Recorshoppers Anonymous #13

Well, as I mentioned earlier, the postman had been nice enough to drop of a few packages in our mailbox during the week while I was working. Ok, the one from TPL Peter had to pick up from the Schenker Terminal though  but that was done and also was waiting for me. So it has been a weekend digging into a lot of music, that's for sure.

Also, last weekend me, Peter and David discussed if we could co-ordinate the shipments from  TPL and have everything in one pack since first, we are neighbours and now, I only get mine about every second month. And the want list I've sent in to TPL is rather long so it could be beneficial to have smaller batches of records to pay each time even if I love it when the postoffice complains about having to carry too heavy boxes!!!

So, this time featured Thor and UDO for Peter, Jamson Raid, Cirith Ungol, Omen, Sabbath Assembly and Fates Warning for me. Some just like to have from a collectors point of view, like the Fates Warning "A Pleasant Shade of Gray". Still that one in particular is one of my favorites ever. Im really looking forward to the new Fates Warning release as well, which should be out before the summer I think.
And then I realized it is not always fun to listen to these old dug up tapes. I love Jameson Raid's music and Terry Dark is very cool. Of course the songs are good but the sound not too much fun for "The Beginning of Part II".

Included was a few CD's as well. Death SS, Tank and Troubled Horse. The last one of those three I never expected to buy but since I really liked the latest Witchcraft, and it has gotten cool reviews from people who has about the same taste in music as I have. A good one but not as good as the latest Witchcraft album!
Then I finally got the thumb out and ordered the new Vicious Rumors live "Live you to Death", it's really strange that it took this long to get it since I normally always pre-order releases from my favorite bands. But I guess moving and such was enough during the fall last year. Killer album still! Also, Wildestarr's new one "Tell Tale Heart" is a really good one. London has grown a lot from last album and this, as the last one, holds killer songs.
And then Tank "War Nation", that's also one I should have bought half a year ago. Especially since "War Machine" was high on the list of best albums in 2010... i guess "War Natioin" should have been on this year's top 10 but as you see, I started digging into it too late.

The one that has been spinning the most is Colossus "Drunk on Blood", just as good as "...and the Sepulcher of the Mirror Warlocks", ok it feels the band has developed between the two releases and found a more stable own sound. But it sure is there on "Drunk on Blood" as well even if the influences becomes a little too obvious from time to time. Still a very good EP. And that is strange, normally band squeezes in as manu tunes as possible which results in a record that's too long to dig into. While the amazing Colossus just tosses out EP's, even one step down from what they releaed on these would still be better than most bands playing Classic Metal. I'm still waiting for "...and the Rift of the Pan-Dimensional Undergods", then the discography is complete. Hope it will be waiting for me when I come home next weekend.

And then I also had a package with Promos from Emanes Metal Records. Also a very nice surprise. Sin Starlet, Omission, Infinite Translation and Warckon, all of them sounding quite cool. Sure it means work but that's not such a big deal when work means listening to cool records.

 

So I know what to do this week! I still have a few ones to review that's in the backlog, the issue is that it is very hard to find inspiration to listen to records outside my taste when I have such a nice batch to dig into... Also, all bands that gets to release records doesn't really qualify for it. Or perhaps it's just me that don't get all of these new genres...

 

 

And it sure is time to start to plan for the Festival/Concert season now. We've booked Hotel for Muskelrock, will book the KIT flights (and plan a KIT Warm-up Party), tickets for Manowar, Northern Lights Winter Nights, Blaze/Dianno is getting together nicely. And there are some concerts in Gothenburg too that I would like to go to! We'll see what happens!

 

Meanwhile, when not listening to all newly bought stuff I'm charging for KIT. I've been listening to Steel Prophet most of last week, damn they're good!!! And what a vocalist Rick Mythasin really is! Gonna be awesome at KIT, Steel Prophet were really good at Sweordbrothers Festival a few years back but I'm having a feeling it will be better this time.

 

Cheers

E

 

 



NP: STEEL PROPHET - Unseen

For Fox's Sake...

It sure was nice when the week finally was over around lunch yesterday and I could leave the office (early for once and no phone meetigns on the way even), get into the chaos at ICA (people are really crazy and extremely stressed out doing their Friday shopping) and do the food shopping for the weekend.
And then, after a pit stop at MAX in Falkenberg to grab a Grand de Lux Tripple Cheese Burger (damn good one I must say but of course, all Burgers at MAX are super) I arrived at the Void Mansion right at 4pm and was greeted by the cat who looked extremely sleepy. And on the Kitchen Table a had a whole pile of packages with records. So it was almost christmas time!!!
My set plans for weekend eating changed a bit in the last minute when I realized I was one dish short. In the end I went for Fried Chicken with Corn on the cob, coleslaw and potatoe wedges for Friday, and Peter came home to a set table.
Then actually a three course meal today with Smoked Salmon and Mushroom Soup as a started, Italian Meatball Spaghetti as the maincourse and then carrot cake for dessert. The main reason for this though is that both the soup and the tomatosauce for the pasta was supposed to boil for some time so I thought it was the best practice and least timeconsuming to do all at once. And now I have all day tomorrow for Laundry... (need to make sure I have the right stuff clean for my trip to USA, Dallas in a few weeks). But all of it tasted really nice and I made a lot so both me and Peter will have plenty of Lunchboxes for the coming week as well.

But it has again been busy days at work, on and off between Höör, Borås and Stockholm. Driving back from the Landvetter Airport Thursday evening and passing the Borås information sign it mentioned that it was time for Borås Tennisweek. Ralizing it didn't feel quite right I still thought of that flashy event where just the spice on the cream is invited and it is the world elite showing up to play. Of course that is the week in Båstad and not Borås... But it would have been fun to see all of the fancy people freezing their ass off watching tennis now in January, the temperature in the car showed -13C when I passed the sign. 

Then we got some sort of a timeline from Rock it Up Records for the release of Cult Of The Fox's second album "Angelsbane". Franko said that we should try to get it out in time for Keep It True... So that sounds promising. Just hope it holds also.
Anyway, we are done with all our parts. Magnus girlfriend Anna painted the cover again, and damn she's good. A very cool painting indeed. Then Peter extracted details from it to incorporate in the rest of the layout and then it became even better, mainly since it is a hell lot of things going on and it's hard to see all the details on the front alone.

We also posted a taster from the album on youtube, "Nine Ones" became the first sample from the record.

Then Anna also helped out with the photosession, one part we shot at Lemmeströ church ruin. Quite a big wall, a cross and then a really crazy three which Frtize climbed down in. And the second part at Måntoprs Gavlar. Really cool places both of them.

It still is very fascinating how damn difficult it is to get four people look cool, or normal even at one shot. I think we took around 300 pics in total and we ended up with 10 that was usable.

Anyway, it will be really cool when the record comes out. It will be interesting to get some response on it. One thing is sure though, all of us worked a lot harder with this one to avoid letting too many mistakes pass. Also we managed to get in some guests to play a few solos... But that's still a secret!!! :O)


Today has been a very lazy day. Sometimes it feels bad not doing anything at all. Which is the case today, I know I have a lot of things to do, finish the Metal Kaoz reviews and reports, laundry, clean the house... But sometimes it's fair to just be lazy as well.

Cheers
E

NP: DEATH SS - The Darkest Night

 

List of the Year 2012

Where did 2012 go?It sure doesn’t feel like over a year ago I applied for the job I got just before Christmas 2011 and I hardly remember the summer. Well, that can depend on that it hardly was summer at all of course but anyway, I remember two weeks, one before and one after Headbangers Open Air. But it sure as hell has been a very eventful year.

I think it was in March when I and Peter decided to try to find a place in Skåne rather than in the Borås/Gothenburg area. We listed the criteria’s and since both of us had issues with our neighbors making a hell lot of sound we both dreamt of a quiet place far away from everyone. Driving around in the villages around Malmö (Bökarp, Bösetorp, Tittente, Skivarp, Börste, Trä… to mention a few) we realized that civilization isn’t so bad after all. At least when it comes to commuting to work, even just 10km outside of Malmö could be a 4 hour bus ride one way… So, in the end, fulfilling all requirements apart from being the last house on the street we found the Void Mansion. For us it seemed like a very well preserved (perhaps not top modern but who cares, I even start to like the pink flower wallpapers un the upstairs bathroom) and solid house, big and perfect for what we wanted. I must say, me as well as Peter was really surprised when no one else was interested in it at all. When we were there looking at it several other couples and families were there looking. Good for us of course and in mid-July we closed the deal. Then everything turned out so perfect we had 2 weeks overlap with our flats when we got the house in mid-October. Crazy weeks it became, to move and clean everything in that short time was really hard but so good when it was over. We are still working on getting the house in order, the rehearse-room/studio need more gear. My office needs more bookshelves, Peter’s library to. But it is ok that it takes time. I’m not moving in the next 50 years now!

Then of course the Void Moon album “On The Blackest of Nights” was released in November. Of course, Cult Of The Fox’s debut was released in 2011 but since I got into the band when everything (almost) was already written and set I wasn’t as involved in that record as in the Void Moon one and of course the coming Cult Of The Fox record. But the Void Moon record was almost finalized when it was time to start to record the next and now, since I’m the sole guitarist in COTF I had a hell of a job to do. Of course I’ve been recording earlier but not this way. I learnt a lot and had a blast doing it but it was also very frustrating when things didn’t turn out the way I expected them to. But ok, some things turned out even better. So it will be exciting to see how that one is received once it is released. And the Void Moon album has been received very well, a lot of good reviews and that feels great.

And then of course my new Job! Or, I’m actually doing about the same as I did before but with a bigger area and more responsibility (of course a better paycheck as well). I actually didn’t expect to get it, I applied for it to push myself and prepare to move on some day. But I did get the job and it has been a mix of free fall and control this last year. But to be able to set a plan on what to work with for the future, put a budget for it and then make it happen has been very rewarding. I really enjoy what I’m doing and I have great people around me to work with. But it has been A LOT of work and with the recording of albums and buying the Void Mansion and of course moving in, there has not been time for anything else for the last 5 months. I’ve hardly been to any concerts at all during the fall and that too feels strange.
But after a long Christmas vacation I’m back and really have the urge to get a doze of loud music again!!! So my calendar is filling up. The only really annoying thing is that it feels like all concerts in Gothenburg are on Friday’s and Saturday’s these days and the ones in Malmö mid-weeks, SHOULD BE THE OTHER WAY AROUND!!!


But again it has been a good Metal year, and a lot of great releases.
Here’s my list; 

1. MASTERS HAMMER - Vracejte Konve na Místo

 
It was Brutal but when the Hammer finally hit, it hit really hard. I got hold of this one just in time for Skogsröjet Festival and was supposed to dig into Testament’s “Dark Roots…” and as anyone can agree on, that is one hell of an album. Nothing else was good enough around this time but Master’s Hammer. And with this one hitting as hard as it did, the rest of the catalogue went down well too with the exception of “Salgary”. As weird it might appear, with the Czech language and odd harmonies, but that’s what I like.

Favorite Track: “Námořnická”

2. ACCEPT – Stalingrad

 
I guess this one could have been in top as “Blood of the Nations” was two years ago. The reason why it’s not is not because it’s weaker in any way, still as fantastic but no surprise this time. “Blood of the Nation” was overwhelming, this one expected. But one thing’s for sure, Accept is back and really has the capacity to write awesome music.

Favorite Track: “Shadow Soldier”

3. SLEEPY HOLLOW - Skull 13

 
I thought this one was ok initially when I started to listen to it, I got it for review and couldn’t really find anything to say about it. I let it roll, over and over again which was well worth the effort. The first four songs are really good, they set a really nice tune to the album. But what comes after is something else. From “Bleed Steel” to “Midnight” this album is full perfection, the first three songs are really good also. So this is what I’m really looking forward to see live later this year.

Favorite Track: “Inquisition”

4. ANGEL WITCH - As Above, So Below

 
Oh my… I didn’t expect Angel Witch to release an album as good as this one. The best thing with it is that it sounds like the 80’s from a song perspective but the sound is neither retro nor modern. It is just an organic sounding Heavy Metal album with some fantastic songs.

Favorite Track: “Into the Dark”

5. RAM - Death

 
One of the best bands in Sweden these days! Ram is an awesome live machine that keeps releasing great records. I can easily say they’ve taken one step up for each record. 

Favorite Track: “Under the Scythe”

6. GRAND MAGUS - The Hunt

 
Well, Grand Magus isn’t far behind Ram of course. Even if “The Hunt” didn’t strike as hard as “Hammer of the North” this one still holds extremely high class. Perhaps it is more the style that bugs me rather than the songs. I liked the raw sound Grand Magus used to have, this is more polished but of course still really good.

Favorite Track: “Storm King”

7. JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES - Jess and the Ancient Ones

 
This I really didn’t expect. Since I have a personal shopper when it comes to record I tend to buy more than I should have. But hey, it’s served and a few weeks later it shows up in my mailbox. So this was more impulse buy from my side but I’m SO glad I bought it. I love it! It’s mellow, melodic and just very cozy.

Favorite Track: “Twilight Witchcraft”

8. WITCHCRAFT – Legend

 
Then another one I didn’t expect. Frankly, I haven’t listened much to Witchcraft at all, which is rather strange since I really liked it the times I’ve seen them live.  But I gave this one a chance and then, a little as it was with Master’s Hammer, I couldn’t change the record at all for a few days.

Favorite Track: “It’s not Because of You”

9. TESTAMENT - Dark Roots Of The Earth

 
My expectations on this album were really high, this since Testament has been one of my favorite bands almost since the start of my Metal career, which mean I’ve followed them since their first album “The Legacy”. So I’m glad they could push out an album like this one. It’s very dark and powerful.

For me the production could have been a bit more primitive, which I think could have given a more dynamic sound. But it sure is a good record. Also, me and Peter ran into Eric Petersen at Skogsröjet and got starstruck, even the local radio station had to wait a while to interview us!

Favorite Track:  “True American Hate”

10. DEMON – Unbroken

 
I was browsing the web just taking a break at work and found out that Demon had released a new album. Strange perhaps since they’ve mentioned that they should quit altogether on occasion, then play a few gigs if the deal was right and now this… But this is how Demon should sound. This record has the same feeling as Demon live, just joyful and a good rocking band.

Favorite Track: "Fill Your Head With Rock"

Then Peter's top 10 list looks like this;

1. Manowar - "The Lord of Steel Hammer Edition"

2. Overkill - "The Electric Age"

3. Manowar - "The Lord of Steel Retail Edition"

4. Candlemass - "Psalms for the Dead"

5. Accept – "Stalingrad"

6. Testament - "Dark Roots of Earth"

7. Wino - "Heavy Kingdom"

8. Hellwell - "Beyond the Boundaries of Sin"

9. Grand Magus - "The Hunt"

10. Grave Digger - "Clash of the Gods"

And the ones that almost made it (alphabetically);

Bedemon – "Symphony of Shadows"

Candlemass – "Psalms of the Dead"

Huntrss – "Spell Eater"

Kamelot – "Silverthorn"

Kreator – "Pantom Antichrist"

Manowar - "The Lord of Steel"

Overkill – "The Electric Age"

Paradise Lost – "Tragic Idol"

Pharaoh – "Bury the Light"

Ufo – "Seven Deadly"

Also, I have to mention two more records that I really wanted to have on the top list but since only Studio Full Length albums count they were excluded due to that!
Colossus - ...and the Sepulcher of the Mirror Warlock
Sledge Leather - Imagine me Alive
I know the Sledge Leather album is listed as a full length one but out of the 11 tracks, 5 is just around a minute long and total playtime is just over 31 minutes. And that is the same as Colossus, which 6-tracker is listed as an EP.

And the ones that could have made it if I’d found it/got the thumb out earlier (alphabetically);

Bloody Hammers – "Bloody Hammers"

Gojira - "L'Enfant Sauvage"

Grave - "Endless Procession of Soul"

Grave Digger – "Clash of the Gods"

Magnum – "On the 13th Day"

Nightmare – "The Burden of God"

Obsession – "Order of Chaos"

Tank – "War Nation"

Thy Majestie - "ShiHuangDi"

Wildestarr – "Tell Tale Heart"

A few I missed completely that I need to check;

Banshee – "Mindslave"

Cloudscape – "New Era"

Mekong Delta – "Intersections"

Mob Rules – "Cannibal Nation"

Pallbearer – "Sorrow and Extinction"

And then the Concerts I enjoyed the most;

1. Arch / Matheos @ Keep It True Festival

It sure was a dream come true to get to see John Arch sing! And damn he sung. Sounded amazing, both for the Arch/Matheos tracks as well as the Fates Warning classics. http://www.metalkaoz.com/live-reports/8711-kit-xv-day-2-lauda-koenigshofen-de.html

2. Jon Oliva’s Pain @ Turock, Essen

The Mountain King will always do great shows! This was no exception, the sound was great, the band charged. Jon had his grand Piano but also, he was up running on stage for a few songs. And of course, the place was packed and the whole crowd was on 100% all through the show.
http://www.metalkaoz.com/live-reports/8567-jon-olivas-pain-turock-essen-de.html

3. Hammers Of Misfortune @ Roadburn

Peter worked hard to get us tickets to Roadburn just so we would get to see Hammers Of Misfortune. Sure, I was a bit nervous that I boosted my expectations too high for this but Peter was almost breaking into pieces the day of the concert. Sure, we missed a few bands because we couldn’t get into the stage area (013 has 3-4 different stages and the rooms varies from 200-2000 people). Bt everything worked out fine and we took our spots in the front. And yes, it was as good as we expected.

4. Hobbs Angel of Death @ Headbangers Open Air

I can’t remember being this “smacked” by a band before. It actually felt being hit by a steamroller, complete fury and so much fun to watch.

5. Anthrax @ Copenhell

Anthrax has always been really good when I’ve seen them live. But this was even high over their standard. Joey Belladonna was absolutely fantastic, damn his voice is good… And the energy!!!

6. Y&T @ KB Malmö

Seeing Y&T is like going to a party hanging out with your friends. The atmosphere is very friendly all the time and it’s so charming when Dave Meniketti is just chatting with the crowd between the songs, taking requests and such. Then of course, Y&T has always delivered high quality music as well.

7. Judas Priest @ Cloetta Center Linköping

Yes, Richie Faulkner sure got the guys moving. Judas Priest has always sounded good but now they seemed to have a lot of fun too. Awesome set, awesome performance.
http://www.metalkaoz.com/live-reports/5880-judas-priest-cloetta-center-linkoeping-swe.html

8. Griffin Device @ Malta Doom Metal Festival

They sure know how to play Doom at Malta. This was the second time for Griffin Device and even if it was good the first time it felt like everything has come together now. And yes, when Drone becomes intensive, then it really is special!

9. Argus @ Dublin Doom Days

This sure was something I was looking forward to see. And Argus sounded just live as on record. I’d boosted my expectations high here as well, wondering if they would play “Pieces of your Smile” since it is a rather long song. Sure, it was a bit of an anticlimax when they opened with it but still an amazing show.

10. Paradise Lost @ Sticky Fingers Gothenburg

Paradise Lost has found their old form again when producing records and playing live. They blew me away 20 years ago and even if they don’t have the exact same drive today it still is awesome.
http://www.metalkaoz.com/live-reports/6464-paradise-lost-gothenburg-malmoe-swe.html

Cheers

E

NP: HELLOWEEN - "Straight out of Hell"

Recordshoppers Anonymous #12

So, the new year started nice when it comes to record shopping. Actually, it ended VERY NICE too as we had a house warming party slash new years eve celebration in the Void Mansion. We were supposed to be 13 people in total but in the last minute a few fell out due to illness. The remaining 9 had a really good time though. My challenge was to prepare a candlelight supper for all of us. I skipped the starters though, we had some chips and dip instead. But one dish with meat and one vegetarian went down well, then some Mango Sorbet floaters for dessert, not in soda though, sunk it in Cava. Also popular!

Anyway, this cool one I got my hands on. Had to push the seller a bit to open the auction since the listing was only fir US. That, in combination with the size, this was an M will reduce number of bidders a lot. (got my hands on a Small Savatage original "Power of the Night" shirt a while ago as well for a really decent price), so very good for me!!! It arrived safely together with a signed copy of "Handful of Rain", only that it was a Queensryche CD in the box. Don't care though, I wanted the shirt and the price was very fair, and I don't want to buy signed stuff anyway.

Then I took the chance to complete, well almost, the collection of Digi-pack re-prints of all Savatage records. I had a few since before but the rest was purchased when I had some time off and time to roam eBay. Not all necessary of course but I like it when they print on the back as well. Still need to find the last e though, should be "Still The Orchestra Plays". Ear-Music's page has been down a while so I couldn't check it though.

  

And while I was at it, I found that TSO had released some new stuff. One EP and then a TSO "Piano Tribute". Ok, that has nothing to do with the band but it was cheap and fun to listen to. It actually is a bit crazy ow big TSO is the USA... I would really like to see them live again, so I guess I should put it in the to do list to check out the dates for the next tour ( a whole year to plan it leaves me).

Then two more purchased directly from the bands. Sledge Leather played KIT last year, of course they were good but not as impressive as I expected. However, listening to this album it was everything I expected. True American Heavy Metal. Very good. The only downside is that it only is 31 minutes long... 

The other one, Colossus "...and the Sepulcher of the Mirror Warlocks", A bit odd Heavy Metal, partly classical sounding, parts in the veins of Slough Feg. And it sure as hell sounds very different from many other bands popping up these days playing Classic Heavy Metal. That I like... So these two, among many others has been spinning during my Christmas vacation. And I can't state it enough, I needed that break. It was so nice to have several days at home with nothing planned, hang out with the cat, write a little, fix a little with the house and also get back the urge to dig up and listen to new music! I wonder how many days I can get off for easter... Hmm, probably should apply for that now already...

I got a few more coming in (need to keep the new postman busy you know) this week as well, I hope... But that's another story!

Cheers

E

 

NP: BLOODY HAMMERS - Bloody Hammers

 

Void Mags and Recordshoppers Anonymous #11

First day back in the office after a rather long vacation. Actually, to my own surprise I've been able to take it really easy and really forget about work. I felt completely lost coming back this morning, especially when my colleagues started to referr to meetings held before Christmas. Had to think hard (not so long though) to get everything back in mind. But I guess that is a good sign.

Peter the poor guy had to work all days so me and the cat had the house (and a christmasham) to ourselves.

It was a well needed vacation though, I do feel a lot more rested now which is good because there will be some very busy weeks to come. Hopefully this first one will start off a little bit slow at least, would be nice. Also, with some luck there are some travels to be done in the near future, I hold my thumbs for that!

Anyway, we finally got our issue of German Mag Legacy! 

 Void Moon is featured in 1½ page interview including a big picture. Even if my old bands were featured in the local newspapers it feels really strange to read a real mag and find myself in it. Of course it is in German and I can't get so much of that but it should be good since I've seen some of the "English original" version before it was submitted. There was a really nice review in Legacy as well, really nice one 14/15!!!!

Also, we got a review in Rockhard, has well in German but it should be positive, at least we got 7,5/10.

Samples from the "On the Blackest of Nights" can be found on youtube, as this one for example;

Then I spent the real last day, Friday that is, of my vacation in Malmö city center. It was quite a while since I was there so it felt good to take a stroll around. My main targets was the Comicbook/Record store, Rundgång Records, Skivesset and Repeat Records. Managed to squeeze in a coffee break as well. But then it was a day filled with record shopping! VERY NICE! Found a few goodies like, Bloodgod, Holocaust, Fastway, Battleaxe, Seventh Void, Max Havoc (VERY nice early US Metal, never ever heard of before) and Americade... That was pure shite though, really louse sing along hardrock, cheese, glam, shopping mall hit music. Dave Spitz was in the band so I really thought it should be a little better quality. Hawkwind, Demon, Triumph and Runaways I actually bought when I was in Sandviken!

And then a batch of Scandinavian Metal as well. 220 Volts is always nice and for some reason this was missing in my collection. Zero Nine was better than I expected. I saw them opening for Ac/Dc ages ago and then they didn't impress me. Jerusalem sounds ok on and off but both the Swedish and the damn Jesus-nonsense becomes a bit too much. And the last one, a really goodie, Lynx... I know I've seen pictures of it, most likely in the Encyclopedia Of Swedish Hardrock & Heavy Metal. Well, it wasn't amazing but really decent Heavy Metal, and Swedish such from 1985 isn't all that common. 

After a few hours of shopping for me, Peter was let out of work and we met up for Burgers at Tusen & Två. One really nice Burger Joint in Malmö, specialized in just Burgers. My choice for the evening was the "Texas Burger", which whiskysauce, bacon, fresh chili and onions! Really nice! Peter is a daredevil and ordered the one with ingredients none of us knew what it was even!!!!

But now it is all work again!!! And I need to sort out my list of the year as well!!!

Cheers

E

NP: WILDESTARR - A Tell Tale Heart