BATTLERAGE
Style: True Heavy Metal • Origin: Chile, 2002
Similar to: Manowar, Omen, Grave Digger, Ironsword, Manilla Road, Paragon, Sacred Steel, Cirith Ungol...
This Chilean horde plays ‘80s style true heavy metal with guts and with balls, adding an epic feel to their crushing songs. Formed in 2002 in Santiago, Battlerage gained a considerable following, having put out 2 demos (recently released by Metal On Metal, remixed and remastered), 1 full-length, 1 EP and 1 live, as well as having played countless gigs in their country. In 2006 they recorded what was to be their sophomore album, but sadly, due to the problems with their former label, this material has never seen the light of day. In fall 2008 the band entered the studio to record those songs once again. Their 2nd album will be finally out in summer 2009. Expect nothing less than metal in the purest form, played with no compromises!
BRUTAL HAND
Style: US Power/Progressive Metal • Origin: USA, 2000
Similar to: Savatage, Dream Theater, Queensryche, Metal Church, Tony Martin, early Veni Domine...
Denver’s Brutal Hand started out in 2000 as Mind’s Eye, covering songs of Rush and Dream Theater, but soon they began writing their original material under the current name. Their outstanding technical skills are unquestionable, but without a feeling they wouldn’t mean much. Brutal Hand’s music is thick and intense, with strong and expressive vocals, inspired solos, thundering rhythms and haunting melodies, enhanced by keyboards creating dark and heavy atmosphere. They’ve set the bar extremely high with their 2 albums (also their song was featured in Heavy’s “Metal Crusade” vol. XIV) and now another masterpiece of US power/prog is on the way... Brutal Hand are ready to take the metal world by storm!
CATCH 22
Style: US Power/Thrash Metal • Origin: USA, 1992
Similar to: Judas Priest, Testament, Metal Church, early Metallica, Iced Earth, Heathen, Jag Panzer, Savatage...
Founded in 1992, Ohio’s own Catch 22 garnered a huge following and respect in the metal underground, having released 4 killer albums (the last one being double), having played 4 times at Classic Metal Festival in USA and just staying true to themselves. Throughout the years they have developed and strengthened their own personal style, characterized by driving rhythm section, crunchy riffs, soaring leads, diverse compositions and, above all, outstanding vocal delivery courtesy of the mainman T.J. Berry, whose voice ranges from low roar to high scream and fits the music perfectly: aggressive, hard-edged and strong. Fans of undiluted US power/thrash metal can’t go wrong here: Catch 22 are among the best in this genre!
FALLEN ANGELS
Style: ’80 style Thrash Metal • Origin: USA, 2002
Similar to: Slayer, Dark Angel, Demolition Hammer, Atrophy, Exodus, Death, Testament, Devastation (TX)...
Formed in Seattle, WA, Fallen Angels haven’t emerged as recently as the current old school thrash revival wave. They’ve been making music since 2002 and released 2 demos before recording their full-length, an honest thrash metal album, as it used to be played in the ’80s, with raw production fitting like a glove to the mean, furious, bursting with energy style of the band. But it’s not just mindless aggression; Fallen Angels also show good technical skills, breaking up their songs with tempo changes, interesting riffs and some very melodic guitar solos. Thought-provoking lyrics revolving around war, politics and oppression round up this effective and brutal thrash attack. Fans of old school thrash need not look any further!
F.K.Ü.
Style: Thrash Metal • Origin: Sweden, 1987
Similar to: Exodus, Overkill, Municipal Waste, Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, Tankard, D.R.I, S.O.D, M.O.D., Hirax...
These Swedish moshoholics know perfectly that horror and metal go hand in hand. Showing special affinity towards the Freddy Krueger flicks, they spice up their old school and catchy brand of thrash with specific sense of humor – you’re up for some good laughs listening to the lyrics of the Horror Metal Moshing Machine (as they also call themselves). Being no newbies (the Freddy Krueger’s Ünderwear first raised its ugly head back in 1987), they know their stuff well enough and they’ve also gained their reputation raising frenzied mosh-pits at their numerous gigs, including the “Weapons Of Mosh Destruction” US tour. Now they’re back for the 3rd studio attack, so get ready for a healthy dose of some good, friendly, violent fun!
HEATHENDOM
Style: Power/Doom Metal • Origin: Greece, 1998
Similar to: King Diamond, Memory Garden, Sanctuary, Memento Mori, Nevermore, Solitude Aeturnus, Hades...
Athens is known to be the cradle of European civilization, but, if you’re looking for metal gems, you can discover a new revelation, named Heathendom. Their stunning debut was released 10 years after the formation of the band in 1998, to plenty of rave reviews (gaining even the title of the “album of the month” in Greek Metal Hammer, as well as a spot on the “Metal Crusade” vol. XVII sampler of the German Heavy magazine). The intense, masterful compositions with complex structures and atmosphere that can give you goosebumps, unique vocals and brilliant guitar work of Heathendom should appeal not only to fans of power metal with doom elements, but to all those who value the highest quality in music played with passion.
METAL LAW
Style: Traditional Heavy Metal • Origin: Germany, 1997
Similar to: Judas Priest, Manowar, Iron Maiden, Accept, Running Wild, Wizard, Unrest, Yngwie J. Malmsteen...
Berlin’s traditional heavy metal band Metal Law was formed in 1997 under Reudig name, which evolved to Rapid Fire, before settling with the current moniker and releasing 2 CDs. Catchy songs, charismatic vocals, guitar virtuosity, electrifying stage show... they encapsulate all a powerful classic metal act is about, knowing there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. Exploiting every metal cliché you can think of and not being ashamed of it: how many have the balls to do it? But if you’re a Kuttenträger, even only at heart, Metal Law’s genuine music can release the metal child in you and you’ll find yourself raising your fist up high and singing along the choruses, as this unadulterated ’80s metal worship is damn effective!
MIDNIGHT IDöLS
Style: Heavy Metal/NWOBHM • Origin: USA, 2004
Similar to: early Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Raven, Saxon, Tank, Grim Reaper, Gun Barrel, Twisted Sister, W.A.S.P. ...
Hailing from Seattle and playing like a NWOBHM band. Despite being formed in 2004, Midnight Idöls have the undeniable early ’80s metal vibe and sound authentic, not just because they live and breathe it, but also thanks to the use of 2’’ analog recording techniques, which has helped to capture a rough, vibrant, live sound. The work of the reknowned producer Kurt Bloch underlined the band’s energy and enthusiasm. Speaking of which, this is best to be witnessed during the blazing live shows that leave the crowd screaming for more! In fall 2008 the Idöls started to work on their 3rd effort: the heaviest, darkest and most aggressive Idöls release yet... This is heavy metal in its fist-pumping, foul-mouthed, denim & leather-clad glory!
NOMAD SON
Style: Traditional Doom Metal • Origin: Malta, 2006
Similar to: Black Sabbath, Pentagram, St. Vitus, Trouble, Krux, Count Raven, Witchfinder General...
Coming from the small island of Malta, Nomad Son is a merely three-years old band, but formed by experienced musicians: apart from Albert Bell of Forsaken’s fame, the line-up consists of Frenzy Mono members. Their debut came like an earthquake upon the unexpecting doom fanatics worldwide, instantly gaining fantastic acclaim (one of their songs appeared on Heavy’s “Metal Crusade” vol. XVII, too). A molten slab of addictive, apocalyptic, heavy doom with a ’70s dark touch was forged. Nomad Son pack the clubs at their gigs in Malta and in July 2009 also the metalheads on the continent will experience the irresistible, crushing power these doomsters bring forward and the sceptics shall see you can bang your head to doom!
RACHEL’S COVEN
Style: US Power/Progressive Metal • Origin: USA, 2006
Similar to: Queensryche, Jag Panzer, Seventh Omen, Iron Maiden, Fifth Angel, Vicious Rumors, Armored Saint...
W est Virginia based Rachel’s Coven is probably one of the very best bands playing classic metal with progressive metal nuances, but still remains a hidden treasure. Formed quite recently, in 2006, however by seasoned musicians who had played together in other projects for years, their experience, passion and outstanding talent shines through their music: beautiful guitar harmonies, soaring leads, powerful vocals and intriguing song structures with variety of tempos and moods. Their debut was very well received by fans and press and one of the songs off it was chosen for the Heavy magazine’s compilation, “Metal Crusade” vol. XV. If you’re a fan of US power metal, this band may become your next favourite too!
SESTA MARCONI
Style: Doom’n‘roll • Origin: Italy, 1999
Similar to: Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Trouble, Sheavy, Pentagram, The Obsessed, Orange Goblin, Candlemass...
The country of Leonardo da Vinci and the best pizza in the world is also well known for its doom metal tradition and Sesta Marconi is one of the still obscure Italian gems. The idea of the band was conceived in 1999, in the south of Italy, where the guys recorded their first demo in 2002. Later on they relocated to Rome and released an EP “Ritual Kamasutra Kitsch” in 2008. The latter received rave reviews from the metal press, that praised Sesta Marconi for their superb musical and song-writing skills in the style blending traditional doom with the rock’n‘roll influenced, catchy heavy metal passages and a pinch of psychedelic leanings. The band itself calls it “Doom’n‘roll Voodoo Style”. Come, join the skeletons’ party!
SKELATOR
Style: Epic Heavy/Speed Metal • Origin: USA, 1998
Similar to: Sacred Steel, Manowar, Helstar, Domine, Skullview, Cirith Ungol, Overkill, Agent Steel...
Originated in San Diego, CA, in 1998, but relocated to Seattle, the true metal warriors Skelator started out as a more thrash oriented outfit, but nowadays deliver some raw epic heavy metal. Their diverse mix of ’80s metal styles and youthful energy is likely to grab you by the throat, as long as you don’t mind some rust in your metal and vocals that can shatter glass. They traveled many miles to unleash their wrath at Swordbrothers festival in Germany and played countless gigs across the States, slaying posers and garnering a growing respect from the true ones. Warning: not suitable for those who place clean production above the music and wonder if they need a manicure. This here is a demo track, by the way.
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