Surprises 2009: The Few Against Many - Sot

Band: The Few Against Many
Album: Sot (first album)
Genre: Death Metal / Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden

"Sot" was recorded in the mighty Panic-Room studios, together with production-oracle Tomas "Plec" Johansson and features lyrical contribution from Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquility) and Jonas Renkse (Katatonia, Bloodbath). Cover artwork was done by no other than acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Entombed, Dismember, Suffocation, etc)l!

The Few Against Many is the strange name of the "gothenburg-stars band" formed by Christian Älvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry among others) as vocals and rythm guitar, Patrik Gardberg (from the extinguished Divinefire) as lead guitar, Anders Edlund (from Angel Blake) as bassplayer, Pär Johansson (from the extinguished The Duskfall) as backing vocals and drummer Jani Stefanovic (Am I Blood, Divinefire, Miseration among others). Their music could be a mix between all the previous bands of the members, but with an even better result than most of their releases. The first time I played the cd I thought it would be another metalcore band for some reason (maybe that strange name?) but the blastbeat in the beginning of the album and those choirs and orchestral stuff that showed just for 2 seconds made me to think about a kind of progressive melodeath or something like that.
So yes, many songs have an orchestral touch, but it is very few and just serves to stand out in some concrete parts the riffs, as the ocasional and short boombastic choirs.
Alvestam is doing a great vocal job, and surprisingly he is not singing with clean voice in any moment.
Riffs and songs are catchy, with brutal moments and melodic as well. Keyboards are used ocasionally and production is great. A great pleasure for all the progressive melodeath fans.

http://www.myspace.com/thefewagainstmany

1. Hädanfärd / 02:30
2. Bränd Mark / 05:38
3. Blod / 04:02
4. Skapelsens Sorti / 03:00
5. Sot / 06:41
6. Abider / 03:22
7. Heresi / 04:35
8. One with the Shadow / 06:13

Total playing time 36:01

Here

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Surprises 2009: Strandhogg - Ritualistic Plague (Evangelical Death Apotheosis)

Band: Strandhogg
Album: Ritualistic Plague (Evangelical Death Apotheosis) (first album)
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Poland

Debut full-length album from the most relentless black metal band to emerge lately from depths of Poland’s underground – STRANDHOGG. Grim, hypnotic, cavernous and extremely violent in execution, “Ritualistic Plague (Evangelical Death Apotheosis” consists of eight death worshipping hymns of fear, death, suffering, pain and impenetrable black... Black Metal. Unrelenting violence, hatred, and contempt for the living world. The idea of STRANDHOGG is reality without hope, where all living beings co-exist with the Dead. The only strength and law is Death. Only Death Is Real! Through the theory of phantom's curse and mutilation mind fanaticism STRANDHOGG is neither religious nor political band. STRANDHOGG is pure orthodox Death worshipping cadaveric congregation.

You can feel an evil aura while you are listening to "Ritualistic Plague", that evil aura that should be present in any proper black metal release. Strandhogg riffs are cold, dark, raw, enfolding, with great blastbeats that could recall to the best times of Marduk, 1349 or Gorgoroth.
A release that every black metal fan should check, and a band to keep on following.

http://myspace.com/strandhoggofficial

1. Prophecy of World Funeral / 03:19
2. Strandhogg (Canonized Contempt) / 03:32
3. Deathworshippers (Ritualistic Plague) / 04:18
4. Devotion to Blood and Lust / 05:09
5. Coronation of the New God / 06:11
6. Pure Annihilation / 01:33
7. Profanated Blasphemy / 03:50
8. Mortuus Evangelium / 09:36

Total playing time 37:28

Here

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Surprises 2009: Debbie Ray - Artificial Misery

Band: Debbie Ray
Album: Artificial Misery (first album)
Genre: Hard Rock
Country: Sweden

DEBBIE RAY is a hard rock machine which developed after 2 band's break up's. DEBBIE RAY formed in Herrljunga, near Gothenburg, Sweden in 2005. All though DEBBIE RAY is a pretty new face on the swedish rock-scene the boys have delivered rock and roll music in various constillations for over 10 years.

The band members are all born and raised in the hard rock era from late 80's and early 90's which has truly influed the band to take this sort of music to a new level in the new decade of decadence. Even though the boys like to call it rock n roll, their music could best be described as heavy sleaze rock.

DEBBIE RAY is only in it for the show! The energy of a stage show is what the boys in the band live for. ADRENALINE-PUMPIN-ENERGY-ROCK which we guess even your mom would find amusing! DEBBIE RAY play for the headbangers in front of stage, the Motörhead fan who doesn't seem to give a damn in the bar and the girls at the dance floor dressed up for their big night.

Now they're back, more jammed than ever to down that deal and play shows for you again. The original and still excisting line-up consists of REINE (vocs, git), ANDY (git), MANX (bass) and H-CAN (drums). "ARTIFICIAL MISERY" is the first studio album from this band and will hit the stores in the US by the end of October. (you can get the cd from this site).
The story behind Artificial Misery you can read in the lyrics. It's a true story about the modern western society. Right now DEBBIE RAY is booking shows and writing songs for their second studio album.

Swedish rock was always well-known and they have had great bands and lastly seems to be very popular in the scandinavian country. Seems it is not unusual that swedish people have good music culture and rock culture in special. This is something quite difficult to see in latin countries like mine.
Debbie Ray is a young band that comes from the split of 2 others and they play a quite decent rock-hard rock with lots of 80's hard rock and hair metal influences. Maybe the first band that came to my mind was Motley Crue, Warrior Soul or the first Skid Row. Their songs are catchy, easy-listening, and the album starts with three shots that bang your brain with great refrains.
A must listen if you like 80's Hard Rock.

http://www.myspace.com/debbieray1

01. Laddicted / 2:52
02. Dirty Darling / 3:42
03. Nightmare In The Makin' / 4:00
04. Artificial Misery / 3:00
05. Primetime Primadonna / 3:26
06. Stars Ain't Much Of A Light / 3:44
07. Someone To Blame / 3:54
08. Down With The Flow / 4:12
09. Bullshit Firezone / 3:03
10. Kill Your Darlings / 3:30
11. Stand N Fight / 3:07
12. Road Dog Souls / 4:11

Total playing time: 42:41

Here

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Surprises 2009: Whyzdom - From The Brink Of Infinity

Band: Whyzdom
Album: From The Brink Of Infinity (first album)
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Country: France

Think of a huge orchestra and a massive symphonic choir intertwined with powerful riffs and enchanting melodies from a clear and passionate feminine voice, and you'll get an idea of what Whyzdom have managed to create. Their classical influences ranging from the romantic to the contemporary period, as well as the appealing melodies that drive the songs, make their sound utterly unmistakeable in an ever growing scene.

The project was founded by the guitarist and orchestrator Vynce Leff in early 2007, already well known in the progressive sphere having produced several successful albums for the British label Cyclops Records. It is fronted by Telya Melane, a singer and actress, fond of metal, classical music and theatre. The other members Regis Morin, Tristan Demurger, Nicolas Chaumeaux and Marc Ruhlmann joined soon after and a first EP "Daughter Of The Night" was recorded less than 6 months from the band's inception. It got instant acclaim from reviewers and music fans around the world, as well as several awards and plaudits (Best French Band 2008 - Metalsymphonique.com, Best EP - HeavyLaw.com, etc).

I wouldn't save too many Power-Heavy Metal releases in 2009. It might sound strange coming from me but maybe just the old but still in shape Saxon and UDO are the 2 best albums in relation with Heavy Metal under my point of view. In Power Metal I have found more lack of originality than ever (or maybe I told the same the previous year?). Probably Cain's Offering, though their music is not something you have never heard before, and of course Powerwolf, with great humour and catchy rythms, few more to be sincere.
With a big potential, I should say that Whyzdom, female fronted band of symphonic power (yes I know, again a girl singing in a band of the same genre of many others...) got to catch my interest. Quite perfect production for a rookie band with many influences, starting from the typicals Nightwish-Epica-Within Temptation (I must say that she sings quite similar to Sharon) but you can find here some Therionesque moments, and even some growling. All in a classical and boombastic environment that sometimes made me to recall a kind of powermetal version of their compatriots Penumbra. Composing and a bit complex song estructures are over the average others of the same genre. If you like all those bands I ment and if you need some fresh air from the already too stuffy Edenbridges, Visions of Atlantis, Sirenias... Whyzdom might be worth checking for you. Not outstanding. but enjoyable songs.

http://www.myspace.com/whyzdomproject

1. The Witness / 07:05
2. The Train / 06:00
3. Everlasting Child / 06:39
4. The Power And The Glory / 05:36
5. Freedom / 02:43
6. Escaping the Ghosts of Reality / 07:08
7. Atlantis / 06:51
8. The Old Man In The Park / 06:13
9. The Seeds of Chaos / 03:57
10. Daughter Of The Night Prelude - A Glimpse Of Eternity / 02:50
11. Daughter Of The Night / 07:07
10. The Seeds of Chaos / 03:57
11. The Old Man In The Park / 06:13
12. On The Wings Of Time / 06:51

Total playing time 01:09:00

Here

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Surprises 2009: Hammer Horde - Under the Mighty Oath

Band: Hammer Horde
Album: Under the Mighty Oath (first album)
Genre: Viking Melodeath
Country: USA

Conceived in the winter season of 2007, the idea of HAMMER HORDE was brought forth by guitarist Derik Smith and drummer Jayson Cessna. After the departure of their previous band (Forever Lost,) Smith and Cessna reunited to write another chapter in their musical careers, both new in direction and in sound. Originally intended as a two-man studio project, HAMMER HORDE was now considering expanding their ranks. This path ultimately led to guitarist Ryan Mininger (A Gruesome Find) for the rightful position on second guitar. Around this same time, another former band-member had returned to claim the throne of lead vocalist: Tom Sturniolo (Ex-Forever Lost), bringing with him a much-needed range in barbaric growls, melodic clean vocals, and Viking-like war-cries.

Almost a year had gone by and the eager quartet had finally begun to collaborate on new material. By the winter of 2008 they had completed songs for nearly half of what would soon become their debut album. As the summer reared its head, the pursuit of a full-time bassist commenced. After several tryouts, Ben McGeorge (Ex-Terminator guitarist) eventually obtained the proper role on bass guitar. HAMMER HORDE began to strengthen into a stabilized band and soon developed their unique and heroic style, formed by the various influences of five musicians, each rooted in diverse metal styles and backgrounds. The band had successfully refined enough material to assemble a full-length release and shortly after embarked on the throes of recording. Autumn of 2008 signifies the turning point in HAMMER HORDE’s musical endeavors as the band set their sails for Dimmworks Studios. With the final mastering done by Mika Jussila from Finnvox Studios, the album was at last complete. Spring of 2009 marks the release of their debut achievement “Under the Mighty Oath,” an epic soundscape; dominant in both blackened ambiance and pagan might. Sound the horns of war, for HAMMER HORDE has forged an unforgettable debut release.

In the last decade we have lived an increase of the Viking-Folk Metal genre even till the point of reaching some kind of mainstream audience between metal fans. After bands from Sweden and Norway mainly, started to get more attention by media and fans in the 90's, soon vikings started arising from each point of the world claiming the "folk of the north". This is the case of Hammer Horde, young band from USA that takes influence from the north-european bands of viking metal and mix with good taste melodic death, folk, and nice rythm changes in quite large songs in the average. Melodies and riffs lay mostly in guitars, they use sometimes ocarina in the folkest parts and voice changes between usual growls and blacker with good style, with the "obligatory" male viking choirs from time to time... but it was fun to listen to those falsettos in some songs that made me think about a hidden Daniel Heiman (ex-Lost Horizon) somewhere in the studio.
Probably to give a more northeuropean feeling, they hired Mikka Jussila and the Finnvox studios for mastering, and I must say that they got it. At first sight their sound is enough close to the scandinavian' one to think about a norwegian band.
The result is a good album with scandinavian atmosphere from far lands.
Interesting.

http://www.myspace.com/hammerhorde

1. Storm of Pagan Skies-prelude / 01:07
2. Pierced by Odin's Spear / 07:03
3. Under the Mighty Oath / 04:44
4. In the Name of Winter's Wrath / 07:19
5. Howl of Himinbjorg / 06:51
6. Farewell to the Fallen / 04:10
7. Triumph of Sword and Shield / 06:09
8. Through Celestial Seascapes / 07:47
9. Of Legends and Lore / 06:18
10. Seafarer / 08:57

Total playing time 01:00:25

Here

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Surprises 2009: Elenium - Eccentric Soul's Anatomy

Band: Elenium
Album: Eccentric Soul's Anatomy (first album)
Genre: Symphonic Death Metal
Country: Poland

Elenium's music is the mixation of various styles. Not only connected with metal music but the most important elements of their work are guitar constructions connected with keyboard background. In fact, the strongest side of Elenium is their opennes to the variety of sounds, what fruits surprising solutions of their work.

Elenium, not the band from Finland but from Poland, started already 10 years ago as a project of Martyr (guitar, vox) and Kacper (keys) releasing their first demo "Martyria" in 2001. After many line-up changes, they just released their first album, and only Martyr remained since they formed the band. I must admit that this album was stucked here for a long time while I was listening most of the other music stuff I had. Probably it's because first minutes of "Eccentric Soul's Anatomy" are difficult to class, or maybe cause I had found some interesting things that would demand my whole attention for later. Few time ago I played again this album and I got quite surprised about the mix. It's not that they are creating a whole new style through mixing different genres... but they have very different songs, in some you can recognize an average technical death metal, others have a kind of psychedelic touch, others jazzistic piano background, others are proper heirs from the Therion' some years ago sound, with catchy operatical choruses and fine rythm changes. My conclusion is that it is a varied yet imprecise and irregular work. Anyway, it was great to listen to fresh new and awesome ideas though they were a bit messy at first sight.
I will wait with high hopes their next album.

http://www.myspace.com/eleniumspace

1. Aeoneurosis / 02:11
2. Contemplation / 04:17
3. Martyria / 04:17
4. Internal Whiteness / 05:30
5. Towards Dismal Ecstasy / 04:42
6. Anxietranquillity.Error /06:49
7. Mediterranean Past / 05:20
8. Psychotic Entrails / 06:48
9. Via Puritiva / 05:53
10. Impeccable Rain / 02:01

Total playing time 47:48

Here

The link provided serves just as promotional source. The aim is letting know rookie, new or unknown bands with few resources that try to expand their music. Buy the originals if you like them! Help good bands to grow!

Surprises 2009: Black Sun Aeon - Darkness Walks Beside Me

Band: Black Sun Aeon
Album: Darkness Walks Beside Me (first album)
Genre: Melodic Doom-Death-Gothic Metal
Country: Finland

Black Sun Aeon was born in the beginning of 2008 to reflect more darker personal side of the founder and sole member Tuomas Saukkonen (Before The Dawn, Dawn Of Solace, The Final Harvest).
Even after 2 written and produced album in 2008 (Before The Dawn "Soundscape Of Silence", The Final Harvest "The End") there was something stirring beneath the surface and from that abyss rised the BLACK SUN AEON debut album "DARKNESS WALKS BESIDE ME".
Beside the solo nature of the band a session live line-up is already gathered amongst the few and honoured that are giving their voice to the album as guest vocalists:
- Tomi Koivusaari / Amorphis
- Ville Sorvali / Moonsorrow
- Mynni Luukkainen / Sotajumala
- Mikko Heikkilä / Sinamore

I can't explain to myself what happens in Finland. There is such a big amount of bands, and so good bands, side-projects, great and creative minds with just 5 million people living there...
Black Sun Aeon is one of those projects that comes from the dark side of Tuomas Saukkonen. They play a deep and emotional death-doom that can recall to his other band Before the Dawn. The first we can notice is the Great production. Last years one release from a Suomi band automatically means perfect sound. I have heard even some demo of rookie bands that could sound even better than CDs released by any other band with a contract in a decent records company.
In the vein of the "finnish feeling", music and melodies are mainly melancholic and guitars sound deep and powerful. The mid-tempo is dominating the album, and keyboards are joining just in an atmospheric way, creating a perfect ambient for lonely moments in the dark of the night. As you can notice by the name of the songs, the album is divided in parts of a whole one concept of melancholy and inner darkness.
The last song, 'Chapter IX: A Song for the One Who Passed Away 4.9.2008' is dedicated to a friend of Saukkonen's who passed away.

http://www.myspace.com/aeonoftheblacksun

1. Chapter 1: A Song for the Introduction / 01:24
2. Chapter 2: A Song for My Wrath / 04:56
3. Chapter 3: A Song for My Demise / 05:58
4. Chapter 4: A Song for My Sorrow / 06:01
5. Chapter 5: A Song for My Weakness / 04:47
6. Chapter 6: A Song for This Winter / 05:39
7. Chapter 7: A Song for My Illness / 04:46
8. Chapter 8: A Song for My Funeral / 06:17
9. Chapter 9: A Song for the One Who Passed Away 4.9.2008 / 04:13

Total playing time 44:01

Here

The link provided serves just as promotional source. The aim is letting know rookie, new or unknown bands with few resources that try to expand their music. Buy the originals if you like them! Help good bands to grow!

Surprises 2009: Elegy - A Voice Will Call

Band: Elegy
Album: A Voice Will Call (first album)
Genre: Melodic Death-Power Metal
Country: Germany

First named Elegy, and afterwards re-named as Riddare Av Koden, this band from South Africa (!!) plays melodic death metal that sometimes could be confused with power metal if there wasn't any vocals. So, what we have here is a young band with several influences from the scandinavian way of melodeath, sometimes more gothenburg, many other times like finnish melodeath with that kind of melancholic feeling. Vocal work is fine, there are almost no clean vocals, which is strange nowadays in new bands playing melodeath, as well as the fact of not having keyboards. Guitar players are also good, it's clear they are young but talented, the only bad thing I could say it's about the sound that could be better. Even you can notice that there are some songs that seem to be recorded in different studios!
These guys have listened a lot to old Children of Bodom, In Flames, Kalmah, Ensiferum, Eternal Tears of Sorrow and so on and they show it without prejudices but also creating an own way of making songs.
Interesting debut album.

http://www.myspace.com/riddareavkoden

http://www.myspace.com/elegytheband

1. Elegy / 05:18
2. Priory / 04:37
3. Esoteric Visions / 03:20
4. The Black Rider / 05:33
5. Time Distilled / 02:52
6. Forsake Not / 03:22
7. Impure / 03:42
8. Ad Nauseum / 04:36
9. Sacred / 04:23
10. A Voice Will Call / 05:01

Total playing time 42:44

Here

The link provided serves just as promotional source. The aim is letting know rookie, new or unknown bands with few resources that try to expand their music. Buy the originals if you like them! Help good bands to grow!

Surprises 2009: The Mistral - When The Evening Crowns The Day

Band: The Mistral
Album: When The Evening Crowns The Day (second album)
Genre: Atmospheric Melodic Death Metal
Country: Germany

The band „The Mistral” was formed in 1997 and completed various appearances in the space.. of Emden and environment. From this time the CDs „Embraced by dark Emotions” and „Storm Quiers” were produced in the sound studio “Audiocheck”, and offered in the Emden area.
Through various cast changes the band was, however forced to that, main to work up available, and compose new songs. In the summer 2004 was at last the new cast so far, to produce a Demo CD with 5 selected songs.

Stylistic can the music direction be classified as „Melodic-Death-Metal”, however through the different Influences and the music taste of the individual band members every song ..keeps his own touch.
10 years theatrical experience, which were collected in Germany-far appearances, unite to an explosive mixture. Hard guitars, which are carried of atmospheric Keyboardparts. Dark sounds, in-usual melodies and fat Grooves are here at the agenda.

Somehow, I didn't expect too much from this band, so when the first time I played the music of The Mistral, I just had it like background while doing other things and thinking... well.. another band of melodic death metal with some keyboards, like many others in the last times...
Little by little my head started banging and in the second song Careless, I had to stop what I was doing cause my mind was already flowing with the music. Then I payed whole attention to The Mistral and I realized the great band it was sounding through speakers. The Mistral plays a kind of ambient melodeath with some groovy moments and catchy melodies. Ok, it's not so original, death metal fans and even melodic death metal ones would say that it's too melodic, even others can say that there is nothing so special, but somehow I was captivated from the first moment by their atmospheric way of melodeath.
They surprised me doing melodic death metal, and this is not so usual last years.

http://myspace.com/themistralgermany

1. When the Evening crowns the Day / 04:50
2. Careless / 04:23
3. Reset my Mind / 04:42
4. Last Thoughts / 04:31
5. The Carnage / 03:40
6. Pain + Misery / 05:02
7. Neglected / 04:04
8. Contemplation Inwards / 05:01
9. Banished / 05:47

Total playing time 42:00


Here

The link provided serves just as promotional source. The aim is letting know rookie, new or unknown bands with few resources that try to expand their music. Buy the originals if you like them! Help good bands to grow!

Surprises 2009: Crimfall - As The Path Unfolds...

Band: Crimfall
Album: ...As The Path Unfolds (first album)
Genre: Symphonic Power-Viking-Folk
Country: Finland

After the demo recording in 2008 "Burning Winds", Crimfall was inmediately recruited by Napalm Records for their first album, "As The Path Unfolds...", which was released one year after. The band was formed by Jakke Viitala, composer of all the music, and later he decided to bring 2 different kind of singers to finish the line-up: Helena Haaparanta (ex-Tacere) and Mikko Häkkinen (also singer of Twilight Ophera).
The music of Crimfall is an original mix of many different styles. You can find from those folkish moments closer to Moonsorrow or Finntroll (they had also the Finntroll & Moonsorrow bass player Henri "Trollhorn" Sorvali as a session musician), and others closer to power metal, but always with those orchestral arrangements behind that gives an overall impresssion of epic soundtrack. The variety is also palpable in the rich kind of melodies, from northern folk to oriental, where Helena proves to be one great singer at the same level of Floor Jansen or Simone Simons, and those atmospheric interludes joining epic folk metal are amazing.

http://www.myspace.com/crimfall

1. Neothera Awakening / 02:55
2. The Crown of Treason / 05:01
3. Wildfire Season / 05:24
4. Where Waning Winds Lead / 04:27
5. Sun Orphaned / 02:04
6. Ascension Pyre / 04:06
7. Shadow Hearth / 04:55
8. Non Serviam / 05:01
9. Aubade / 03:41
10. Hundred Shores Distant / 05:58
11. Novembré / 03:15

Total playing time 46:47

Here

The link provided serves just as promotional source. The aim is letting know rookie, new or unknown bands with few resources that try to expand their music. Buy the originals if you like them! Help good bands to grow!