands can achieve to this level. On the last album I compared them to bands like Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass, Spirit Caravan, Black Sabbath (not as rocking though but the melancholy aspects) and I think those still stand to give the reader just a basic outline. But The Wounded Kings now more than ever sound like they are starting to forge their own sound, no not so different than those others mentioned, but to the point where it simply sounds like The Wounded Kings. The vocals of Sharie Nyland much like the music are pretty are hypnotic, deep, with a soothing sound that is pretty spellbinding all on it’s own. They do not over use her vocals though, they are there when needed and appropriate, but can also disappear for long stretches as the instruments weave and intertwine their silky web. The production on here is understated as it should be, everything sounds perfect. I understand that band founder Steve Mills had to put together a whole new line up since the last record. That is amazing that they came out the other end of that experience sounding better than ever. Beyond recommended and one of best of the year!

(Dale Roy)

The Wounded Kings on ReverbNation

Memory Driven 'Animus' review

MEMORY DRIVEN

'Animus'

(I Hate Records)

 

Some doom coming out of Oklahoma via Sweden with I Hate Records. This is my first experience with Memory Driven. 'Animus' is a pretty diverse record and I would say not as accessible or as immediate as many of the bands on this label. It will probably take a few listens to really grasp what all is going on here. The more I listen to it though the less inclined I am to the doom tag that comes with the label reputation and is around the band. A reputation that I think in large part owes to the main creative force being Dennis Cornelius, who has been in bands like Place Of Skulls, Revelation, Doom Stone etc… But to be honest a lot of this record both musically and vocally probably has more to do with the early 90s grunge sound than it does with doom rock. Both musically and vocally I can hear some Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam and that type of music. I mean do not get me wrong these guys are great musicians and have some really interesting things going on in the music and I really can dig some of it. Maybe it just was so much of the opposite of what I was expecting that I just had a hard time really getting into 'Animus'. I really do not care much for the vocals either. I would say if you like some of the better stuff from the grunge days mixed with some doom rock type tendencies then you would most likely like Memory Driven. However for me it was just not my cup of tea, I gave it a good shot and listened to the record 4 or 5 times looking for stuff I liked. But ultimately the things I did not care for about Memory Driven outweighed that which I liked.

(Dale Roy) 

Memory Driven MySpace

Minotaur 'Power Of Darkness' review

MINOTAUR

'Power Of Darkness'

(I Hate Records)

This is a re-issue of this classic German thrash bands debut album. The album itself was recorded as a demo in 1987 and then one year later was a repackaged as their first album with three new tracks added. This new version seems to have the demo tracks plus four new songs recorded in 2009. Anyway 'Power of Darkness' is done in the traditional old school German thrash way, it is extremely fast and ripping. The music is sure to remind you of old Kreator and the vocals do the same as the singer sounds very close to Mille. Yes it is may not sound too original even for the time it came out. But I can tell you it is great and Minotaur created their own feeling and atmosphere, picking up the gauntlet of their heroes and immediately charging into battle. The freshly recorded tracks sound a touch different, but still great and show the band know how to play raging thrash. As you have come to expect with I Hate Records everything is done the right way fully draped in dedication and worship to the foundations of metal we all love. 

 (Dale Roy)

Minotaur 

Root 'The Book' review

ROOT

'The Book'

(I Hate Records)

We have another re-release from the Root catalog and this time it is 'The Book' which originally was released in 1999. I am a little confused why the re-releases are not coming out in chronological order but I am sure the band and/or label has their reasons for this? With this being the bands 5th full length record you can hear a progression in their sound. Starting with the vocals of Big Boss, as distinctive as ever, here he stretches his lungs and his range turning in a deep well rounded and charismatic performance. I guess one could state they are less black metal sounding than in the past. I mean I still find 'The Book' to be a dark and hypnotic record but I think it is fair to say Root are more of a shadowy atmospheric heavy metal band in these days. It is impressive to see a band changing directions and doing it so seamlessly while keeping their dignity and quality largely intact. Now if you really nail me down and ask which is better, I have to be honest for me the early albums are better but the quality still displayed here is undeniable and Big Boss pulls the album through. They have taken things in a much more epic direction and feel. It is even a little quirky (folk type influence? - check out the track 'Corabeu' for confirmation) at times and can take a little getting used to. You will need to invest some time into this album to fully take in the art of sound woven into this release. Once again I Hate Records leaves no stone unturned and we get as a bonus the pre-production demo versions of songs like 'The Curse', 'Lykorian', and 'Corabeu'. I have just read on the Root website that they plan to record and release a new album entitled 'Heritage of Satan' this year, so keep an eye out for that. They released their first demo in 1988 and here they are still going strong today.

(Dale Roy)

Root 

Rise And Shine 'Empty Hand' review

RISE AND SHINE

'Empty Hand'

(I Hate Records)

We are presented with some classic doom metal / rock coming out of the fertile lands of Sweden. I have to admit straight off the start, that upon first listening, vocalist Josabeth Leidi got on my nerves and I did not like her vocals. But I am finding upon each and every successive listen, her vocals are growing on me more and more. They are very unique sounding and really remind me of no other singer. It sort of reminds me many years ago when I first heard Candlemass, I did not like the vocals, but they also grew on me and eventually I grew to love Messiah Marcolin's vocals. I am getting the feeling that Josabeth is beginning to have the same effect on me. As I mentioned her vocals are so different sounding they add a lot of depth and emotion to the music, it is like the lamp in a lighthouse cutting through the veil of darkness leading in all the lost souls at sea. The music itself is great as well, very classic sounding doom and metal with each instrument played from the heart. There are some fantastic guitar fills that help drive the song and just stick in my head. I am truly enjoying this album more than I ever thought I would upon first listen. Maybe that is something I should pass on to potential listeners give it a chance, a few good listens before you make up your mind on this band. I am surprised I have not heard of Rise and Shine before, they have been pumping out demos, eps and albums since 1993! On the other hand, this is their first new recording in some five years, here is to hoping I can gather up some of their back material one day. Until then I highly recommend this to all classic hippie doom rock followers, such as fans of Trouble, Spirit Caravan, Sabbath, Witchcraft...

(Dale Roy) 

 

Rise And Shine My Space 

(Dale Roy)

Jex Thoth 'Witness' review

JEX THOTH

'Witness'

(I Hate Records)

This is my introduction to Jex Thoth. I do think I shall be searching out some releases by the group. I would posit that they will appeal to fans of traditional doom metal and fans of epic heavy metal. What grabs me immediately are the monolithic, ploddingly heavy riffs that set the atmosphere for the fantastic and hypnotic vocals of Jessica Thoth. They draw you in and you quickly lose yourself in their mental tapestry, drawing a superb melancholy range of emotions. You kind of forget about everything else around you and your eyes are closed even when they are open as your mind is off swimming in the ether. For those of you that have experienced this sort of trip, it is magic and there is no slight of hand involved. There are only 3 songs on here so it is only a taste of what is to come. It leaves me wanting more and hoping it comes soon.

(Dale Roy)

Jex Thoth 

Realmbuilder 'Summon The Stone Throwers' review

REALMBUILDER

'Summon The Stone Throwers'

(I Hate Records)

You got to love how the UG scene works its magic. It takes a Swedish label to turn me on to a band from New York City, only a couple hours drive down the road. I am just now finding out as well that the main man behind this band by the name of Czar, is actually S. Craig Zahler. I remember this guy handing me a copy of his fanzine, at a metalfest in New Jersey, many years ago. Then of course he went on to be one the better writers for Metal Maniacs magazine. Anyway, Craig plays drums and sings on 'Summon...'. His vocal delivery is sort of half spoken / half sung, not many bands do vocals like but I enjoy them. I have a feeling they might be considered an acquired taste for some. Some might find them a tad cheesy, but who cares about those people. He has a sound of his own to his vocals, which in this day and age is big compliment. The band delves into the fantasy world with their imagery and lyrics. I think lovers of things like J.R.R. Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons, Robert Jordan novels / imagery and similar things will dig that. Realmbuilder have that sort of dry, epic and laid back style maybe a little like early Candlemass or Manilla Road. The bio lists Morningstar as an influence. I could definitely see that, I am a huge fan of their old demo tape 'Inside the Circle of Pentagram'. They are in a hurry to do nothing with their stripped down and hypnotic sort of style. I have to be honest I am kind of excited to see more and more of this style of classic NWOBHM and classic epic doom, coming from America. It may be a nod to the past in many ways, but I would argue that it also adds a fresh air our scene needs and could use more of these days. With each and every listen I find Realmbuilder draw me in just a little further than before. I am quite addicted to their sound at this point. You should be to.

 (Dale Roy)

Realmbuilder My Space 

Evoken / Beneath The Frozen Soil 'Split' review

EVOKEN / BENEATH THE FROZEN SOIL

Split CD

(I Hate Records)

Well going on nearly two decades after their inception. The doomy masters Evoken continue to steamroll across the landscape like a creeping fog. I see Dave Wagner is now part of the band. I know Dave's work well as I am a fan of his other bands Abazagorath and Funebrarum. Evoken present four songs (only one under 10 minutes, it is basically a full length Evoken album!) of primordial doom death that is guaranteed to rip you a new asshole, even if the ripping is done in slow motion. The measured riffs are so heavy and foreboding, creating a truly desolate atmosphere peppered with some nice guitar fills and drumming that accentuates the obscure suffocating feel of it all. The vague growling vocals sort of float in and out of the background with stealth and add to the mental scenery the music of Evoken paints in your mind. Evoken are both ugly and beautiful at the same time. I found myself in awe of their power.
I believe this is my first experience with Beneath The Frozen Soil. It appears like they have been around some years but as of yet no full length album released. There is nothing wrong with that however in my view, too many bands rush into their first album, especially it seems in Scandinavia. Beneath... hit us with three songs, for just over 20 minutes of music. They do not have the same devastating effect on me that Evoken did, but all the same this is very good Swedish doom death metal. Beneath are maybe a little less obscure and ever so slightly more upbeat than Evoken, but just as dark and depressive. They are more into the keyboard accents yet it is not done in an intrusive or overpowering fashion. Some crushing stuff from these Swedes, I find myself already wanting more already. The more I listen to Beneath The Frozen Soil the more addicted to their music I seem to become. To be honest I do not see how any self-respecting doom devotee could possibly not even just want, but must have this split album in their collection. In my view, it is a landmark release in the genre, pure and simple.

 (Dale Roy)

Evoken My Space

Beneath The Frozen Soil 

Drakar 'Let Draka' review

DRAKAR

'Let Draka / The Flight Of The Dragon' 2 CD

(I Hate Records)

I must confess I missed this band the first time when they were around, and had not even heard of them. I am little sad about that fact ,I wish I heard them decades ago. I am able to find little information on this band, they are from the Czech Republic (the second I heard the vocals I already knew this, more on that later), and this particular release was originally set loose on the world way back in 1990. I think it would be fair to call them a slower paced thrash metal band with a lot of old heavy metal influence. Their sound though is so distinct, instant classic sounding, and the odd quirky speed of the songs makes it sound so cool and it just sticks in your head. There are some superb guitar leads and fills and they really help round out the songs without sounding like a wank at all. Now back to the vocals. The second I heard them and the phrasing of the words, I knew these guys were Czech. It often reminds me to the cleaner, dark sounding parts from the legendary Czech band Root. I worship Root and am fully obsessed with their vocals delivered via the talented Big Boss. I can not get enough of the vocals on this album. The fact that it is all backed with wonderful, classic sounding songs only further takes this record to elite levels in my view. The only track I do not like on here is the one with the English chorus called 'Crazy Boy', it is a more upbeat happy sounding song than the other material, but the English sung vocals are horrible and ruin the song. Apparently this is limited to only 500 copies. A magnificent record and I am thrilled I have finally found this at after missing out for all these years. I consider myself lucky to have a copy and I am also happy I got the Czech language sung version. The two disc in case you wondered are the Czech and English versions apparently.

(Dale Roy)

Count Raven 'Mammon's War' review

COUNT RAVEN

'Mammon's War'

(I Hate Records)

Count Raven is a name well-known to doom heavy metal merchant followers like myself. The Raven had been silent, for some, long thirteen years now! Apparently the original band tried a reformation, but despite some good live appearances was once again not destined to continue. The main-man of Count Raven, Dan Fondelius decided to carry on regardless and recruited new members Fredrik Jansson on bass and Jens Bock on the skins. What with so much time passing and some original pieces falling by the way side. Has the old magic faded away? It is the question swirling in my mind as I prepared to play 'Mammon's War' with muted anticipation. The biggest positive for me is Fondelius staying, as he is the vocalist and much of the character of the old foundation. His Ozzy Sabbath-era vocals, are perfect for this style of classic doom, and, I am admittedly a sucker for this vocal style. The opening track, 'The Poltergeist' grabs you straight away as a hooky, traditional heavy metal burner that should please fans of old. You get some of everything, from the heavy to the emotional, melancholy and introspective. But you are snapped out of the trance with great rocking as well and memorable riffs. It is hard not to enjoy the sullen, epic atmosphere on this album and some of the nuanced and classy background guitar accents of Fondelius are not lost on me. This is a grand return to form for Count Raven in my view. I hope the new line up is solid and they stay around for another long run. Get this.

 (Dale Roy)

Count Raven MySpace 

( Newsflash: Both other guys parted ways with Dan since...-ED)