SPV

Line up:

Jarvis Leatherby - Vocals, Bass

Brent Woodward - Guitar

Dustin Squires – Drums

Before i express my opinion, I have to admit that black/trash metal is not usually my kind of music... But I did like Persecution Mania. Long time ago though.... Even listened to Epitome of Torture again, to catch up.

I guess SPV/Steamhammer wanted to hop on the bandwagon, and make money by releasing this single as a Christmas release, and linking this to the commemoration of the Great War as well (That’s the First World War, for those of you who have just come out of a centuries long hibernation – just kidding of course).

When founding member and guitar virtuoso Mark Reale passed away in 2012, the future for Riot seemed unclear.  Was this band, with a career of almost 40 years, doomed to be ended? This would really have been a shame, after releasing magic albums like Narita, Fire Down Under, and their latest efforts Thundersteel and Immortal Soul, not to forget The Privilege Of Power.

Since their beginnings – already 20 years ago I suddenly realize – Mob Rules have released seven studio albums, and to celebrate their 20 years existence have now released this Timekeeper album, which consists of 2 full CD’s, a DVD containing only a single, and a DVD.

What the f..ck is this I thought, when I put this CD on.  Was I given some as yet unknown, hidden Motörhead album ?  But halfway through the first song the reality dawned on me. This is a band who is doing his utmost best to sound like the aforementioned band, and almost succeeds.  Starting from the voice, down to the bass guitar, even the sound of the drums and the guitars have been copied from Motörhead, at least that’s my opinion.

As I mentioned here, 2014 is becoming an excellent year for Heavy Metal. The 53-year old German guitar player Axel Rudi Pell, who has been on the road since 1981, has just released his sixteenth studio album, ‘Into the Storm’, and the final result is so pleasant that it will be hard for any headbanger not to enjoy it.

Rebellious Spirit a very young metal band founded in the southern Germany. Never heard about them but I think not the last time. Current members are Jannik Fischer (vocals, guitars), his brother Jens (bass), Silvio Bizer (drums) and Corvin Domhardt (guitar).

Onkel Tom is a German group founded by “Onkel Tom Angelripper” playing metal versions of schlagers, drinking songs and Christmas carols. Maybe you recognize Tom Angelripper from Sodom. Yes this is his solo project alive and kicking.

Not contenting themselves with the re-release of ‘The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell Part One & Part Two", Steamhammer are also at the same time re-releasing Virgin Steele’s 1998 album ‘Invictus’.