This Month In Metal: April 2008

Welcome to this month’s column. Before we proceed, let me just notify you all that no, I am not ignoring Textures’ "Silhouettes" album. The release was just post-poned until May 5th, so it’ll feature in next month’s column. As usual, if you have any albums you in particular want me to check out for the column, let me know by dropping a comment or sending me a message in my profile. Now, let’s get this thing rolling.

Testament - The Formation Of Damnation

Release Date: April 29
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Thrash metal

After 9 long years the wait for a new Testament album is over. Had they disbanded following 1999’s modern thrash classic "The Gathering," they’d surely been up for the Best Swan Song award. But luckily for us, they kept going despite Chuck Billy’s cancer and whatnot. The album has been called a mix of new and old (now that’s something we haven’t heard before), and more specifically, "The Legacy" and "The Gathering." The comparison is perfectly viable, though I can swear I can hear some "The Ritual"-esque stuff in the mid-tempo tunes. Andy Sneap handled the production this time around, and of course the sound he has delivered is heavy-as-expletive. Testament this time around is somehat of an all star line-up with Alex Skolnick returning on lead guitar, Chuck Billy on vocals, Eric Peterson on guitar, Greg Christian on bass and the mighty Paul Bostaph on drums.

So, is it any good? Hell yeah. The opening three songs will all pummel you to bits. They hit the gates running and don’t slow down until after the titletrack, which just so happens to be one of the best thrash songs released in, say, the past decade or so. Chuck utilizes his death growls to great effect on that track, and the riffing is quite ferocious. Future Testament classic for sure. Perhaps it’s because of the strong opening, but the album after this doesn’t seem as convincing. I suppose it’s another case of a band blowing their load early on to hook the listener. The songs that follow aren’t bad by any means, they’re all ranging from good to very good, but they don’t hit you like the opening trio does.

Testament does not quite top "The Gathering" with this, but it’s still the best album by a classic American thrash band since they released "The Gathering."

UG Review

Rating: 8

Children Of Bodom - Blooddrunk

Release Date: April 15
Label: Spinefarm
Genres: Melodic Power/Death Metal

"Blooddrunk" storms out of the gates with opener "Hellhounds On My Trail," and it doesn’t slow down much from then until the 37 minutes of metal has passed. The Finnish group has put together an album that sounds pretty much as one could expect. Heavy riffing, Laiho soloing as soon as he gets a chance, heavy use of keyboards and all the other ingredients that have put Children Of Bodom on the map.

Lyrically, much of it deals with Laiho’s alcohol problems and mental issues. Of course I respect his problems, but putting your personal life on display doesn’t undo or justify a poor lyric. Children Of Bodom were never, and will never be a band for those of us with a penchant for deep, thoughtful lyrics. But hey, that’s perfectly fine but they will lose points when judged along the same scale as everyone else. Each to his own, but nay, lyrically this does not float. "Well, that’s fine" you say, since metal was never really, really about the lyrics. It’s all about the riff and the solo, right? Well, Bodom certainly do better in that department. There’s plenty of aggressive riffing for you all to bang your heads to, but I do miss a few catchy riffs. You know, the ones that you can go humming all day, that are since inception forever linked to that specific. Lead-wise, I have to say I’ve always found Laiho to be an incredibly overrated leadplayer, and he does little to improve in my eyes on "Blooddrunk." Competent, but he never gets me hooked. In short: both the riffing and the soloing isn’t catchy enough. Add to that a somewhat muddy production, or at least one whose clarity could’ve been drastically improved.

In short, "Blooddrunk" isn’t necessarily lacking in any major ways, but it certainly doesn’t accomplish much either. It’s a competent album by a competent band, but rarely does it excel and reach those highs that would warrant a score in the upper echelons.

UG Review

Rating: 6

Arsis - We Are The Nightmare

Release Date: April 15
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Technical Death Metal

Fans of widdling unite, for this album has it in abundance. Guitarists James Malone and Ryan Knight certainly have their lead guitar chops down, employing nigh all tricks in the book. Luckily for us, they do so without making it all seem like an Yngwie Malmsteen album. Y’know, the ones where the vocals seem tagged on as if to fulfill a contract or please record executives. Shred-heavy as it may be, "We Are The Nightmare" is a pleasant listen with a formula that manages to balance technical music and songs with a direction and purpose. The album’s 9 tracks are split onto 37 minutes, and no song goes beyond five-and-a-half minutes.

Despite being nestled somewhere between thrash and technical death, with a touch of shred sprinkled on top, Arsis never come off as a band that go over the top with brutality, nor with any of their other elements for that matter. "We Are The Nightmare" is a good, solid release by a promising band that can go places. But, as for now we’ll have to settle with one of the more pleasing releases of 2008.

UG Review

Rating: 7.5

Origin - Antithesis

Release Date: April 1
Label: Relapse
Genres: Death Metal

If you ever want to be pummeled to bits by music -- buy this album. Ridiculously brutal, fast and heavy, "Antithesis" is not for the faint of heart. These guys certainly are no slouches on their instruments -- the playing is not only mindblowingly brutal, but very technically demanding. Sadly, that’s not one of the album’s finer qualities.

After about 14 minutes, or the first three tracks, it all ends up sounding somewhat same-y. There’s only so much blasting at 210-or-so bpm can do for you, and I am not kidding -- this drummer loves his blast beats. The overwhelming feeling that each track sounds and reminds you of the one that preceded it carries on for about 30 minutes -- until the title track which rounds out the album. Around this point I wasn’t expecting much, but boy do they deliver a brutal, technical nine-and-a-half minute death metal journey. The little break that comes in around the 7-minute mark that then leads into an outro solo with mad arpeggios is not something you just shrug off.

Despite coming off as a somewhat grey and not very memorable effort, "Antithesis" delivers a mighty punch right at the end that certainly helps the overall impression a lot, and leaves me interested in seeing what they can accomplish on their next album.

Rating: 6.5

Warrel Dane - Praises To The War Machine

Release Date: April 29
Label: Century Media
Genres: Metal/Hard Rock

Warrel Dane, better known for his work with prog/thrash masters Nevermore, teamed up with ex-Soilwork guitarist and now producer Peter Wichers to deliver this solo album. While Nevermore could be said to be much more geared towards implementing a technical aspect to their playing and songwriting, this album is all about the song and nothing else. Wichers together with Wicklund helped Dane craft an album that delivers catchy, hard-hitting metal tunes tailored to Dane’s vocal style and range. An obvious difference from his Nevermore material is that on "Praises..." Warrel is often found singing in a slightly lower register, making him sound very relaxed and perhaps not as crazy as he occasionally does with Nevermore. A decent comparison which comes to mind is how Roy Z penned songs tailored to Bruce Dickinson’s vocal style in the mid-to-late-'90s.

Dane is also often applauded for his truly thoughtprovoking and thoughtful lyrics, and I dare say that this album features his finest work ever. The topics, while fairly stock, are full of clever metaphors, beautiful phrases and not-what-you-might-expect. The musical side of the album is hardly something that will make you go off, but when coupled with the lyrics and Dane’s vocal performances, it washes away some of the stain from the predictable music.

The bottomline is that this album excels in playing to its strengths -- those being Dane’s vocals, his sense of melody and his lyrics. The instrumental side is intentionally played down, but it hardly matters when you deliver tunes of this quality. This album is one of the few that can proudly wear Reviewer Pete’s "Void Of Fillers Or Unnecessary Additions"-badge.

Rating: 8.5

Belphegor - Bondage Goat Zombie

Release Date: April 11
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Black Metal, Blackened Death Metal

When this release landed on my messy desk, I was not expecting much. The title did little to spark my interest, and prior to actually getting around to listening it, I’d unconciously made up my mind regarding the album. So, upon listening to it, I had to change my mind, because this is damn good. Black metal purists might find this to be blasphemously un-true, for the album is very well produced and also very catchy. On the other side of the spectrum, if the stereotypical blak metal image and lyrics get on your tits, then you can just skip this. In places, it feels like you’re listening to the black metal equivalent of Manowar, but if you can lay those thoughts aside and accept that there can be such a thing as "fun" in black metal, then this is for you.

The title track, which is also the opener is immensely catchy, as are most of the songs on this 34-minute release. It’s short, but very sweet, for a filler is nowhere to be seen. All songs have a certain quality to them, and they’re all very enjoyable. Belphegor combine sections driven by blast beats, with slower, crushing sections. Perhaps the song with the most "fun" is "Sexdictator Lucifer," complete with the title grunted over a woman’s moan. The band seems to have an obsession with the erotic and sexual pleasures of the Fallen Angel, but it all comes off as so laughable and entertaining that it’s not bothersome. Belphegor have crafted a good, solid and entertaining blackened death metal album and they deserve praise for it.

Rating: 8

Deicide - Till Death Do Us Part

Release Date: April 30
Label: Earache
Genres: Death Metal

Deicide have more or less become an institution, the front-runners for anti-Christian death metal and Glen Benton the posterboy for the aforementioned movements within the genre of metal. On this, their 9th studio effort, the sound is cemented and the formula well known. Brutal, fierce riffs accompanied by machine-gun drumming, a certain level of technical proficiency and Glen Benton giving us his view on Christianity. Some may call this "pleasing the fans" or sticking to your guns -- I call it pulling a Motorhead, and that’s not to be read in a flattering way. Deicide have taken their formula as far as it can be taken, and there’s nothing more they can do with it. They have become predictable to the point of being sedating, while churning out by-the-book Satanic death metal. 2006’s "The Stench Of Redemption" did come off as somewhat fresh, because of all the melody and soloing, but did leave a somewhat sour aftertaste due to sounding a lot like the retarded little brother of Vital Remains’ "Dechristianize," which also features Benton on vocals.

Deicide are an institution within the realm of metal, and for a good reason. Roughly the first half of their discography are genre-defining, brutal death metal, but since then they have become too predictable. They put out by-the-book death metal and that’s OK, but as far as scores and grades in this column goes, the album and the sound is distinctively average.

UG Review

Rating: 5.5

In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose

Release Date: April 1
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Melodic Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Since breaking into the mainstream in the early '00s, In Flames has become one of the most loved and hated bands of the metal community. "A Sense Of Purpose" is probably their most controversial album to date, and will only fuel the fire between internet warriors debating the band’s greatness, or lack of. Stylistically it sits quite nicely next to "Come Clarity" and their other post-"Clayman" albums. Musically it is very solid, filled with good melodies, riffs and I have to say Bjorn Gelotte, who I suspect is responsible for most of the leads, has outdone himself this time around. The leadbreak in "The Mirror’s Truth" bring a smile to my face everytime I hear it, and from the start of this album it’s just textbook melodic guitar soloing, front to back. Sadly, where the musicianship ends, the vocals take over and that’s where the positive feedback of this review ends as well. Anders Fridan has undergone the third major change in terms of his vocalstyle, from growled to screamed, to now incorporate more singing and clean vocals. Anders was never a very good growler or screamer, but the had a certain charm, which sadly is not present in his clean singing. At times, it makes me cringe at how poorly sung this album is. Lyrically it’s not much to write home about either: "I feel like shit, but at least I feel something" is just one of many lines that is questionable at best.

I sure the guys are very proud of the album, and that’s OK. It’s well played and extremely well produced, but when one of the most crucial parts in the machine doesn’t deliver, you end with a bad product and a taste you’d rather forget. Had it not been for the enjoyable musicianship from the guys not involved with the vocals, this would’ve been a turd, but now it’s "just" a sub-par release.

Let the flaming begin, but at least give me credit for not putting together a joke involving the title of the album.

UG Review

Rating: 5

News And Tidbits From The Past Month

Singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer has left Celtic Frost. Fischer later states, in a somewhat cryptic fashion, that "It was not my departure from Celtic Frost which caused the group's inexorable demise. It was the group's inexorable demise which caused my departure." Fischer has stated that he will continue to write music in the vein of Celtic Frost, and also continue to perform material from the previous aforementioned group.

Sweden’s very own metal crusaders Hammerfall have recruited Pontus Norgren (more known for his work with glamrock band The Poodles) to replace guitarist Stefan Elmgren who left the band in early April to pursue a career in aviation.

Swedish death metallers Vomitory have begun writing material for the follow-up to 2007’s "Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize," tentatively due in May 2009 via Metal Blade Records. Seeing as yours truly happens to live in the same part of the woods as Vomitory, he’s already looking forward to the release party.

Mille Petrozza of the German thrashers Kreator have set a tentative January 2009 date for their upcoming album. Petrozza commented: "The new songs are made for a live situation and they all kill! No compromise but sheer thrash metal brutality! So be prepared -- January 2009 will see the release of the next album, followed by an extensive world tour!"

AC/DC have finished recording a new album, due in late 2008. Singer Brian Johnson rather unsurprisingly said that the new album is "Absolutely excellent."

Mayhem guitarist and songwriter Blasphemer has left the group, stating that he does not "see any future for me in the band anymore, at least not a future I'd like to participate in over the coming years." Blasphemer will however fulfill his touring commitments with the group before leaving them completely.

Sweden’s Burst have entered the studio to record the follow-up to 2005’s Origo. A fall release for "Lazarus Bird," vie Relapse, is expected.

Dream Theater have recorded a cover of the Iron Maiden classic "To Tame A Land" from the 1983 album "Piece Of Mind," for Kerrang Magazine. No word is out on what the recording will be used for, but bear in mind that on May 16 it is 25 years since the release of "Piece Of Mind." Yours truly is betting on a Kerrang Re-Pieced Mind (or something like that) cover album, like they did with Metallica’s "Master Of Puppets."

Now, onto some less serious matters. Glen Benton, vocalist and bassist for death metal legends Deicide, claims to have seen a Sasquatch or Bigfoot in a Florida state forest, according to Terrorizer Magazine. "I see this big fuckin' thing lurched down on the side of the road... It's this big grey thing... it fuckin' clears the road in one fuckin' leap, 'ROOOOAHHR!' then into the woods." Glen describes following the creature into the woods in his jeep: "This thing's snapping down trees left and right. All around was a smell like the inside of a dumpster... This thing looked like a primate of some sort. Fuckin' huge eyes, but like part-orangutan and part-chimp." After calling Florida Wildlife, the area was checked and tracks are said to have been found. Glen's experience was documented as an official sighting.

Well, that wraps things up for this month’s column. Now I need some rest...

POSTED: 05/02/2008 - 02:36 am

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Comments

[Reviewer Pete]

Grr, annoying typos. Damn you, Microsoft Word!

[ss311]

Good stuff, Pete!

[Sampoperkele!]

Good stuff?? Not really. That COB review was pure shit. Ah well, 'opinions are like *******s, everyone's got one' you say. Fair enough, but you go far and beyond to state that you think the album has muddy production and hit 'n miss riffs but you never explain or illustrate your point of view with examples. This just leads to the conclusion that you were never a big fan of the band anyway and wrote your review based on one or two listens. Well that's a big problem because this album takes more than a few listens to open up to you. Once it does...it'll be all you listen to for the next month.

[megadeth rule]

testament album is good stuff

[foo_diddles]

i agree with sam about the cob album, i have it and it is really good, i can remember plenty of the riffs, melodies and solos, but not all music is meant to be catchy for the mainstream, it seems like a record for the older fans of cob.

[SadisticAngelx]

Blooddrunk's a great album..

[grille]

plz dont type that in flames are melodic DEATH. becuse they aint.

[grille]

grille wrote:

plz dont type that in flames are melodic DEATH. becuse they aint.

not anymore

[Seth Shadows]

the COB album i kindof agree with for some parts.
I had a hard time tabbing the blooddrunk solo because to be blunt; I couldnt remember it. There was nothing that stood out =\ hmm.
Anyway, the Testament Review is spot on.
In flames too.

Good job.

[Perpetual Burn]

Nice reviews, too bad COB got downed on lyrics.

[..NEM..]

Rerally enjoyed this column/review. And lol at all the CoB fanboys.

[crocoscar]

omghate at the Antithesis (Origin) reviewer. This album is pure genius, and does not lack at all of variety : plenty of surprising riffs, chords, rhythm and solos ! And if you don't like blast beats, why do you listen to a tech death metal album ? -_-

[HanTheMan]

If you want something catchy, go listen to fall out boy not CoB. It's not the goal of a solo to be catchy.

[Digitronix]

guys
ADMIT IT!!!!!
The CoB album was really bad.... no offence, as a CoB fan i must say that... it sucked
riffs were bad, after listening to it so many times i still can't remember a whole song from beggining till the end
nothing comparred to songs like Lake Bodom, Children Of Bodom, the old stuff...
even Are You Dead Yet was much better... at least that one's got a really good riff
hope for a better next album

[snapped]

In Florida a sasquatch is called a skunk ape. I think its a southern thang.

[slash_015]

The Testament-Album is the best Metal-Album since a long time...

The COB-Album...hmm not the best COB-Album, but not bad.


...My Opinion^^

[tim311mahoney]

In Flames is awesome.

[demiphoenix]

no mention of vintersorg's new project?

[ApeOfJustice]

"AC/DC have finished recording a new album, due in late 2008. Singer Brian Johnson rather unsurprisingly said that the new album is "Absolutely excellent."

hahahaha

Also I would love Kerrang to do a tribute to Piece of Mind as it is my favourite Maiden album, even though I think it [Kerrang] is generally a shitty magazine.

[PhantomNote]

I think it's sad that people judge laiho by AYDY and Blooddrunk.

All the stuff that is mentioned missing here, is indeed on Hatebreeder.

Laiho overrated? Maybe if blooddrunk was the only thing he had done. But if you take Hatebreeder and Follow The Reaper into consideration, I'd say not at all.

[PhantomNote]

- oh yeah. Sorry for double posting but -

there's opinions, but you state the stuff you say as facts.

I for one think that if you don't enjoy Banned From Heaven or Tie My Rope, that's because you don't like it. Not because there's "something wrong" with the music.

One fact I do agree with is, that the guitar sound is badder. But that's because it's more scooped. Back in the day he had one of the ultimate guitar tones (imo).

[LambOfBodom666]

grille wrote:

grille wrote:

plz dont type that in flames are melodic DEATH. becuse they aint.

not anymore

True

[zalant]

Argh! Now I see what happened. UG has decide that A-hole is a curse word, but the other word is not. Now I get it! Sorry Sampoperkele!

[diminishedtobme]

Very good job Pete on the Origin, Arsis, Testament reviews. lol at the CoB fanboys.

[Tyler420]

Fuck That. The new In Flames cd is a ****ing masterpiece.
I dont care if they stopped making such complex compilations or screaming the whole time. Get outside the box people. The choruses are top notch, the songs as a whole are great..

[cobain_is_king]

Shit, Glen caught me.

[slash_015]

Yeah Banned from heaven is great!

...and the thing with the facts...im german and my english isn't very good^^

so...sry

[ghostofhendrix]

Yeah guys I like CoB and Alexi is usually an awesome player...but you gotta admit that blooddrunk was a below par album for the finnish dudes!

[Reviewer Pete]

PhantomNote
there's opinions, but you state the stuff you say as facts.

Then don't read this column.

[Reviewer Pete]

crocoscar wrote:
omghate at the Antithesis (Origin) reviewer. This album is pure genius, and does not lack at all of variety : plenty of surprising riffs, chords, rhythm and solos ! And if you don't like blast beats, why do you listen to a tech death metal album ? -_-

I never said I don't like them, I love blasting, but it doesn't matter how much you love something if it's done in excess. Some of the best (death metal) albums I've heard are by insanely technical bands. But there are other drum techniques than blasting that can be utilized.

All things are best in moderation. It's not a bad album, nor a bad band though. Don't get me wrong.

[J.A.M]

Tyler420 wrote:

Fuck That. The new In Flames cd is a ****ing masterpiece.
I dont care if they stopped making such complex compilations or screaming the whole time. Get outside the box people. The choruses are top notch, the songs as a whole are great..

Well, no offense but having great choruses isn't exactly thinking outside the box. I don't hear them doing anything vaguely original.

[ZarDac]

The COB album is not a bad one, but it seems like it is missing something. It doesn't have the umpf like the other ones did.

[Donkey Fly]

Lead-wise, I have to say I’ve always found Laiho to be an incredibly overrated leadplayer, and he does little to improve in my eyes on "Blooddrunk." Competent, but he never gets me hooked. In short: both the riffing and the soloing isn’t catchy enough. Add to that a somewhat muddy production, or at least one whose clarity could’ve been drastically improved.

Alexi is an incredible player. He is hardly overated if you listen to his earlier stuff with COB and his stuff with Sinergy - especially Sinergy for his lead stuff.

[Nightstrider]

I'm kind of surprised at the lukewarm score for "Antithesis". I think it's one of the better modern tech death albums, which is saying a lot, as modern tech death has an overwhelming tendency to suck the big one.

[BrainScan]

Personally, I think COB's leads are amazing and they always put on a killer show. I think the new CD is a lot better than "Are You Dead Yet?" which was really nothing that great. Just my opinion.

[metal4life592]

Wow, I had absolutely no idea that Deicide was releasing a new album... o_O

Great job on the article though.

[Psychopathology]

Origin's new cd deserves about 3.5 more points.

[boyan89]

BLOODDRUNK! 6????? A SENSE OF PURPOSE!! 5???? AHHHHH!!!!! dude make it higher same as with the other bands! GOD!

[TDAJGuitarist]

I agree about Laiho...He isnt as good as he gets credit for....

[HolySmoke]

I love Blooddrunk and AYDY, but i agree with Zardac, they do seem to be a little lacking in comparison to the other 4. that's probably because of Laiho's alcohol problems and whatnot. Lookin' Out my Backdoor FTW (lol)

[metaldud536]

I think Testament shoulda kept their solos melodic like in the "The Legacy" and used the same techniques in the vocals like in "The new order". You know where the guitar lines match the syllables in the lyric phrases. Listen to Into the pit and The new order and you'll see what i mean. Thats what made them stand out as a thrash band to me.

[duncang]

J.A.M wrote:

Tyler420 wrote:

Fuck That. The new In Flames cd is a ****ing masterpiece.
I dont care if they stopped making such complex compilations or screaming the whole time. Get outside the box people. The choruses are top notch, the songs as a whole are great..
Well, no offense but having great choruses isn't exactly thinking outside the box. I don't hear them doing anything vaguely original.

Find me a band that sounds like the new In Flames album.

Seriously.

[Nightstrider]

PhantomNote wrote:

there's opinions, but you state the stuff you say as facts.

If you don't know to expect OPINIONS when you read REVIEWS then you are truly hopeless. It would be horribly redundant if anytime someone wrote a review they had to put "in my opinion" or "I think". If you're too stupid or too thin-skinned to read opinions other than your own, you need to get off the internet, pronto. In fact, it would probably be better for your peace of mind if you just locked yourself in your room and never came out, lest a dissenting world view come along and defile your delicate virgin mind.

[MarkN9876543]

Arsis' new album only got a 7.5, I heard it, that album is a 15 out of 10 easy. It blew me away

[zjmellet]

blooddrunk's a great album!
What's he smokin?!

[severed-metal]

lol @ Glen Benton. That is great. Maybe it was Satan..He'd probably enjoy that.

Good review indeed

[Vinnie9]

+ 'A Sense of Purpose'
Great album
Has anyone heard the 'Blooddrunk' album yet?
If so, how is it?

[HolyDiver1118]

Blooddrunk is quite good thank you very much

[HolyDiver1118]

I'm probably gonna end up getting the new Testament and In Flames album too \m/

[crazymetalheadg]

Testament-what I've hear from it be good.

Children of Bodom-dispointed

Arsis-not as get as the old albums.

In Flames-I don't even want it.It look like a really horrible album.

[Driven9]

the in flames album is great. its a new sound, so what, it gives variety when you listen to the tons of songs the band has put out.

[Neverhead666]

it was a decent review, except Testament put out their first new album in 6 years, not 9. The In Flames album was brilliant, can't expect much less from Jesper Stromblad. and yeah, the CoB album did suck. horrible stuff there. CoB will never be as good as the Hatebreeder days again

[HavokStrife]

The Bodom review is horrible.

WTF exactly is so wrong with the riffs?
WTF exactly is so wrong with the production?
WTF exactly is so wrong with the leads/keys?

I've actually been thinking lately this might be my favorite Bodom release. Basically because how much I liked the change with AYDY, and Blooddrunk doing that whole thing a lot better than AYDY. Though, I think AYDY had a few stronger tracks, like Living Dead Beat, Trashed Lost and Strungout, and We're Not Gunna Fall. Blooddrunk is better on the whole though. I think the production on this album really, really, really suits the band too.

[Nightstrider]

Hmm, one of the main complaints I heard about the album was that it DIDN'T build upon the style of AYDY, and instead tried half-heartedly to acheive the old fanbase and failed. Haven't heard it myself, though. Hopefully it won't suck too bad, as I'm going to be seeing Bodom play soon, and they'll undoubtedly have a lot of this new one in their set.

[Cliff_Is_God]

ooook where is kalmahs review!!

[tjg92]

The COB album was one of the most boring things I'd ever heard, AND I AM A FAN OF AMBIENT MUSIC.

[MadZorm]

Cliff_Is_God wrote:

ooook where is kalmahs review!!

KALMAH!!!!
Saw them live tuesday!!:P :P

[vIsIbleNoIsE]

blooddrunk is not bad. you can't really say it's average because i don't know of many bands that sound like CoB, especially on this album. but it's certainly not extremely impressive.

and yea, kalmah definitely deserved to be on here!

[bathroomboy]

The production on Blooddrunk wasn't great, but that's about the only thing I agree with in the review.

[TiDyCaTT900]

lol..you can always tell what people are gonna get pissed at when you read the articals on this website...I read and the second I do I say to myself, Uh oh...thats gonna catch some shit, and whatdo ya know lol. Bty..I love Alexi..I mean LOVE but, I do see he isnt the greatest, among the best I think...Arsis freakin rules.

[rwalby9]

Sampoperkele! wrote:

Good stuff?? Not really. That COB review was pure shit. Ah well, 'opinions are like *****s, everyone's got one' you say. Fair enough, but you go far and beyond to state that you think the album has muddy production and hit 'n miss riffs but you never explain or illustrate your point of view with examples. This just leads to the conclusion that you were never a big fan of the band anyway and wrote your review based on one or two listens. Well that's a big problem because this album takes more than a few listens to open up to you. Once it does...it'll be all you listen to for the next month.

I completely agree with him. I love Children of Bodom to death, own all their albums, but I really disliked Blooddrunk.

[Zeppelin Addict]

ill take laiho and the boys in bodom along with blooddrunk anytime anywhere over any of these other albums... laiho is NOT overrated blooddrunk was NOT a bad album it was just a different style they went more thrash then they have before. its still bodom though and the energy and melodic power in each song is all there... and back to laiho being overrated... consider that not only him but every other guy in CoB, LIVE! plays every song to perfection including solos which cant be said for alot of other bands.. hell of a show they put on hell of a band laiho hell of a guitarist(again NOT overrated) and blooddrunk isnt bad at all just aslightly different style bringing in the more common thrash that seems to be around more and more... CoB Laiho and the boys Blooddrunk.. GOTTA LOVE EM!

[Cannibalkyle16]

Tyler420 wrote:

Fuck That. The new In Flames cd is a ****ing masterpiece.
I dont care if they stopped making such complex compilations or screaming the whole time. Get outside the box people. The choruses are top notch, the songs as a whole are great..

you should give that same advice to inflames more so than anyone whos complaining about the new album...they could use it alot more...i mean its not like their dumbing down there music to the same set forumla far to many bands have been using since rocks inception...or cheating to make anders weak as hell singing voice sound better than it ever is live...
oh wait, that is how it is

[whitesummer527]

Jesper is the main guitar player. Bjorn was their drummer up until Colony or Clayman i'm pretty sure.

[Darth_MaVeRiCk]

Don't judge the new in flames album at the first listen. Give in another try, you'll discover that "a sense of purpose" is really a wonderful album. These guys have changed a lot and i think that the new stuff is much better than what they did in a while.

[Reviewer Pete]

Neverhead666 wrote:

it was a decent review, except Testament put out their first new album in 6 years, not 9

Eh, no. They've only released compilations, live albums and best of CDs since the Gathering, which was released in 1999.

[Reviewer Pete]

Cliff_Is_God wrote:

ooook where is kalmahs review!!

Didn't have time.

[metalonastrat]

COB should release something more like Hatebreeder again.

[Joey Radical]

I like Blooddrunk, it's better than "Are You Dead Yet" but it's worse than the others.

And I agree with the In Flames review...

[sleepwalker16]

'Tis a good month. Great albums from Testament, CoB, and Belphegor. Do you need more?

[sleepwalker16]

'tis a good month. Great albums from Testament, CoB, and Belphegor. Do you need more?

[wildchild6660]

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.

[wildchild6660]

I think this article is good for finding out the new releases this month but I strongly suggest you people actually check out the reviews made by the people on UG who actually listen to these albums properly.

[wildchild6660]

Ok, Checked out the Blooddrunk video. Not bad at all.

[darkdhanix]

"Are You Dead Yet" is the best!!! I agree with DarZac about Blooddrunk, it is something missing...

[Pretty_Much]

Cannibalkyle16 wrote:

Tyler420 wrote:

Fuck That. The new In Flames cd is a ****ing masterpiece.
I dont care if they stopped making such complex compilations or screaming the whole time. Get outside the box people. The choruses are top notch, the songs as a whole are great..


you should give that same advice to inflames more so than anyone whos complaining about the new album...they could use it alot more...i mean its not like their dumbing down there music to the same set forumla far to many bands have been using since rocks inception...or cheating to make anders weak as hell singing voice sound better than it ever is live...
oh wait, that is how it is

i'd like to see you sing. and i dont know why everyone says anders vocals suck. i think they are pretty good. his screams are good, his growls are actually good too, and as too with the choruses. and i agree with Tyler420.

[RU Experienced?]

Thanks for the honest reviews. To the other people: read what he has to say about the albums without taking the number rating so seriously.

[megatallica666]

Fuck yeah the new testament!!!! i dont really think Laiho is overrated but thats ok. hatebeeder has some very good solos and riffs, but thats old.

[metallica144]

what the ****? just a 6 for blooddrunk? that album deserves at least an 8! :P

[Viking_Swede666]

demiphoenix wrote:

no mention of vintersorg's new project?

thank you.

[Gregray88]

I respect your opinion on Bloodrunk Pete, but your points weren't backed up by examples. It seemed really vague like you didn't listen to the album enough. I agree with you on A Sense of Purpose though. I personally think everyone is lookign at the new Bodom album wrong. They purposefully strayed away from their original styles and added somehing new, everyone complains about bands being to one sided and all their albums sound the same, but when they do release somethign different everyone hates it.

[Gregray88]

*urposelly, dont ant to seem illiterate

[ValenceElectron]

Look, Blooddrunk is a good album OBVIOUSLY, it's ****in' Bodom!
But I didn't find anything that could really stand up to previous work, like Bed of Razors, Downfall, In Your Face, or Lake Bodom. The guitar has less sound clarity too.

[Reviewer Pete]

Gregray88I respect your opinion on Bloodrunk Pete, but your points weren't backed up by examples.

I purposely try to keep these reviews fairly short, and thus examples *tend* to get pushed aside. For the "regular" (ie not these shorties you find in the columns) reviews I do give and find examples to be important. But no review is perfect and I'll keep your thoughts in mind for next month's column.

This month was special though, since an obscene amount of high-profile albums were released, so it may have been more quantity than quality.

[thisHATEinside]

After "Are You Dead Yet?" I stopped listening/caring about Children of Bodom

but HELL YEAH TESTAMENT!!! Another classic by my favorite band

[AngerIsAGift06]

theres not many albums coming out from genres other than death metal

[ss311]

Reviewer Pete wrote:

Gregray88I respect your opinion on Bloodrunk Pete, but your points weren't backed up by examples.

I purposely try to keep these reviews fairly short, and thus examples *tend* to get pushed aside. For the "regular" (ie not these shorties you find in the columns) reviews I do give and find examples to be important. But no review is perfect and I'll keep your thoughts in mind for next month's column.

This month was special though, since an obscene amount of high-profile albums were released, so it may have been more quantity than quality.

Exactly; this article is intended as an overview of what the month has held for metal. It isn't meant to be an in depth analysis, so give Pete a break, and start giving him higher ratings for what is a great article, regardless of your opinions.

[RedNovember]

HA HA HA

Go Glen. "an official sighting". +1 more for metal.

"Metal - Finding Bigfoot since 2008"

[RedNovember]

BTW, the new Arsis is ****ing KILLER.

[Donkey Fly]

To be fair Blooddrunk is like AYDY? so if you didn't liek AYDY which was kind of a break away into a much hevaier genre - something you could see with Hatecrew Deathroll, your not going to like Blooddrunk.

IMO i don't see what people dislike about the two last albums - Both albums are full of great tracks.

[pslice]

Blooddrunk isn't anything groundbreaking or amazing, but it's definatley a good listen. I liked how they didn't overuse the keyboards as much this time around.

[xXChimairaXx]

sheez i didn't think "a sense of purpose" was that bad.

if only they could find their roots and revive the old ways...

[Illiad86]

exactly...which they won't, they are mainstream now I guess...

nothing about Kalmah's new album? Wow...it's damn good too, give it a listen

[Reviewer Pete]

Illiad86
nothing about Kalmah's new album? Wow...it's damn good too, give it a listen

It is indeed. I just didn't have time to review it.

[Emenius Sleepus]

great column, I think some reviews need a bit more work, and a spell/typo check, but besides that great idea. WOuld be a good thing if the other forums caught on too

[Nightstrider]

wildchild6660 wrote:

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.

Hahaha, sweet jebus, it really would be a horrible decade for metal if COB was the best modern times had to offer. Luckily, you're a complete crackpot.

[ark1294]

!!! AWESOME !!!

[Bored to Tears]

Testament's album is really good.

[wildchild6660]

Nightstrider wrote:

wildchild6660 wrote:

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.
Hahaha, sweet jebus, it really would be a horrible decade for metal if COB was the best modern times had to offer. Luckily, you're a complete crackpot.

Maybe I am. He He. But seriously I can't think of any other half decent metal bands this decade.

[StraightxXxEdge]

Sampoperkele! wrote:

Good stuff?? Not really. That COB review was pure shit. Ah well, 'opinions are like *****s, everyone's got one' you say. Fair enough, but you go far and beyond to state that you think the album has muddy production and hit 'n miss riffs but you never explain or illustrate your point of view with examples. This just leads to the conclusion that you were never a big fan of the band anyway and wrote your review based on one or two listens. Well that's a big problem because this album takes more than a few listens to open up to you. Once it does...it'll be all you listen to for the next month.

Great, another CoB fanboy. This band went south years ago, they're just putting out whatever they can to keep their Hot Topic sales stable. Great job Pete!!

[CrunchyMonkey]

Maybe I am. He He. But seriously I can't think of any other half decent metal bands this decade.

Meshuggah? Opeth? Come on.. they both leave Children of Bodom in the dust.

[stevo_92]

PhantomNote wrote:

- oh yeah. Sorry for double posting but -

there's opinions, but you state the stuff you say as facts.

I for one think that if you don't enjoy Banned From Heaven or Tie My Rope, that's because you don't like it. Not because there's "something wrong" with the music.

One fact I do agree with is, that the guitar sound is badder. But that's because it's more scooped. Back in the day he had one of the ultimate guitar tones (imo).

if you're trying to make a convincing arguement, try and use real words

[Wilkesy1000]

each to his own
i really liked the COB album
the hellhounds riff is catchy and same with One day you will cry.
but you took the time to review these albums
so respect.
everyone just hates COB now cause they arnt that shit cradle of filth wannabees with hatebreeder.
which isnt their best album.
but good reviews pete

[6Slay6tanic6]

Reviewer is tighter than a 12 year old nun

[Sampoperkele!]

StraightxXxEdge wrote:

Sampoperkele! wrote:

Good stuff?? Not really. That COB review was pure shit. Ah well, 'opinions are like *****s, everyone's got one' you say. Fair enough, but you go far and beyond to state that you think the album has muddy production and hit 'n miss riffs but you never explain or illustrate your point of view with examples. This just leads to the conclusion that you were never a big fan of the band anyway and wrote your review based on one or two listens. Well that's a big problem because this album takes more than a few listens to open up to you. Once it does...it'll be all you listen to for the next month.

Great, another CoB fanboy. This band went south years ago, they're just putting out whatever they can to keep their Hot Topic sales stable. Great job Pete!!

It's pretty obvious that you belong to the legions of of people that think COB 'haven't done anything worthwhile since hatebreeder'. Man, get an opinion. Somebody, somewhere, once had this epiphany where he said that and now derelicts everywhere are latching on to this. If COB went south years ago then why is their fanbase and popularity growing all the time?? Oh yeah, cause we're all COB fanboys. Yeah, your logic is infallible.

Checked!

[webbtje]

Nice stuff, Pete. I'm still going to get that Deicide though.

[Scourge441]

Sweden’s Burst have entered the studio to record the follow-up to 2005’s Origo. A fall release for "Lazarus Bird," vie Relapse, is expected.

Hell yes!

wildchild6660 wrote:

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.

Bands that have released kickass material since 2000:

Opeth
Agalloch
Orphaned Land
Ayreon
Ahab
The Black Dahlia Murder
Dark Tranquillity
Amon Amarth
Esoteric
Anaal Nathrakh
Yyrkoon
Vehemence
Insomnium
Dream Theater
Vanden Plas
Cult of Luna
Akercocke
Blood Stain Child
Callisto
Iron Maiden
Russian Circles
Pelican
Gorefest
Jesu
Isis
Pantheist
Riverside
Solfald
Coldworker
In Mourning
Dark Suns
Orden Ogan
Mirrorthrone
Shade Empire
Ne Obliviscaris
Alchemist
Behemoth
Anubis Gate
Daath
Infernal War
Ghost Brigade
Festering Saliva
Insision
Dawn of Tears
Dead Soul Tribe
Warning
Vo Skorbyah
Swallow the Sun
Symphony X
Godgory
Arcturus
Green Carnation
Susperia

So, uhh, shut up.

[Viking_Swede666]

6Slay6tanic6 wrote:

Reviewer is tighter than a 12 year old nun

lol that made me laugh haha

[Viking_Swede666]

Scourge441 wrote:

Sweden’s Burst have entered the studio to record the follow-up to 2005’s Origo. A fall release for "Lazarus Bird," vie Relapse, is expected.


Hell yes!

wildchild6660 wrote:

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.


Bands that have released kickass material since 2000:

Opeth
Agalloch
Orphaned Land
Ayreon
Ahab
The Black Dahlia Murder
Dark Tranquillity
Amon Amarth
Esoteric
Anaal Nathrakh
Yyrkoon
Vehemence
Insomnium
Dream Theater
Vanden Plas
Cult of Luna
Akercocke
Blood Stain Child
Callisto
Iron Maiden
Russian Circles
Pelican
Gorefest
Jesu
Isis
Pantheist
Riverside
Solfald
Coldworker
In Mourning
Dark Suns
Orden Ogan
Mirrorthrone
Shade Empire
Ne Obliviscaris
Alchemist
Behemoth
Anubis Gate
Daath
Infernal War
Ghost Brigade
Festering Saliva
Insision
Dawn of Tears
Dead Soul Tribe
Warning
Vo Skorbyah
Swallow the Sun
Symphony X
Godgory
Arcturus
Green Carnation
Susperia

So, uhh, shut up.

[Viking_Swede666]

Viking_Swede666 wrote:

Scourge441 wrote:

Sweden’s Burst have entered the studio to record the follow-up to 2005’s Origo. A fall release for "Lazarus Bird," vie Relapse, is expected.


Hell yes!

wildchild6660 wrote:

Good Month? Its been a crap DECADE for metal and rock in general. Only really good metal band this decade was CoB and now, apparently they're going downhill too. I haven't listen to the new album yet so I'll have to get hold of it and see what all this talking crap is really about.


Bands that have released kickass material since 2000:

Opeth
Agalloch
Orphaned Land
Ayreon
Ahab
The Black Dahlia Murder
Dark Tranquillity
Amon Amarth
Esoteric
Anaal Nathrakh
Yyrkoon
Vehemence
Insomnium
Dream Theater
Vanden Plas
Cult of Luna
Akercocke
Blood Stain Child
Callisto
Iron Maiden
Russian Circles
Pelican
Gorefest
Jesu
Isis
Pantheist
Riverside
Solfald
Coldworker
In Mourning
Dark Suns
Orden Ogan
Mirrorthrone
Shade Empire
Ne Obliviscaris
Alchemist
Behemoth
Anubis Gate
Daath
Infernal War
Ghost Brigade
Festering Saliva
Insision
Dawn of Tears
Dead Soul Tribe
Warning
Vo Skorbyah
Swallow the Sun
Symphony X
Godgory
Arcturus
Green Carnation
Susperia

So, uhh, shut up.

dude, you're forgetting SOO many other bands that have released kick ass material since 2000:

Ensiferum
Kalmah
Korpiklaani
Firewind
Necrophag ist
Eluveitie
Tyr
Moonsorrow
Arkona
Finntroll
WINTERSU N
Sonata Arctica

to name a few, I don't feel like trolling through all of my favorite bands that have released amazing material this decade,but seriously, why is everyone bagging on Bodom? they're an amazing band, and you should give them some respect. and yes, Children Of Bodom HAS released killer material this decade as well.

[damo13]

omfg
im a massive COB fan but i must admit bloodrunk was a bit turd compared with all there other stuf,
But In Flames, i neva used 2 b a big fan of theres but i bought 'a sense of purpose and i reckon its awesome, 9/10 for me!!

[ACDCRocksPM]

people shouldn't judge the quality of an album by comparing it to their earlier albums. for instance children of bodom, the new album is not bad at all

[pyritmann]

COB and In Flames new albums were both excellent in my opinion.

[Tortiss]

tjg92 wrote:

The COB album was one of the most boring things I'd ever heard, AND I AM A FAN OF AMBIENT MUSIC.

^
ROFLcopter

[soadquake981]

What the heck? I agree with everyone who says that Blooddrunk and A Sense of Purpose were both great albums, and were needlessly criticized. Obviously the guy who wrote this article prefers non-melodic metal.

[duncang]

soadquake981 wrote:

What the heck? I agree with everyone who says that Blooddrunk and A Sense of Purpose were both great albums, and were needlessly criticized. Obviously the guy who wrote this article prefers non-melodic metal.

Nope.

[Reviewer Pete]

soadquake981Obviously the guy who wrote this article prefers non-melodic metal.

No.

[Psychopathology]

The songs on Origin's cd sound same-y? And you gave Belphegor's cd an 8? Right...

[Daronisgod1]

Alexi Laiho is a f***ing genious!

[chiefmegadeth]

megadeth rule wrote:

testament album is good stuff

I 2nd that

[Nick_porter333]

Are you dead yet impressed me...so far, this hasn't...which is a shame, cause i obviously really wanted it too...

I agree with the reviewers point that nothing is memorable...

and to the idiot who said solos aren't meant to be catchy..."ur an idiot"...think about it...all the best music is meant to be catchy/memorable (and i mean 'best' as in everyone's personal favourite)...i mean, i can have the intro to master of puppets, or the solo from descend the shades of night running in my head for days, but no way id ever be able to remember something, say classical (unless it's canon in D...thanks funtwo, u arse!)...just doesn't appeal to me enough to remember it... (bottom line, if a song is memorable, it sells...)

[Brad52]

Sampoperkele! wrote:

Good stuff?? Not really. That COB review was pure shit. Ah well, 'opinions are like *****s, everyone's got one' you say. Fair enough, but you go far and beyond to state that you think the album has muddy production and hit 'n miss riffs but you never explain or illustrate your point of view with examples. This just leads to the conclusion that you were never a big fan of the band anyway and wrote your review based on one or two listens. Well that's a big problem because this album takes more than a few listens to open up to you. Once it does...it'll be all you listen to for the next month.

fanboy

[MorbidVirus]

The Origin album iv extremely good, deserves way better.
Not all the songs sound the same and it's Definitely the best album up there.

According to the reviews on the Metal-Archives, the new Testament album receives a 6. Anti-Thesis was honestly flawless

[Mulldarran]

Great article. Love the way it's written. I especially like the humour in it. Good stuff. Look forward to the next one

[mibe]

i agree, good stuff! very nice written, keep that up! =D