Helloween - Gambling with the devil

Artist: Helloween
Record: Gambling with the devil
Published: Steamhammer, 2007

Helloween hit rock bottom with the Chameleon record. Andi Deris came in, replacing Michal Kiske. The latter was at the time without doubt the best singer of the two, but Andi Deris' entry seemed to spur new energy into Helloween. Each album seemed to be faster, more advanced than the previous.

After quite a few lineup changes, they managed to improve for each album, and I honestly thought that their previous album, "Keeper 3", would be their highlight...

I've rarely been more happy about being wrong :-)

"Gambling with the devil" is all what Helloween is about; fast songs (Kill it), fun songs (Can do it), melodic songs (As long as I fall) and more complex songs (The bells of the 7 hells).

While this could be called a Helloween trademark album, doesn't mean it's predictable and boring! Each musician has been able to improve themselves, and the songs are we crafted.

If you're into Helloween or power metal in general, this is a must have. And the fact that I keep listening to it over and over, is a sign of quality.

Highlights
Kill it, As long as I fall and The bells of the 7 hells are all great songs.

Web site: http://www.helloween.org/

All articles about Helloween.

9/10

OPETH - The Roundhouse tapes

Artist : OPETH
Record : The Roundhouse Tapes (Live)
Published : 2007 Peaceville

"Listen , a note will appear in the PA very very soon . Can you hear it ? Can you sing that note ? This is Blackwater Park"

We have all lost it now ,Catching the flakes of dismay .Born the travesty of man .Regular pulse midst pandemonium .You're plucked to the mass ,Parched with thirst for the wicked. Sick liaisons raised this monumental mark.

The sun sets forever over Blackwater park

11\10

Primordial - To the nameless dead

Artist : Primordial
Record : To the nameless dead
Published : 2007 Metalblade

Irish Primordial , who started playing Trash\Death metal back in 1987 , are now out with album number 6 , "To the nameless dead".

Primordial is a difficult band to place in any specific musical genre . Melodic death metal containing both clean and agressive vocals (of high quality) with influences from black and folk metal ? There is no doubt that these guys have a special style , and they manage to balance between different expresions , creating a unique sound . Thick production together with excellent musicanship , turn up the volume and Primordial will hit you with a wall of thunder . Highly recommended to fans of melodic death and black metal (Black metal with good sound and production that is , not the "true black metal played in a evil garage without any technical equipment because that is not true evil black metal" . . . ) Think Keep Of Kalessin's excellent album , "Armada".

Homepage : http://www.primordialweb.com/

8\10

Ghost Brigade - Guided by fire

Artist : Ghost Brigade
Record : Guided by fire
Published : SPD 2007

Finish doom\ death band Ghost Brigade is a new experience for me , as far as I know this is the bands debut album .

And I must admit I am very impressed by the result , this is melodic death \ doom with progressive tendences of very good quality . Both the clean and dark vocal is handled in a very proffesional and convincing way , the music is original and atmospheric , mixing between agressive and mellow. Recommended for fans of Swallow the sun , Katatonia and melodic death \ doom in general.

Swallow the sun's excellent keyboard player Aleksi Munter also handles the keys as a session member for this debut.

Homepage : http://www.ghostbrigade.net/gbf/

7\10

Pagan's Mind - God's Equation

Artist : Pagan's Mind
Record : God's Equation
Published : 2007 Limb Music

Ever since I was front row at Borgen Pub in Karmøy a couple of years ago , seeing Pagan's Mind performing from the bands brilliant second album , "Celestial Entrance" (2002) , I have been one of this bands biggest fans .

Third album , "Enigmatic Calling" (2005) only made me admire them even more. Can this continue . . ? In my opinion , no . Except for a song or two , the old magical atmosphere created by the Pagan's on both their previous releases is pretty much gone. Its not inteligent prog metal with flowing passsages and catchy choruses any more , its more straight forward space ?? power metal with agressive radio\space voice ?? vocals .
The skill of these guys can not be argued , but it has all taken a completly different direction.Perhaps this will give them new fans around the world (or in space.. eh . .) , I sure hope so . But this train has left the station for me , Im hoping for a change of direction again next time around.

Homepage : http://www.pagansmind.com/

4\10 ("Celestial Entrance" + "Enigmatic Calling" 10\10)

Novembers Doom - The Novella Reservoir

Artist : Novembers Doom
Record : The Novella Reservoir
Published : 2007 The End

This one hit me right between the eyes , acoustic guitars , brutal death growls , clean vocal , majestic passages , I love it !

So , if you like your death metal filled with progressive twists , clean vocal , acoustic guitars and superb production , well , this is as good as it gets ( If your band is not called Opeth that is . . .)

These guys has been making music since 1989 , so they have been around for quite a while . In my opinion they have never released a weak album , but This years release is in a class of its own . I think you get the picture , its simply a must buy for any fan of this genre

Homepage : http://www.novembersdoom.com

8\10

Riverside - Rapid Eye Movement

Artist : Riverside
Record : Rapid Eye Movement
Published : 2007 Inside out


Mariusz Duda and his Riverside returns with "Rapid Eye Movement" . Can these Polish prog metal wonderboys continue what they gave us on "Out of myself " and "Second life syndrom" ?

Yes and No . Its still great music , these guys know how to come up with inteligent , melodic and cathy prog metal.But to be honest I think their previous efforts are better than this years release.And with Porcupine Tree's new album in mind , Riverside end up being second best in class this time around . Its a good album , and it might grow and get better in time , but for now its a little disapointing .

If you are new to Riverside , I recommend you get "Out of Myself" and "Second life Syndrom" first .

Homepage : http://www.riverside.art.pl/eng/main.html

6\10 ("out of myself" 9\10 - "Second Life Syndrom" 9\10)

Winds - Prominence and demise

Artist : Winds
Record : Prominence and Demise
Published : 2007 The End Records


Complex prog music with experienced musicans sometimes leads to total overkill , "Lets pour out all we have on one album just to show how technical skilled we are" . . . .


And . . . it is damn good to hear that this is not the case at all here . Complex prog music , yes , but its done with both mind and heart , this album is catchy , melodic , interesting , suprising , its just simply great . Different vocalists \ vocalist styles also makes it even more interesting . And the great Dan Swanø also appears here (I know , I buy everything with his name on blindfolded . . . but dont let that scare you..)And Hellhammer sure know how to handle those drums . . . \m/


Recording Line-Up:

Lars E. Si (Age of Silence, ex-Khold, Tulus) - Vocals
Carl August Tidemann - Guitars
Andy Winter (Age of Silence) - Piano, keyboards
Hellhammer (Age of Silence, Arcturus, ex-The Kovenant, Mayhem) - Drums

Session members:

Four esteemed guests:
Agnete M. Kirkevaag – Soprano Voices (Madder Mortem)
Lars Nedland – Alto Voices (Age of Silence, Borknagar, Solefald)
Dan Swanö– Tenor Voices (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale, Second Sky, ex. Bloodbath)
Øystein Moe – Bass (ex. Tritonus, Ulver)

Also appearing from the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra:

Andre Orvik – First Violin
Vegard Johnsen – Second Violin
Dorthe Dreier – Viola
Hans Josef Groh – Cello

Go get it !

8\10

Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

Artist : Dream Theater
Record : Systematic Chaos
Published : 2007 Roadrunner

Lets face it , "Octavarium" was ok , but nothing more.So what about this years release from the American (+ 1 Canadian) gods of Prog Metal ?

Mike Portnoy stated the following before releasing the album : "This album will be full of what our fans enjoy, the big epics, crushing riffs and all the stuff that made Dream Theater big, this album will be enjoyed by all our fans." And . . . . . the best drummer in the world is absolutly correct , Dream Theater is back on track after 2005's "Octavarium" , wich was rather disapointing , it was ok , but I allways felt that they could do sooo much better , and they certainly could , this years album is solid proof of that ! Yes Sir , big epics (In the presence of enemies ) , crushing rifs (John Petrucci , Guitar hero of all guitar hero's , Yngvie who ?) , Insane Drumming (Mike Portnoy - this guy is unbelivable , and he can sing too) , Fantastic use of keyboards (Jordan Rudess is a pure genious , and he looks like one too....) Steady bass as allways (John Myung , quiet and laid back as allways , but in full control of his instrument) and last but not least , James Labrie , wich in my opinion sometimes has been the weak point of this great band , is doing a fantastic job , using his voice with passion and power to melt in with the flow of the album.

Highly recommended for all fans of music ! !

Homepage : http://www.dreamtheater.net/

9\10

Symphony X - Paradise Lost

Artist : Symphony X
Record : Paradise Lost
Published : 2007 Inside Out

After the intro , "Oculus ex inferni" , Symphony X goes to work and takes no prisoners , this is high class Prog metal with the Powerful voice of the mighty Russell Allen and the technical skills of Guitar hero Michael Romeo , Bring it on !

One great track is followed by the next , this album has no weak points at all . Great melody , killer riffs , Its heavy and dark , the drumming is insane and the keyboards are used to create a fantastic atmosphere , and if that is not enough , you have one of the best metal vocalist's around performing at his best.This is one of Symphony X's best releases up to this date , and its one of this years best prog metal albums , together with Circus Maximus.

And the artwork , fantastic , check out the homepage , link below.

Enough said , go get it !

Homepage : http://www.symphonyx.com/index2.html

8\10

Circus Maximus - Isolate

Artist : Circus Maximus
Record : Isolate
Published : Frontiers 2007

Circus Maximus debut album "the 1st chapter" from 2005 was in my mind the best prog metal debut since Dream Theaters "When dream and day unite". So what about the new release from our young Norwegian friends ?

Not very difficult to answer , the guys carry on from where they left with the first chapter , and makes a logical follow up . Heavy riffs , great drum beats and fantastic solo's , both guitar and keyboard .This together with the voice of Michael Eriksen , its simply Prog Metal at its best.

This music will instantly appeal to fans of Dream Theater,Symphony X,Shadow Gallery and Pagans Mind.

Homepage : http://www.circusmaximussite.com/

8\10 ("The 1st Chapter" 10\10)

Heaven & Hell - Live from radio city music hall

Artist : Heaven & Hell
DVD : Live from radio city music hall
Published : Steamhammer 2007


Silence please , legends at work !

Ronnie James Dio , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice back together again performing Black Sabbath classics from the Dio era , and make no mistakes , this is on (Heaven &) hell of a performance !
Fantastic sound and picture quality makes this DVD a fantastic experience from beginning to end.Ronnie sings like never before , Tony Iommi plays like the guitar god he is , and Geezer and Vinny keeps it all tight together.And they play all the best songs from back then : Neon Knights , Voodoo , Sign of the southern cross , Heaven and hell , Children of the sea , lady Evil , etc . The concert lasts for almost 2 hours , but as soon as its over you just want to hit that play button and see it all over again. Could this perhaps be a teaser for a brand new album ?
We can only hope . Highly Recommended ! ! !

Homepage : http://www.heavenandhelllive.com/

9\10

The Fall of Every Season - From Below

Artist : The Fall Of Every Season
Record : From Below
Published : Aftermath music 2007

One man band ! the Fall Of Every Season is nothing less then a sensation.If there ever where such a thing as a hidden gem , this is it.

The ultimate review for this album has already been written (http://www.metal-norge.com/?action=omtaler&ID=2175)
I will not try to copy or duplicate Eirik's excellent review . My goal is to spread the word .
If you have the slightest interest in Atmospheric Doom\Death with both growling and clean voice , + aucustic elements , (think a mix between Opeth and My Dying Bride) , this needs to be the next album you get .

Homepage : http://www.thefallofeveryseason.com/

10\10

Meliah Rage - Unfinished Business

Artist: Meliah Rage
Record: Unfinished Business
Published: Locomotive Spain, 2007

Meliah Rage haven't gotten the attention that they probably want -- AND deserve. I gotta admit they were unknown to me until I stumbled upon this record. Some of you, esp. in the States, might ask "Where the hell were you in the 80s and 90s?". Well, I listened to my Metallica, Heathen, Rage, Megadeth etc., but never came across Meliah Rage!

And that's a shame, MAN can they play!

On the best parts of "Unfinished Business" it is a good power metal can get, with great riffs and high speed, spiced up by great drums and OK bass. On the other hand the record varies as bit vocally, from very good to not so good -- but never bad.

I feel the quality varies a bit too much, and I get the impression that they should have spent more time on the record. The best songs are great, and the not-so-great-songs could have been left out. At, last but not least, the record is very short, just about an half hour of music. The last track is an interesting 18 minute interview.

If you like Flotsam and Jetsam or early Rage, you should take a look at this record. I find it a bit uncomplete, but I like listening to it.

Highlights
My favourites are "Mind stalk" and "Decade dreams".

Web site: http://www.meliahrage.com/

All articles about Meliah Rage.

6/10

Amorphis - Silent Waters

Artist : Amorphis
Record : Silent Waters
Published : Nuclear Blast 2007

"Tales from the thousand lakes" and "Elegy" are classic albums from our finish friends , but after those albums I kind of lost interest . So what does Amorphis has to offer in 2007 ?

They are back on track , this is Amorphis the way it should be !
Atmospheric,melodic,heavy,dark and fresh.This is how to play melodic death metal.
The lyrics are again taken from finish national epics , The Kalevala.
There is nothing wrong in going back to your roots if its done the way Amorphis has done it.If the mix between extreme and melodic is your thing , go get it . And to all of you others , do your self a favor and check this album out , many of you will be surprised , this is great music !

Amorphis are playing in Oslo November 28 together with two other great bands , Swallow the sun and Insomnium.Check it out ! (See Amorphis web page for full tour list)

Homepage : http://www.amorphis.net/

8\10

Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon

Artist : Iced Earth
Record : Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked part 1)
Published : SPV 2007

Jon Schaffer playing lead guitar , the fantastic voice of Ripper Owens , Iced Earth are back with a new album.

And for all of you who still misses Matt Barlow , I agree , the man has a great and personal voice , but he went off to serve his country , wich we should all respect , end of story . Iced Earth are moving on with another great voice , and continues to deliver great heavy metal. This album is part of the "Something Wicked" Trilogy , together with 1998's "Something wicked this way comes".19 songs , some not as good as the rest , but all are of respectable quality.Jon Schaffer has a good ear for melody , and Ripper does a good job making the songs come alive . Just listen to "A charge to keep" and "Retribution through the ages" and you will know what I mean.Iced Earth delivers a solid metal album with some killer songs , I look forward to the next chapter of this trilogy !

Homepage : http://www.icedearth.com/

7\10

F5 - A Drug for all Seasons

Artist: F5
Record: A drug for all seasons
Published: Cleopatra, 2005

David Ellefson didn’t want to rest on his laurels after Megadeth was (temporarily, apparently) dissolved. Nope, it was too early for retirement. So he, Dale Steele, Steve Conley, Dave Small and John Davis formet F5.

The music is hard and heavy, but always melodic -- promise of sweetnesssss :-)

I gotta admit I was very curious as how they would sound; all I knew was that they wouldn’t sound anything like Megadeth. I immediately liked the sound of the record, and you can hear they know what they’re doing. But I couldn’t help but feel that didn’t quite hit the spot, there was still something left to be desired.

You can sense already with the first song there is something good comming, with "Faded", but I guess they are at a stage where they concentrate too hard to find their own sound that the songs become too much alike. Much of the "Faded"-sound is kept throughout the album. "Fall to me" raises the pulse again, but it really doesn’t take off yet. The same with "Bleeding". "Hold me down" promises a lot, but doesn’t deliver for "the big one". OK, it was still a good album, but just not great. And it’s their first one, so they’ll make "the big one" later. But then came "Look you in the eyes" -- HOLY SHIT! That’s the one! At last they took it all out! They saved the sweetnessssss for last...

But something strange; I can’t help but think about Blaze Bayley, Iron Maiden’s former singer, on "Hold me down". And at the beginning of "Look you in the eyes" I can’t help but get a Bruce Dickinson-vibe... (Iron Maiden’s present singer). Is it only me?!?

Highlights
Obviously "Look you in the eyes", but "Hold me down" is also good, as is "Bleeding". They’re too experienced to make any poor songs.

Web site: http://www.f5theband.com/

All articles about F5.

7/10

Megadeth - Countdown to Extinction

Artist: Megadeth
Record: Countdown to Extinctions
Published: Capitol, 1992

This is a big one. One of the biggest. Perhaps even THE biggest, in my humble opinion. Am I biting over more than I can chew? I don't think so.

This record is completely without dull parts. Each and every song on this album would be one of the best songs on any Megadeth album. "Countdown to Extinction" is packed with awesome riffs (few make cooler riffs than Dave Mustaine!), great songs, fast and furious solos, great lyrics, melodies that just stick in your ears, Dave's angry vocals, perfect timing...

The lyrics are well written. Dave Mustaine always write well, but this time he out-did himself! After listening to "Captive honor" I'm pretty sure you'll try avoiding spending time in jail any time soon... Another example is the title cut, which is about the "brave" trophy hunters, killing species threatened by extinction simply... ...because they can.

Megadeth has made several good records both before and after this one, but "Countdown to extinction" is Megadeth's most successful album -- this is high quality metal throughout the record.

Highlights
On such a complete album as this one, selecting highlights is very difficult, but it's hard do avoid songs like "Symphony of destruction", "Sweating bullets" and the title cut, "Countdown to extinction".

This is simply a must-have!

Web site: http://www.megadeth.com/

All articles about Megadeth.

10/10

Allen / Lande - The Revenge

Artist : Allen / Lande
Record : The Revenge
Published : Frontiers 2007

"The Battle" from 2005 was for me that years best melodic classic heavy metal album. Two of the greatest vocalists together with the fantastic guitar hero Magnus karlsson , amazing album .

And here we have the follow up , "The Revenge". Question : If something works , why should you try to fix it..? Again heavy and catchy melodic songs with Jørn and Russell going at it , 12 songs , 6 together and 6 divided between the both of them .And we all know Magnus Karlsson is a wizard when it comes to creating music, so all in all , it might not be as strong as the first album , but its still one of this years strongest releases in its genre.Any melodic metal fan will find this album worth investing in , no doubt about it.

Homepage : http://www.jornlande.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/sirrussellallen

7,5\10

Katatonia - Live Consternation

Artist : Katatonia
Album : Live Consternation (cd\dvd)
Published : SPD 2007


Finally a live documentation from the swedish masters of melody & melancholy.

Personaly Im a little disapointed that they dont play "My Twin " from recent album "The great cold distance" . But there will allways be a discussion about wich songs you prefer to get live when it comes to a band with such a strong backcatalog .Except for this , the song selection is in my opinion solid , and Jonas Renkse and his fellow musicians give us a good performance., though not very exciting visually ,The band plays the music and thats it.
Another thing is the lenght of the show , only 51 minutes , but its 51 minutes of quality , no need to skip anything here . . (Ref Manowar Review..) The sound and the picture quality are also very good , this together with the nice box and the cool cover makes this a "must have" for any Katatonia fan , and its also a great introduction to everyone that has not heard any of Katatonias music before. Highly Recommended !

Note : You get both the cd and the dvd in this box , for the price of a cd , not bad

Homepage : http://www.katatonia.com/

8\10