Month: January 2012

PILGRIM is a Three piece Doom metal band from Rhode Island. The band formed in early 2010 The members are. ” Krolg, the Slayer of Man” (drums), “Count Elric the Soothsayer” (bass) and “The Wizard” (guitars and vocals) Their new Cd titled “Misery Wizard” Is coming out at the end of January. Pilgrim has Signed with (poison Tongue records). Distribution being handled by (Metal Blade records). If you are a fan of Black Sabbath or Saint Vitus .Prepare to rejoice and worship at the dark altar because you will love “Pilgrim” But the band that they sound the closest to is Candlemass “King of the grey islands” In particular.The band gives a homage to all three Forefathers of Doom Metal. With their slow headbanging dark heavy slow guitars,(Down tuning ever present) Heavyweight bass, and forceful drums. Having said all that Pilgrim stands on there own two feet and adds to the Dark lineage.

“Astaroth” the first track slow and methodical gets things started. And will subtly bring you into there dark forboding world. “Misery Wizard” the second track (eleven minutes long) Is brutal and demands your full attention to be fully immersed into. Turn off the lights sit in your favorite chair In the dark and soak it in. “Misery Wizard” has a strong influence from “Candlemass”. Then there is “Masters of the sky” It has “Black Sabbath” influences all throughout. “Forsaken Man” finishes off the Cd quite well and gives a sense of closure. The end to a long mystical dark journey. Overall this is a very good release. Very polished great guitars/vocals If you are into Doom Metal it’s a must have!

Look for “Misery Wizard” to be released at the end of January 2012
Recorded and mixed at Emandee Studios, September 2011
Engineered by Mark Ospovat
Produced by Henry Yuan
Mixed by Mark Ospovat, Henry Yuan and the Wizard
Rating 8.5/10

http://twitter.com/#!/@pilgrimmetal
http://www.reverbnation.com/pilgrimmelod…
http://www.myspace.com/pilgrimdeathmetal
http://www.youtube.com/Ipungrawr
http://www.ownskin.com/theme_detail?t=0N.

I believe that the theme behind Mordred, the Quarter Known is something momentous for the alt-rock domain. Where there would be a more metal bent (typically) to a title that focuses on the King Arthur legacy, Ryan David Orr provides a complex, darkly emotional type of alt-rock to his listeners. April, I’m Sure the Stars Understand is one of those tracks that captures the different twists and turns of Orr’s music in a five-minute miniature epic.

Despite being a major part of Oregon’s music scene for the last decade, Orr’s music strikes me as incredibly fresh and well thought-out. While many artists only focus on the musical side of things, the gravitas brought to tracks like Carry Me Home and The Ocean I Bleed Before showcases the power of the written word. Listeners to Mordred, the Quarter Known can focus on the two distinct sides of the title; I personally found the interactions between the two to represent some of the album’s strongest bits and pieces.

Ryan David Orr’s Mordred, the Quarter Known is an album that stands strong in a number of time frames. The music is timeless, while Orr’s penchant for finding the right word will have listeners swooning. Fans of lyric will be similarly surprised by the album’s 11 compositions, while the experience of the album taken together will take listeners aback. Keep an ear low to the grown for Orr’s next albums, as one would have to wonder if lightning could strike twice. I would personally like to see how Orr’s love for epic tales manifests itself on later efforts.

Top Tracks: April, I’m Sure The Stars Understand, Where the World Is Waiting For You

Rating: 8.5/10

Ryan David Orr – Mordred, the Quarter Known (CD) / 2012 Self / 11 Tracks / http://www.ryandavidorr.com

“Vendetta” The thrash metal band from Germany has just finished work on their fourth album titled “Feed The Extermination”. Which is set to be relaesed on Janruary 31st through Massacre Records. Members are Mario Vogel (vocals), Frank Schölch (guitars), Klaus Ullrich (guitars & bass) and Thomas Krämer (drums). Founded way back in 1987, they are one one of the most well known and beloved contemporary thrash bands In Germany. “Vendetta” back in the 80s was inspired by bands like “Metallica” or fellow German band “Destruction”. “Feed The Extermination” does have some decent aggressive moments with just a little taste of progressive thrown in. They have ten tracks running fifty minutes in length. The producer is Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale, Bloodbath).

The opening title track “Feed The Extermination” sounds like most generic thrash bands of the 90s. At first listen just for a brief moment. I thought Dave Mustaine (Megadeath) was on vocals. From there it got worse, might as well be on repeat as every song sounded the same. It’s a shame because they do have a long history in classic heavy and thrash metal. Vendetta’s Feed the Extermination tries (not very hard) to be a decent album. But there is something missing (no punishing guitar solos for starters) that the band was previously known for. The vocals are not up to par with today’s thrash band offerings. The album feels lifeless, as if it’s trying to relive the 80s. A decade that gave us the best thrash metal had to offer but sadly is long gone.

There is not a lot of good things to say about “Feed The Extermination”. Too many other good bands out there . This release has little to offer. I would suggest skipping this release and pick up Anthrax’s new album “Worship Music” instead.

Rating 5.5/10

http://www.vendetta-band.de
http://www.massacre-records.com
http://www.facebook.com/massacrerecordseurope
http://www.myspace.com/massacrerecordseurope