In early 1982, three members (guitarist Kevin Bower, bassist Tony Speckman, and drummer Tim Bowler) of the NWoBHM band Paralex (which up to then had released 3 demos and a 1980 EP entitled White Lightning – the band would continue to exist until 1986, delivering 3 more demos) joined forces with singer/ guitarist Dave G.
Canada is one of my preferred countries when it comes to icy and Nordic Black Metal (with the Québec-era as one of the most outstanding ones, by the way). But I am also extremely ‘fan’ of the Canadian Death Metal scene, for this one is one of the most honest and pure ones in Mater Terra’s history. It would be stupid to list up the bands I do like, but one of my favourites for sure has always been Montreal-based Kataklysm.
The 1996 live album shows Deep Purple in their classic line up, including Richard ‘Ritchie’ Blackmoe, while the 2006 recording has Steve Morse on guitars. Actually the 11996 CD also contains two tracks that were recorded in 2000,
Since Nightwish released End Of An Era, a lot has changed, mainly at the front side of the band. Tarja got replaced with Anette and some years later, it was ReVamp's Floor Jansen to give it a go. She's only just been announced the new front lady of Nightwish and the band already decided to record the Wacken concert for a dvd, which goes by the title Showtime, Storytime.
Death Angel has come to be known as one of the most influential bands to emerge from the thriving Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene in the early 1980s. Initially active from 1982 to 1991 and again since 2001. Death Angel has released seven studio albums, two demo tapes, one box set and two live records.
I was thinking and philosophising about a decent, honest introduction to this album. How would I introduce this legendary KULT act? How could I introduce this new epos? Would it be fair to refer to the glorious past? Should it be opportune to focus on this band’s unique, and more-than-interesting history? And how would I express my gratitude? Carcass just are ultimate protagonists of Extreme Music, and without this band, the current scene certainly would not be what it has become nowadays…
Formed in 1983, Testament is an American thrash metal band from Oakland, CA better know ass the bay area were the worlds best trash metal comes from. The current line up consist of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson, bassist Greg Christian, and drummer Paul Bostaph.
Candlemass/Krux bass player Leif Edling have allied forces with guitarist Marcus J. (Evergrey) drummer Lars S. (Tiamat), organist Carl W. (Krux) and newcomer Jennie-Ann Smith. While familiar sounding, a few of these songs have very catchy melodies and are delivered with solid execution.. The very good use of mood, well structured songs and musical ability makes this 50-minute album a good pick for anyone into a folkier sort of doom metal.
As mentioned in the review of the double CD version of this event (for details also check there), it's always more gratifying to séé how musicians feed off each other during performance, and the DVD perfectly showcases the individual sparks that went across the stage during the performance! Things one would miss out on when just listening to the CD's, include the fact that Tony was playing on a 7-string guitar, the frantic playing style Billy frequently displays, and the way Mike plays on the audience from behind his drum kit.
So, there's a tail bit to the review of the double CD version of the recording this band had done of their concert of Tilburg's 013 venue, eh?
